Curious noses and playful paws often get into our favorite flowers and plants around our homes. While this not only causes a bit of a mess and disrupts the growth of our lovely botanicals, it might also be dangerous and potentially toxic for our fur babies. Knowing which plants and flowers are safe for pets is of high importance to animal lovers and gardeners alike. Here at Griffin’s Floral Design, the top florist in Columbus, our team of experts is sharing a shortlist of some of the best botanicals to bring into a pet-friendly home.

Safe Plants & Flowers for Pets

Spider Plant

Also nicknamed “cat’s whiskers,” spider plants make our list of pet-approved plants for a few reasons. Aside from their most fitting nickname, their non-poisonous grassy leaves are seldom left alone by playful pups and cats who like to bite and bat them. While spider plants are generally harmless to pets, some furry felines may experience an upset stomach after snacking on their leaves. Luckily, hanging these plants is perfect for creating whimsical home decor in addition to keeping them away from our four-legged friends. 

Parlor Palm

While purifying the air around you, which is great for pet-friendly homes, parlor palms make a brilliant statement piece. As they require low light and temperatures, their slender leaves flourish to create a rich and lush canopy. To ensure your pets keep their paws off these palms, they can elegantly be displayed on tabletops or inside a terrarium. Larger parlor palms also do well in tall heavy pots, that deter pets from digging in the soil.

Herbs

When it comes to herbs, pet parents should err on the side of caution since many herbs, like parsley, are harmful to cats and dogs. However, a few herbs that offer fresh fragrances and natural beauty are absolutely safe for your four-legged friends to snack on. These include thyme, rosemary, sage, and basil. As herbs enjoy plenty of sunlight, you can display them in a large window in your kitchen.

Gerbera Daisies

When filling your home with flowers intended to brighten and uplift, gerbera daisies are the best blooms for the job. Similar to sunflowers, these happy flowers are a great non-toxic swap to the popular daisy or chrysanthemum, which are a threat to our pet’s health. Growing in a multitude of vibrant and cheerful hues, gerbera daisies offer that pop of color your space is craving. 

Orchid

Once coveted by the wealthy in the Victorian Era, orchids were viewed as rare and exotic blooming plants. Today, these flowers are commonly found in homes, office buildings, and as decor to help celebrate weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and more. Since they can be found in an array of hues, like purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, and blue, and are non-toxic to our four-legged friends, you are sure to find the perfect orchid for your own home. 

How to Protect your Pets from Toxic Plants & Flowers

To protect your pets from harmful plants, stick the ones listed above that are safe for pets. Besides this, the best course of action is to keep your plants in a screened or cordoned-off area of your home. Even if a plant isn’t toxic to Fido or Fluffins, you still want to protect the plant from your furry friends, too. Hang them high in a planter, place them on top of bookshelves, or in a place that is out of reach to playful paws and over-enthusiastic puppies.