Since there is quite a vast number of pet-friendly plants and flowers, it is still a wise idea to make sure the ones you bring into your home are non-toxic and safe for your furry friends. Cheerful blooms, vibrant greens, and puppy or kitty kisses all play a role in enhancing our quality of life and elevating our home. Therefore, it is imperative that as both plant and pet parents, you select the perfect botanicals that prove to be safe for cats and dogs. Here at Billy Heroman’s, the best florist in Baton Rouge, some of our most-loved houseplants and flowers are wonderful options to have around furry friends.
Safe Plants & Flowers for Pets
Parlor Palm
As they purify your air, which is a fabulous feature for pet-friendly homes, parlor palms make for brilliant statement pieces. These plants require low light and temperature in order for their slender leaves to flourish into a lush and rich canopy. To help keep paws off your palms, they can be displayed elegantly inside terrariums or on tabletops. We also recommend repotting larger parlor palms in tall heaver pots to deter dogs and cats from digging in the soil.
Calathea Orbifolia
Great go-to plants include most species of cultivars, which are typically safe for cats, dogs, and even horses. Calathea Orbifolio, commonly known as the zebra or peacock plant, offers interesting, deep hues accredited to their decorative leaves. While this tropical plant thrives in humid environments with indirect sunlight and makes for an excellent air purifier, it will make itself right at home in your bathroom or kitchen.
Bird’s Nest Fern
Safe for dogs and cats, bird’s nest ferns are one of the easiest ferns to take care of, as long as Fido keeps his paws and nose to himself. Even though these tropical plants are slow-growing and require low light, pay attention to proper watering and propagation needs. Their crimpy, squiggly, and fun textured leaves are a great addition to your bathroom or kitchen.
Roses
As far as classic flowers go, roses will always remain one of the most popular, whether you are gifting a bouquet to a friend or partner, or bringing home a lovely and elegant bunch yourself. Roses and pets are able to safely coexist in the same space, so long as the thorns of a rose are fully removed. Just in case Fido decides to get a taste of the romantic symbol of love, you can have peace of mind knowing that he will be just fine.
Sunflowers
If a burst of sunshine and happiness is on your wish-list for pet-friendly blooms, then look no further than the cheerful sunflower. These symbols of peace, joy, and positivity are harmless to furry friends, although they should avoid snacking on these, or any flowers, to steer clear of any mild digestive issues. Similar to gerbera daisies, sunflowers are also a wonderful alternative to chrysanthemums and common daisies, as these are toxic to pets.
How to Protect your Pets from Toxic Plants & Flowers
To protect your pets from harmful plants, stick the ones listed above that are safe for pets. Besides this, the best course of action is to keep your plants in a screened or cordoned-off area of your home. Even if a plant isn’t toxic to Fido or Fluffins, you still want to protect the plant from your furry friends, too. Hang them high in a planter, place them on top of bookshelves, or in a place that is out of reach to playful paws and over-enthusiastic puppies.
