Plants are a terrific way to bring colour and freshen the atmosphere, whether inside your apartment or the garden in your backyard. However, not all plants are safe to own, particularly for people who have pets. Some plants contain toxic alkaloids, insoluble calcium oxalates, and other dangerous substances that might have mild to severe adverse effects if consumed by your pets. These can cause adverse effects, ranging from tongue swelling and irritation to nausea and stomach discomfort. So, to help you avoid something like that happening to your pet, we compiled a list of pet-friendly plants you can keep in your garden!
#1: Camellia
Don’t make one of the most common gardening mistakes and plant the wrong thing. For example, if you have dogs and cats running around your backyard unattended, you should probably be careful to pick something non-toxic for them. So, camellias are probably your best option if you want to plant some flowers. These flowering shrubs need some time to grow, but once they are well-established in your yard, they will return year after year with little attention. Camellias enjoy the shade, and older plants may go without much irrigation. If the plant is young, it will need some watering to get its roots started.
#2: Creeping Thyme
Thyme is a perennial herb that doesn’t require much care and makes an excellent ground cover. It’s perfect for those just getting started gardening who don’t have all the gardening tools yet. It is another helpful plant that won’t hurt your pets. What’s also great about thyme is that it only needs a little water and sunlight to grow. Finally, this herb goes nicely with potatoes, soups, roasted vegetables, and meat.
#3: Roses
Roses are a classic, and they come in many colours and varieties. Aside from being always popular, they’re also, luckily, entirely safe for dogs and cats to eat. Of course, with roses, you only have one thing to be careful about: the thorns. Make sure your pets don’t step or swallow thorns because it can be painful and uncomfortable.
Take precautions like clipping branches and thorns or setting up a small fence around your rose bushes.
#4: Rosemary
All rosemary is safe for both dogs and cats. Aside from that, it’s also excellent for cooking, and a spreading version is a perfect way to cover bare spots in your yard. The only possible downside for those who don’t like the scent of rosemary is that your dog will smell like this herb every time they walk through the bush.
Aside from your garden, you can also plant rosemary in your apartment. This plant looks fantastic in a raised bed or planter when the trailing stems hang over the side of it.
Of course, one significant benefit of having a backyard vs. an apartment garden is the space to plant more plants and a greater variety of specimens. With a backyard, you can utilise all the benefits and create a space you and your pets can enjoy.
#5: Rattlesnake Plant
Do not be misled by the name into believing this plant is just as lethal as a rattlesnake. Contrarily, it is secure for both you and your pets. The way this plant got its name is related to its leaves, as they mimic a rattlesnake’s rattle. That is the perfect plant for you if you live in a small apartment with your pets. This plant thrives inside because it can endure environments with very little light.
They are so popular because they give every home decor a splash of colour. The plant will naturally produce stunning blooms as well. However, you shouldn’t anticipate it to flower frequently as it is an indoor plant.
#6: Spider Plant
Spider plant is another one of the pet-friendly plants you can keep in your apartment garden that also shares a name with a potentially poisonous animal. However, this plant’s main appeal is it is incredibly low-maintenance. Spider plants may help remove pollutants from your house since they are excellent air purifiers.
#7: Bird’s Nest Fern
The bird’s nest fern is surprisingly less picky than other ferns. Being a fern, it always wants moist soil, but it can tolerate drying out occasionally if you forget to water it, according to the expert. Although it can withstand darker sections of the house, it likes direct sunshine. Also, it won’t give your pets drastic consequences if they take a bite of it or nibble on its leaves.
#8: Succulents
Succulents are considered pet-friendly for more reasons than one. For starters, they don’t contain toxic elements that have harmful consequences on cats and dogs. Moreover, they also don’t look as appetizing to most animals due to their small size. Although it is unlikely that your cat would attempt to consume these plants, if they are not secured, they may be batted around or even knocked off shelves by your dog. You can avoid this by putting your succulent on a shelf or another high spot your pet cannot reach.
The succulents Echeveria, Haworthia, Sempervivum, and Tender Sedum, are some of the best for cats. However, several others might harm your cat—for instance, Aloe Vera, whose leaves contain a poisonous yellow juice. Your cat may experience digestive issues, including crimson urine, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Final Thoughts
These are only some pet-friendly plants you can keep in your garden, whether in your backyard or tiny apartment garden. It’s by no means a complete list because there are a lot of other plants that won’t hurt your pets. However, one thing you shouldn’t forget, whether it’s a pet-friendly plant or not, is to secure the plant. Put it in a spot that your pet can’t reach or create a small fence around it, to keep your pet from getting stuck in its branches.
