Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants
Creating a green oasis indoors is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also beneficial for our well-being. For pet owners, choosing the right indoor plants is important to ensure the safety of their furry companions. There are many beautiful, pet-friendly options available. Let’s explore 10 popular pet-friendly plants and where to place them in your home to ensure they thrive while keeping your furry friends happy and healthy.
African Violets
Placement: African Violets thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them on a windowsill or near a window with filtered sunlight.
Care: They need well-drained, consistently moist soil to grow well. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent damage. Rather, water them by placing the container with drainage holes in a saucer of water for 10 to 20 minutes. Fertilise lightly every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Air Plants (Tillandsias)
Placement: Air Plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Not requiring soil to grow in, they are versatile and can be displayed in open terrariums, on driftwood, or in hanging planters.
Care: Soak air plants in water for 20-30 minutes every 1-2 weeks, allowing them to dry completely afterward. Mist occasionally between soakings.
Areca Palm
Placement: Areca Palms prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight.
Care: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Mist the fronds regularly to maintain humidity. Fertilise every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Boston Fern
Placement: Boston Ferns prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity. Place them in a well-lit bathroom or kitchen where humidity levels are naturally higher.
Care: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist the fronds regularly to maintain humidity. Fertilise every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Bromeliads
Placement: Bromeliads prefer bright, indirect light. They can thrive in both pots and mounted on driftwood or bark.
Care: Keep the central cup of the plant filled with water and replace it regularly. Water the soil lightly, allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilise lightly every 2-3 months.
Calathea
Placement: Calatheas prefers medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight. They’re ideal plants for bright bathrooms or kitchens with higher humidity levels.
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mist the leaves regularly, or use a pebble tray to increase humidity. Fertilise lightly every 4 weeks during the growing season.
Chlorophytum (Spider Plant)
Placement: Spider Plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They are versatile and can be placed on shelves or hanging baskets.
Care: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilise every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Fittonias (Nerve Plants)
Placement: Fittonias prefer bright, indirect light. They are ideal for plants for terrariums. Place them next to a natural light source like filtered light from windows.
Care: Keep the soil consistently moist. Mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity. Fertilise lightly every 4 weeks during the growing season.
Pilea Peperomioides (Pancake Plant)
Placement: Pilea prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it where it will receive harsh, direct sunlight, as this will burn the leaves.
Care: Water when the top few centimetres of soil feels dry. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth. Fertilise lightly every 4 weeks during the growing season.
Ponytail Palm
Placement: Ponytail Palms thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They are suitable for both homes and offices.
Care: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Fertilise lightly every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.