I think we get asked this question every market we go to. 

“What plant won’t kill my pet?”

The short answer: not many. Most houseplants shouldn’t be ingested (even the non-toxic ones aren’t going to do wonders) so if you have a curious pet you’ll need to be creative with your placement and plant selection. 

One option is adding height.Hangers are a great option, especially for trailing plants. Using plant stands that sit at different heights creates levels and shows off different plant textures, while at the same time keeping some of your less pet-friendly plants out of range. One other good option is to put smaller pots on surfaces like kitchen benches or dining tables.Propagation vessels can be a happy middle ground - they show off your latest plant cuttings while looking clean and elegant. 

In the end though, the best way to manage your pets and your plants is to know your pet and introduce new plants slowly. You’ll find most cats and dogs tend to get less curious with age, so be extra cautious with puppies and kittens. Even if you know your plants aren’t toxic, the last thing you want is to come home and find your plants strewn throughout the house with a very guilty looking pup sitting nearby. 

Start with plants you know not to be toxic (always do your research first!) and place them in areas of your home that might not be super accessible for you pet. Keep plenty of animal toys around the home so they stay stimulated when you’re not around, and therefore won’t be as tempted to tug at that Lipstick Plant trailing off your bookshelf. Using pet-friendly plant care products likeNeem Oilin lieu of more harmful alternatives is also something to consider. Once you’re confident your fur-baby isn’t interested in your plant-babies, you can start to grow your indoor plant collection. 

We always recommend the following pet-friendly plants when talking to concerned customers on the truck: 

African Violet (Saintpaulia)

Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata)

Birds Nest Fern (Aspenium)

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)

Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)

Air Plant (Tillandsia)

Aluminium Plant (Pilea cadierei)

Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)

Calathea spp