We know many of our plant parents are also pet parents so we’ve created this helpful list of pet friendly houseplants. Here at the greenhouse we’ve had cats and dogs live happily and healthily amongst all our plants - but none of them have been overly curious about the plants themselves. If you have a curious little fur baby you are going to want to make sure the plants in your home are safe for their curious taste buds. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but a list of some of the more common houseplants that we often have available.
Polka Dot Plant
Great for a first time plant parent with a modest budget. These sweet little plants love bright indirect light and regular watering. They come in a variety of colours.
Burros (Donkeys) Tail
This plant is ideal for a hanging pot or shelf where it can drape. The ‘tails’ are very delicate and fall off easily. If your cat is curious about dangling things you are going to want to make sure it is placed out of their reach to protect the plant. Lots of bright light is best! Burros tail is considered a succulent and prefers to be kept on the dry side.
Watermelon Peperomia
These little leaves look like watermelons! You can’t beat the cute factor and they are relatively easy to grow. They prefer bright/medium indirect light and regular watering.
Spider Plants
One of the easiest houseplants to care for! They love indirect light and can actually burn if they are placed in direct sunlight. With regular watering, these popular houseplants grow like crazy!
Cast Iron Plant
These plants are great for low light situations! They don’t require much water or care.
Baby Tears
Another low light plant that is known for its tiny, dense tear shaped leaves. They do like regular water and are often used in terrariums.
Echeveria
While they don’t require much water, these plants do need at least four to five hours of bright, direct light every day, and ideally six in order to thrive.
Fishbone Cactus
While cactus is in the name, these plants do require regular watering, and prefer to grow in a well draining soil. It is important to avoid watering your fishbone cactus with water that is too cold as it can shock the roots. Fishbone cacti are also sensitive to chemicals in municipal water so if your water is hard you should allow it to sit out for 24 hours before watering your cactus
Hoya (Wax Plant)
These plants love a bright location but not direct light. Water regularly, but allow to dry out completely between waterings. Hoya’s prefer to be a bit root bound, so don’t be in a hurry to upsize their pot.
Aluminum Plant
Known for the look of its brushed looking silver leaves, this plant prefers bright indirect light for about 4 hours per day. Keep the soil moderately moist during its peak (summer) growing months.
Rattlesnake Plant
Indirect Light is best for this striped beauty. Keep evenly watered in a well draining soil.
Money Tree
Prefers medium to bright indirect light for at least 6 hours per day. Well draining soil is best and regular watering will keep your money tree happy! They are fast growers and can grow up to 2 feet per year with proper care. Conversely they can also be trained to be a bonsai!
Peperomia Ginny
Not only is this plant beautiful with its tricolour leaves, but it is easy to grow! Bright indirect light is best. It only requires water every week or two and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Low maintenance and lots of bang for your buck!
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palms like full sun or bright indirect light- situate it in the brightest location you can find in your home! Water a ponytail palm during the growing (summer) season every seven to 14 days. The bulbous stem stores water, so be careful not to overwater it. During the winter season, cut back watering to monthly.
Boston Fern
Grows best in bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the fronds, but not enough indirect sunlight can cause them to look sparse. Keep the soils slightly moist but not water logged. If the ferns dry out at all the fronds will start to drop quickly.
African Violet
Grows best in bright but indirect sunlight. Can also be grown under fluorescent lights. Always water from the bottom and avoid getting water on the leaves as it will cause brown spots. Make sure the soil is well draining as they will not tolerate sitting in water.
Prayer Plant
Medium indirect light is best for these colourful plants. Avoid direct sunlight as the leaves will burn. Never let the soil dry out between waterings as they are sensitive to drought and won’t survive long if left unwatered.
Orchids
Bright indirect light is best. Avoid direct sunlight! Orchids need very little water. They need regular periods of drying alternated with heavy watering.
Herbs
Herbs are a great addition to a kitchen window sill and to jazz up your cooking with. Light and water requirements vary based on the plants. If your furry friends decided to take a nibble that’s just fine too! Some pet owners grow cat grass specifically for their fur babies to feast on.