After we moved into our new home, one of the things on mama’s agenda is to beautify our home with plants.
But because she doesn’t have green fingers, she was careful in picking houseplants that are low maintenance. She also has to avoid plants that are toxic to dogs.
There was once she happily bought a citronella plant only to realise later that it is not dog-friendly. The good thing is that most toxic plants only pose a risk when ingested. So, if your dog doesn’t eat houseplants, she should be quite safe.
Buying plants that look Pinterest-worthy can be hard. Buying plants that are Pinterest-worthy and not poisonous to dogs can be even harder!
So, for those of you who have limited knowledge on plants, mama has narrowed down the search for you with her picks.
10 Dog-friendly Houseplants
1. Spider plant
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is great for beginners and super versatile. It looks good whether it’s hanging in the air or sitting on a table. Its dangling leaves make it a great choice to spruce up your shelves. Oh, and it purifies the air too!
2. Areca palm
Also known as butterfly palm (Dypsis lutescens), this plant is a great indoor plant. It is rated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to be one of the best air purifying houseplants. As for care requirements, it needs good drainage and due to its height, more space.
3. Cast-iron plant
The cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) has big green leaves that can perk up any space. It is also a hardy houseplant that’s true to its name!
4. Maidenhair fern
Maidenhair fern (Adiantum) is known to purify the air and absorb radiation from television and computer screens! Not only that, it also gives an elegant touch to your home.
5. Bird’s nest fern
Who doesn’t know bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)? It was one of the first things mama was introduced to in Geography class. It is good-looking and lush but apparently not for plant newbies.
6. Orchids
Orchids are undeniably beautiful. They add class to the living area and are pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately, mama hasn’t managed to keep one alive. It requires delicate care.
7. Prayer plant
Here’s an interesting looking plant. The prayer plant (Maranta) is tolerant of a low light environment and thrives in high humidity. At night, its leaves fold up, just like praying hands. How cool is that!
8. Burro’s tail
Succulents are easy to care for. They also look really cute. Mama got her first burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) from Ikea and is in love with it since.
9. Baby’s tears
Baby’s tears (Helxine soleirolii) is an attractive plant, especially when you keep it lush. Mama likes how it looks when the longer stems cascade down the pot.
10. Little zebra plant
Another succulent, the little zebra plant (Haworthia subfasciata) stands out with its stiff upright and patterned leaves. It will look good on the dining table or the study desk.
Avoid these houseplants that are toxic to dogs
1. Fiddle-leaf
Mama really likes Fiddle-leaf (Philodendron bipennifolium). It’s probably her favourite houseplant. Unfortunately, this plant is toxic to dogs and cats.
When ingested, it may cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
2. Citronella plant
Citronella smells amazing. But it can cause skin irritation, lethargy, diarrhea, and loss of appetite in dogs when a large amount is ingested.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a common houseplant but it can cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea in dogs when ingested.
4. Mother-in-law-tongue / Snake plant
The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a neat and vibrant plant but it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs when ingested.
5. Money plant
The money plant (Epipremnum aureum) is a very popular choice, perhaps in part due to the fact that it symbolises wealth and prosperity. Sadly, when ingested, it may cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
6. Eucalyptus
Mama loves eucalyptus. It is a popular foliage in floral arrangements and can even hold its own.
Unfortunately, it may cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and weakness in dogs when ingested.
7. Elephant ears
Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta), as its name suggests, has leaves that resemble huge ears. It’s a pretty plant to have in the house. A house without dogs and cats that is. It may cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and weakness in dogs when ingested.
Is the plant you have been eyeing on not in this list? You can check whether it’s safe for pets at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website.
In the event that your dog ingested a toxic plant, please consult your vet immediately.
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