Two of the greatest joys in life are pets and plants.
Unfortunately, there are many common houseplants that can be toxic to our four-legged friends if ingested.
That said, there's no need to sacrifice one for the other: there are plenty of beautiful plants you can keep around the house while making sure your dog or cat stays safe and sound.
To find out exactly which plants are the safest for your pets and which ones are best to avoid, we talked to some plant experts.
An UrbanStems spokesperson told us that some of the safest plants for pets include "spider plants, African violets, air plants, phalaenopsis orchids, pilea peperomioides (money tree), and some succulents."
Other plants and herbs such as "basil, mint, rosemary, certain varieties of palm (such as parlor palms and horsetail palms), and certain varieties of ferns (including boston ferns and bird's nest ferns)," They're also considered safe for cats and dogs, according to Ellie Horn, director of marketing for plant brand Modern Sprout.
Of course, pets are sure to be a bit curious when a new plant comes into the house, so it's important to note that even though these plants are generally considered safe for pets, "non-toxic plants can still cause upset stomach and can cause your pet to vomit, cough or sneeze," Horn said.
Be sure to notify your veterinarian immediately if you notice any unusual behavior in your pet after ingestion.
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Harmful plants for pets
It is also better to know
which plants are most harmful to pets
.
"Among the most damaging plants are lilies, tulip bulbs, azaleas, amaryllis, English ivy, chrysanthemums, pothos, aloe vera and cyclamen," Horn told us.
While they are undoubtedly beautiful, these are the plants you want to avoid having around your pet to keep them from potentially getting sick.
The best indoor plants if you have a pet
spider plant
Uncomplicated and easily adaptable almost anywhere in your home, the spider plant is a great addition to any space and requires low to bright indirect sunlight.
Another reason to love this plant, aside from being easy to care for and pet-friendly, is its air-purifying qualities.
Olive
If you have a bright, sunny spot that you're looking to decorate with a new plant, this pretty olive tree is perfect for you and your pets.
It requires six to seven hours of sunlight and is perfectly safe for furry friends.
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bird's nest fern
With its long, glossy green leaves, this bird's nest fern will add a nice touch of greenery anywhere you place it.
It thrives in indirect sunlight with moist soil and is non-toxic to humans and pets.
Orchid
This purple-speckled orchid is as beautiful as it is safe for pets.
Just make sure to add two ice cubes every week to keep her healthy and hydrated.
Pilea Peperomioides
This pretty plant with round, coin-shaped leaves is also known as the Chinese money plant and is ideal for growing as it can multiply in size overnight.
Calathea Freddie
This beautiful calathea plant has light and dark striped leaves that bob up and down throughout the day, earning it the nickname a "prayer plant."
But fear not, although it may draw your pet's attention, it is not toxic to pets.
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bamboo palm
Looking for a larger, easier-to-care-for plant?
This bamboo palm can grow up to 8 feet tall and is a wonderful air purifier for your home.
It is also known as the pet-friendly parlor palm.
echeveria
One of the easiest plants to care for is the echeveria succulent.
Its rose-like form is impressive, while it simply requires a light watering every two to three weeks when the soil dries out.
Zahra Orchid
This is another beautiful and colorful orchid that you can add to your space with pets.
These are low maintenance plants that only require a little warm water on a weekly basis.
prayer plant
With its two-tone leaves, this little red prayer plant is anything but boring.
Perfect for placing on a window sill near bright, indirect sunlight, this eye-catching plant requires moist soil and light misting to flourish.
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mini money tree
The money tree is not only popular thanks to its non-toxic qualities, but it symbolizes prosperity and is very easy to care for, especially this one in a cute blue pot.
bromeliad
It's hard to believe that this strikingly beautiful plant is pet-friendly with its red and yellow spikes, but it is in fact safe for cats and dogs.
grand majesty palm
Majesty palms, also known as cat palms, are safe for pets and thrive in moisture with bright, indirect light, making them perfect for a tropical climate.
Peperomia Watermelon
Liven up any space with this pretty peperomia.
Known for its watermelon-like stripes and round leaves, it is easy to care for and non-toxic to pets.
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Peperomia Obtusfolia
Is it non-toxic to pets and does it have cute raindrop shaped leaves?
So is.
Its leaves can tolerate less watering, making it a very easy plant to care for as well.
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