11 Safe Houseplants for Pet-Owners
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Houseplants make a room feel homier, the air cleaner, and the vibes calmer. But if you own a pet—for the case here, mostly cats and dogs—some innocuous-seeming houseplants can be toxic to animals. Particularly if your pet is the kind that likes getting into stuff they shouldn't. You know the type.
Here, we've rounded up some of the most pet-friendly plants that still bring all the air-purifying, mood-setting benefits to a space without putting any pets in harm's way. Whether you're looking for something big and green (a money tree, spider plant) or something bright and flowery (bromeliad Antonio, orchids), there's an option to fit your room and your style.
It is deceptively easy to buy houseplants online, which might lead you to believe that you can care for said plant just as easily. Not so. Some of these houseplants are easier to maintain than others, so buy with intent. Buy for the person you really are, rather than the person you hope a plant will make you into. And if you're looking for a non-cheesy but thoughtful gift for just about anyone for just about any reason, this little list is a crowd-pleaser.
Large Money Tree
For a larger plant, a big money tree is a pretty, welcome option. It needs indirect to medium light and water every one to two weeks after the soil has dried out.
Bromeliad Antonio
If you like having life around your apartment but without the hassle of dead flowers, something like a bromeliad Antonio is a great option with its shiny leaves and bright pink bracts. Keep it in bright, indirect light in a warm temperature (70-80°F) with high humidity. Keep the soil slightly moist.
The Bud
This leafy little pilea plant is small and bright. It needs filtered medium light and water once the soil has run dry. The coin-shaped leaves are fun to look at, so keep it somewhere you can see.
Ponytail Palm
This ponytail palm is unhinged in the best way with long leaves that go wherever they please. It needs bright indirect or direct light but it's very low-maintenance—it only needs to be watered every couple of weeks. Plus, it both releases oxygen and absorbs pollutants in your space.
Fishbone Cactus
This teeny tiny fishbone cactus is a perfect add to a desk, bookshelf, or table for a little bit of brightness. It needs a warm, humid environment and bright, indirect sunlight. This is great for an office or for gifting to someone. It comes with a self-watering system that only needs filling once a year.
Farmer's Choice Orchid
Bouqs works directly with orchid farmers to get the best plants straight from the source. These are a classic gift to give someone (or yourself). They do best with indirect light and a weekly water on dry soil.
Calathea Rattlesnake
If you're a succulent kind of person looking to expand, consider the Calathea Rattlesnake. It gives a similar feel but with bigger, multicolored leaves. Keep it in bright indirect sunlight and let the soil partially dry out between waterings.
Prayer Plant
The prayer plant is one of those plants that seem to have a mind of its own. It gets its name from those leaves which tend to droop or fold up at night, looking like they're in prayer. It does best in bright, indirect light and with a constant source of humidity.
Neanthe Bella Palm
This leafy bella palm adds a whole bunch of dimension to an empty space or sad corner in your house. It thrives in low-light conditions but it still needs some light—just nothing to stress over if your space isn't getting a ton of it.
Braided Bamboo
This braided bamboo plant is one of the more unique houseplants you can have around, thanks to its braided stems and head of leaves. It does best in bright, filtered sunlight. Keep it top of mind for the next time you need a housewarming gift.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the most beloved pet-friendly plants for their cheap pricey and easy maintenance. Water it about once a week and keep it in a room with a decent amount of sunlight. This one comes in a grower pot, so you'll have to repot it yourself.
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