With the arrival of spring, many of us are looking for ways to refresh and beautify our homes. However, when choosing houseplants, it's essential to consider the safety of our furry companions. While the buying trend for houseplants is on the rise, it's important to be aware of non-toxic options to ensure the safety of our pets. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most popular non-toxic plants that can add greenery to your home while creating a safe environment for your furry companions, but also those that can cause a few concerns.
Why choose non-toxic plants
With the rise in popularity of houseplants, it's crucial to consider the safety of our pets when buying new plants. Toxic plants can cause serious health problems in pets, ranging from gastrointestinal irritation to more serious problems. By choosing non-toxic plants, you can create a safe and healthy environment for your furry companions while enjoying the beauty of plants in your home.
Plants that are safe for your pets
Echeveria: With their fleshy leaves and stunning colours, echeveria are a favourite among succulent lovers. These plants are not toxic to pets, but it's best to keep them out of reach to avoid any mishaps.
Sempervivum: Known as hens and chicks, sempervivums have intricate rosettes and are safe for pets. Place them in sunny locations for optimum growth and aesthetics.
Haworthiopsis: The zebra plant, with its distinctive striped leaves, is both visually striking and safe for pets. Its pointed leaves can pose a minor hazard, but overall it's a safe choice for your home.
Sedum: With their vibrant flowers and lush foliage, sedums add colour and charm to any space. These succulents are edible in small quantities and pose no threat to pets.
Aeonium: Aeoniums come in a variety of colours and patterns, making them a versatile option for interior decoration. These plants are completely pet-safe and add a splash of colour to brighten up your home.
Lithops: Often referred to as living stones, lithops are undemanding succulents that blend in perfectly with their surroundings. They are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them an excellent choice for pet owners.
Portulacaria: Also known as elephant bush, portulacaria is both pet and human safe. These shrubby succulents are easy to care for and offer nutritional benefits for both you and your pets.
Toxic plants to avoid
While many succulents are safe for pets, some species can be harmful if ingested. Here are seven succulents to avoid:
Aloe: Despite its medicinal properties for humans, the leaves of aloe vera contain chemical compounds which, when ingested in large quantities, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite in pets. We therefore recommend keeping aloe vera out of the reach of pets to avoid any risk of accidental ingestion.
Kalanchoe: Kalanchoe flowers are slightly toxic to animals. Common symptoms of kalanchoe ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
Senecio: Plants of the genus Senecio, often called chain or string succulents because of their pendulous appearance, can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested. Common symptoms of Senecio ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.
Crassula: Plants of the genus Crassula, such as the jade plant, contain substances that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and lethargy in pets if ingested. Common signs of Crassula ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
Agave: Agave is considered dangerous for pets. Agaves contain substances that can cause irritation when ingested by pets. Common symptoms of Agave ingestion in pets include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and hypersalivation.
Sansevieria: Sansevierias, also known as snake or mother-in-law plants, contain compounds that can cause mild symptoms in pets if ingested. Common symptoms of Sansevieria ingestion in pets include irritation of the mouth, tongue and stomach, as well as nausea and vomiting.
Euphorbia: Plants of the Euphorbia genus have a toxic sap that can cause adverse reactions in pets if ingested. This sap can cause symptoms such as irritation of the mouth, tongue and stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea and even breathing difficulties in sensitive animals.
Tips for creating a safe environment
Do your research: Before buying a houseplant, be sure to check whether it is toxic to pets by consulting reliable online resources.
Watch for signs: Keep an eye on your pets' behaviour and remove any plants if you notice them taking an excessive interest in them.
Place plants out of reach: To avoid accidental ingestion, place your houseplants on high shelves or window sills that are inaccessible to pets.
Educate your pet: Teach your pet not to chew plants by positively disciplining them when you see them approaching plants.
By following these simple tips and opting for non-toxic houseplants, you can create a welcoming and safe spring space for the whole family, including your precious furry companions.
Source
Moulton, M. (2024, February 21). Which Succulents Are Safe for Pets? (And 7 Plants to Avoid). Epic Gardening. https://www.epicgardening.com/pet-safe-succulents/