Community Corner
How To Choose Pet-Safe Plants For Your Home
Flowers and greenery can liven up any space, but if you have a dog or a cat, there are toxic plants you'll need to avoid.
Pet owners know that dogs and cats make lovable additions to our homes and families. Unfortunately, these crazy critters sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, such as plants. This might seem harmless, but ingesting a toxic plant can lead to costly emergency vet visits — or worse.
The good news is there are many plants and flowers that are safe for homes with dogs and cats. FTD Flowers offers a wide variety of pet-friendly plants to give or keep, and we have great news: Patch readers get 15 percent off retail price! The discount is automatically applied at checkout.
Plants To Avoid
When selecting plants and flowers for your home or yard, the safest nontoxic options will depend on whether you have a dog or a cat. Some plants, such as daylilies, are safe for dogs but toxic to cats. Other plants, such as black walnut, are safe for cats but toxic to dogs.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has an extensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants for dogs and cats, as well as a searchable database. Plants that are toxic to both dogs and cats include the following.
- autumn crocus.
- azalea.
- foxglove.
- hydrangea.
- Japanese pieris.
- oleander.
- aloe vera.
- begonia.
- chrysanthemum.
- daffodil.
- elephant’s ear.
- geranium.
- larkspur.
- lilies — including, calla, Easter, Oriental/Stargazer and Peruvian (alstroemeria) varieties.
- morning glory.
- tulip.
- yew.
Pet owners should be aware that the consumption of any plant material can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal distress in dogs and cats. If you believe your pet may have ingested a poisonous plant or substance, you should immediately contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency poison hotline, 888-426-4435.
Pet-Friendly Plants
While it may seem daunting to choose nontoxic plants, your furry friends can safely coexist with the right greenery. Here are some of our favorite pet-friendly plant options.
Photo credit: FTD.com
Calathea Stromanthe Tricolor — A vibrant houseplant with lush foliage, this is an excellent choice for any pet parent. It makes a great housewarming gift or addition to your own home. It can be placed indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate.
Photo credit: FTD.com
Champagne Roses — Roses are (sometimes) red, violets are blue. These roses are champagne-colored and safe for dogs and cats, too! In all seriousness, this bouquet of 12 farm-fresh roses includes a clear glass ginger vase and is sure to make the recipient feel special.
Photo credit: FTD.com
Double Lucky Bamboo — Pets can be high-maintenance, but plants don't have to be. This pet-friendly bamboo plant is easy to care for. It comes with a 5-inch planter, pebbles and two layers of double-stacked bamboo, tied together with a gold band.
Photo credit: FTD.com
Hibiscus Plant and Sustainable Planter — Bring the tropics into your home or yard with this lush pet-safe plant. Its pink hibiscus flowers are sweet enough to attract butterflies and hummingbirds when placed outdoors, and it arrives inside an eco-friendly, biodegradable planter.
Photo credit: FTD.com
Magnolia Sapling With Lavender Soap and Lotion Duet — For the gardener and pet lover who appreciates a little luxury, this gift set covers all the bases. The magnolia blossoms' sweet scent creates a natural perfume, and the lavender blossom soap and lotion add a special touch.
Photo credit: FTD.com
Lucky Day Money Tree — While this plant won’t grow money to buy your fur babies more treats, it will make a great addition to your home because it’s pet-safe! The tree comes in a gray wood planter, and it does best indoors in full sun to partial shade.
Photo credit: FTD.com
Someone Like You Pink Orchid — Cat and dog people alike will appreciate this adorable miniature orchid! It has double stems and pink and purple blooms and comes in an elegant white pot.
