Fetch the hottest pet-safe houseplants at Pike Nurseries during National Indoor Plant Week, Sept. 14-19

Local garden center provides recommendations of non-toxic plants to keep cats and dogs safe

Pet owners: plants and pets can coexist as long as plants cultivated indoors are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Even the most well-behaved pets are bound to nibble on growing greenery added to new home offices and living spaces, so the experts at Pike Nurseries have a variety of suggestions on how to be a good plant parent – even with fur babies in the home. To celebrate National Indoor Plant Week, Sept. 14-19, Pike Nurseries has done the legwork and fetched a go-to list of safe houseplants that will add color and texture to pet owners’ homes without posing a threat to their four-legged friends.

Pet-Safe Indoor Houseplants

African Violets: African violets will brighten up even the smallest space, with its flowers of pink, purple or white. These vintage darlings need medium to bright, indirect light to grow best. When watering African violets use room temperature water and use a saucer to apply water from the bottom and avoid damage to the flower and leaves.

Aspidistra: Durable and attractive, aspidistra (cast-iron plants) can tolerate the lowest light situations – whether inside or outside where it grows as a perennial. The long-lasting plant comes in solid green and variegated colors with arching leaves. This plant is known to be drought-tolerant so be sure to not overwater during scheduled waterings.

Calathea: This low-to-medium light houseplant is an attractive choice, offering striking variegated foliage with splashes of pink, white and light green, plus dark purple undersides for added interest. Weekly watering is enough for this low-care beauty, and its preference for humidity makes it a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Ferns: Soft, gorgeous foliage plants like Birds Nest, Boston, Maidenhair and Staghorn ferns will flourish in the right conditions, including medium light and humidity. Ferns make a wonderful addition to pet loving homes, but remember to water consistently!  

Orchids: These elegant beauties thrive in medium to bright, indirect light. Place them in a course, well-draining planting medium like orchid bark and water once a week during the winter and twice a week during hotter months. Orchids like moisture and humidity, but drainage is key so that the plant is not sitting in water.

Palm Trees: Add a small tree to the indoors with a palm! Parlor, Areca and Ponytail palms are all pet safe. These low-maintenance houseplants are also a good starting point for beginners. Palm trees thrive in bright, indirect light and are sensitive to overwatering. Be sure to let the soil dry completely between watering.

Peperomia: Diverse in colors and textures, this non-toxic ornamental foliage plant is ideal for beginning houseplant enthusiasts! Slow-growing, small and low maintenance, these plants prefer medium to bright indirect light, infrequent watering and good drainage. All peperomia species have thick leaves that contribute to their drought-tolerant and attractive qualities.  

Spider Plant: One of the easiest plants to care for, spider plants grow best in bright indirect light but can also tolerate medium light. The graceful arching of the long strapping foliage makes this houseplant perfect for hanging baskets, and white and bright green foliage adds variety to any houseplant collection. Be sure to keep the soil moisture consistent for best performance.

Succulents and Sedums: Waterwise succulents including Burro’s Tail, Echeveria, Haworthia, Sempervivum (Hen and Chicks), Aeonium and Lithop all provide texture and color as safe décor. Bright light and infrequent watering will keep them thriving indoors.

The experts at Pike Nurseries recommend being strategic with placement when curious pets are indoors. Hanging plants and potted plants on tall shelves will be difficult for pets to access. Pet owners can also choose life-like versions of toxic houseplants, such as Fiddle-leaf Figs or Monstera.

For more information and care tips at Pike Nurseries, please visit pikenursery.com.

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Shaye Gulotta

BRAVE Public Relations

About Pike Nurseries

Ever committed to its customers’ gardening success, Pike Nurseries takes pride in taking the guesswork out of gardening and helping its customers play in the dirt. Offering superior knowledge, quality and selection in a friendly, caring environment, Pike Nurseries has been an Atlanta icon for over 60 years.  Founded in 1958 by Pete Pike, its ability to adapt to market conditions and community needs has made it a respected Southern institution. As Atlanta’s oldest garden chain, Pike Nurseries has 19 retail locations in the Atlanta, Ga. and Charlotte, N.C. areas. Led by President Monte Enright, Pike Nurseries looks forward to continued growth as it keeps Atlanta and Charlotte beautiful, one landscape at a time.

Contact

3555 Koger Boulevard Suite 360 Duluth, GA 30096

(770) 921-1022

www.pikenursery.com