Ingesting a hazardous houseplant for your dog or cat can rapidly turn the most joyful time of the year into a nightmare. Ingesting toxic plants can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tongue and mouth irritation, incoordination, difficulty swallowing, increased salivation, and breathing difficulties.
Death may result from consuming certain plants in excess.” Regretfully, a number of plants—like pine trees, amaryllis, and holly—that are frequently used to decorate the halls may be dangerous to your cherished pet.
The good news is that your pet can safely surround themselves with vibrant, low-maintenance houseplants that are ideal for the holidays and beyond. In the event that your pet comes into contact with a toxic plant, take immediate action to ensure their survival.
Read also: How To Get Rid Of Whiteflies From Your Garden Plants
Pet-Friendly Holiday Houseplants
Holiday Cactus
Choose a Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus; either way, your dogs won’t suffer damage from these plants. Holiday cacti of both varieties yield lovely pink, red, yellow, or white flowers. The holiday cactus is not only a fuss-free plant to nurture, but it can thrive for decades. These houseplants appreciate indirect light and lack the harsh spines of other cactus kinds. When your plant is in bloom, give it regular watering and make sure the soil stays moist. Your cactus will gradually expand to a height of 6 to 12 inches and a width of 1-2 feet.
Moth Orchid
If you want something more durable but still like the look of fresh-cut flowers, a moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) is a stunning option. Your orchid should be kept in an area with medium to bright indirect light. Only when the moss or bark in the pot feels dry, around every 10 to 14 days, do moth orchids require watering. Your orchid will bloom for around three months once a year and will reach a height of 6 to 12 inches. After every bloom has faded, cut off the flower spike that is located directly above the plant’s second node, which is a little bump. If you give your orchid the right care, it will bloom again the next year.
Pinstripe Calathea
The pinstripe calathea (Calathea ornata) is a lush plant whose name comes from its green leaves with vibrant pink streaks running across them. The easy-to-maintain houseplant requires watering every one to two weeks and enjoys medium to bright indirect light. The houseplant can reach a height of three feet with proper care.
Silver Vase Bromeliad
With up to six months of blooming potential, this stunning bromeliad (Aechmea fasciata) will provide color and vibrancy to your space and holiday displays. Partially to brightly indirect light is preferred by this low-maintenance houseplant. This bromeliad, often called an urn plant, has an intriguing watering feature. Instead of adding water to the earth, you add it to the center of the plant—the urn that the leaves have made. Ensure that there is always water in the center of the plant, and replace the liquid with fresh water every few weeks. This lovely blooming tropical plant reaches a maximum height of eighteen inches.
Pink Polka Dot Plant
Another vibrant choice for a holiday houseplant is the pink polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya). This small plant can reach heights of one to two feet and widths of one foot if given strong indirect light and moist soil. Try growing a polka dot plant in a terrarium or a well-lit bathroom as it thrives in high humidity.
Large Majesty Palm
If your pets will not leave the real thing alone, a tall majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis) can serve as a temporary substitute for a Christmas tree. The indoor tree requires watering every one to two weeks or when the soil is completely dry to the touch. It prefers strong indirect light. The fronds of this palm, which can reach a height of ten feet, are sturdy enough to support small ornaments. (Take note that the tree will need several years to reach its mature height due to the sluggish growth of majestic palms.)
Read also: How To Stop Rabbits From Eating Your Garden Plants