Pet-friendly greens: Safe alternatives to toxic houseplants
What's the story
For pet parents, creating a safe haven is of utmost importance.
Many everyday plants can be toxic to pets, which can be fatal if consumed.
Luckily, there are plant options that are safer and can beautify your home without jeopardizing your furry companions' safety.
Here are five toxic plants and pet-friendly alternatives that look the same but aren't a risk.
Plant 1
Swap lilies with spider plants
Lilies are gorgeous but extremely toxic for cats and dogs.
A safer option is the spider plant, which is non-toxic and super easy to maintain.
Spider plants do well in indirect sunlight and require very little watering, making them the perfect pick for busy pet parents.
Their cascading leaves bring an element of elegance to any room and keep your pets safe.
Plant 2
Replace sago palms with areca palms
While Sago palms are popular ornamental plants, they pose severe health risks to pets when ingested.
Instead, try the areca palm. Unlike sago palms, areca palms are non-toxic and lend a tropical feel to your indoors.
They thrive in bright, indirect light and regular watering, giving you the double benefit of beauty and safety in your home environment.
Plant 3
Substitute aloe vera with Haworthia
Although aloe vera is famous for its medicinal properties, it can be dangerous if ingested by pets.
The haworthia plant makes for a perfect substitute because of its similar appearance and non-toxic nature.
Haworthias don't need much water and grow well in bright light conditions, which makes them ideal for pet-friendly homes looking for low-maintenance greenery.
Plant 4
Opt for Boston ferns over asparagus ferns
Even though Asparagus ferns look delicate, they contain toxins that can harm pets if ingested or touched too much.
Boston ferns are a safe alternative, their lush foliage bringing in a pop of color indoors without posing any threat to animals' well-being at home or outside.
These ferns need high humidity levels as well as indirect sunlight exposure for most parts of the day, too!
Plant 5
Choose bamboo palm instead of Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia plants have striking leaves but contain harmful substances dangerous upon ingestion by curious animals around them often enough!
A better choice would be bamboo palms, which not only bring elegance into living spaces but also ensure safety, thanks largely to being completely free from toxins altogether, unlike many other houseplants available today!