How to get the best of both worlds

Geneva Thomas | Fort Collins Nursery School

Caring for houseplants can be therapeutic, but given the potential risk of pets ingesting poisonous plants, you may wonder if it's possible to get the best of both worlds. Many popular houseplant varieties are labeled “poisonous.” Many are commonly known to be poisonous, but not necessarily deadly. Toxicity often refers to the possibility of mild irritation or illness after ingestion. Either way, we need to be aware of what plants can be potentially harmful and how to protect our pets if those plants are present.

Some of the most commonly collected ornamental plants are considered toxic to pets, including Alocasia, Dieffenbachia, Monstera, Philodendron, and Spathiphyllum. If your pet eats too many of these plants, hypersalivation and vomiting can occur. These symptoms are usually not life-threatening, but they can still cause harm. Common succulents such as adenium, kalanchoe, and euphorbia are also considered poisonous, and ingesting these plants can cause gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms may become severe if ingested in large quantities. One of the most harmful popular plants is the longhorn lily. Any part of this plant is toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure if ingested.

With so many houseplant varieties labeled as poisonous, what are the “non-toxic” options? Palm varieties such as areca palm and parlor palm are considered non-toxic to pets. It is being Flowering houseplants such as African violets, bromeliads, and phalaenopsis are also considered pet-friendly. The most common fern varieties are considered safe. Moisture-loving plants in the Calathea genus serve as a pet-friendly option. For a pet-friendly option that can tolerate low light, cast iron plants are a great option. However, please be careful. Although many plants are considered non-toxic, they can still cause unexpected allergic reactions. As always, consider your pet's personality and likelihood of eating plants.

That doesn't mean you can't keep plants or pets. Physical deterrents play an important role in preventing pet-plant interactions. Installing shelving units high off the ground makes it easy to display plants while keeping them out of reach of non-climbing pets. Enclosed mini-greenhouses, cabinets, and terrarium setups provide a unique houseplant display while acting as a physical barrier against pet harassment. By designating a room in your home as a “no pet” zone, you can collect as many houseplants as you like without worrying that your pet will munch on them. Using scent-based deterrents can also help prevent pets from bothering your houseplants. Not all scent-based deterrents work well for all pets, so you may need to test several different types of deterrents.

For more information on plant toxicity to pets, check out the following resources:

• ASPCA list poisonous and non-toxic plants
• Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine/School of Biomedical Sciences poisonous plant guide
• poison control center poisonous and non-toxic plants list

If you suspect your pet has eaten something that could be harmful, please consult your veterinarian. If your pet's doctor is not available, contact your local emergency veterinarian.