Houseplants are more popular than ever. But if you have children and pets, you should be particularly careful when choosing plants. Non-toxic houseplants are the best choice here. In this article, you will find out which plants are not only non-toxic and therefore child and pet friendly, but are also easy to care for and beautiful.
That's why non-toxic houseplants are important for cats, dogs and children
Non-toxic houseplants are important if you have small children or curious pets such as cats and dogs. Many conventional houseplants contain toxic substances that can be dangerous if eaten, swallowed or come into contact with the skin. Non-toxic plants in the home prevent poisoning, vomiting and skin irritation.
These non-toxic plants are suitable for your home:
Calathea
Calatheas, from the Marantaceae family, are not only exotic but also completely non-toxic, even if they are nibbled. The plants with the Latin name Calathea spp. are known for their fascinating leaf patterns and colors. There are various species. Calatheas prefer high humidity and indirect, bright light, which makes them ideal for bathrooms with windows. Particularly interesting: the leaves of the Calathea close at night and open again in the morning, which has earned it the name "prayer plant."
Echeverias and Haworthias
Echeverias and Haworthias are succulent plants from the Crassulaceae and Asphodelaceae families. These succulents are ideal for beginners as they are very easy to care for. Echeverias ( Echeveria spp. ) and Haworthias ( Haworthia spp. ) store water in their thick leaves and therefore only need to be watered occasionally. They need a bright location. Both plants are non-toxic and therefore dog and cat friendly and safe for children. Echeverias are known for their rosette-shaped leaves, while Haworthias are often noticeable for their serrated leaf edges.
Fern
Ferns are also non-toxic houseplants and are great for shady spots in your home. There are many different types of ferns, all of which are non-toxic. They belong to different families such as Polypodiaceae. Some well-known genera are Nephrolepis (Sword fern), Asplenium (Bird's nest fern) and Adiantum (Maidenhair fern). Ferns require high and consistent humidity. They are ideal for places like bathrooms or kitchens where humidity is naturally higher.
Staghorn ferns
Staghorn ferns from the Polypodiaceae family are unique and have a striking, antler-like appearance. The plants, with the Latin name Platycerium spp., are also harmless, robust and easy to care for. Staghorn ferns thrive best when they are regularly misted and placed in well-drained soil. Interestingly, staghorn ferns often grow epiphytically, meaning they grow on other plants without harming them.
Grasses
Decorative grasses such as the Cyperus grass from the Cyperaceae family are not poisonous. The plants with the Latin name Cyperus spp. love moist soil and can even grow in water. They need bright, indirect light and are a stylish addition to any room. An ideal houseplant for cat owners because it is a real treat to nibble on is the Cat grass (Cyperus zumula).
Spider plants
Spider plants, from the Asparagaceae family and with the Latin name Chlorophytum comosum, are known for creating a good indoor climate and are completely safe for pets and children. These plants can grow well in both bright and shady light. They only need moderate amounts of water and are therefore ideal for beginners. The Spider plant forms long runners with small offshoots that are easy to propagate. This means you can quickly have a new houseplant! It is also ideal as a hanging plant.
Cacti
Most cacti, which belong to the Cactaceae family, are harmless and perfect for sunny windowsills. However, be sure to place prickly cacti out of the reach of pets and children to avoid injury. Cacti are good water reservoirs and can therefore survive in dry environments.
Kentia palms
Kentia palms from the Arecaceae family are elegant, pet-friendly houseplants that do not contain any toxic substances. These palms, whose Latin name is Howea forsteriana , bring a tropical flair to your home. They prefer indirect light and regular watering. These palms can grow quite large. The Kentia palm originates from Lord Howe Island.
Peperomia
Peperomias belong to the Piperaceae family and there are many different species. All peperomias, whose Latin name is Peperomia spp., are non-toxic and easy-care houseplants. They prefer a bright location and moderate watering. Their thick, fleshy leaves store water, so they can survive even short dry periods. Peperomias are known for their variety of shapes and colors, which range from green to colorful to spotted.
Tillandsia
Tillandsias, also known as air plants, belong to the Bromeliaceae family. These popular houseplants with the Latin name Tillandsia spp. are unique because they do not require a substrate. They absorb nutrients and moisture from the air. Tillandsias are non-toxic to cats and other animals and should be sprayed with water regularly. The special thing about these plants is that in nature they often grow on tree trunks or rocks.
Citrus and olive trees
Small citrus and olive trees from the Rutaceae and Oleaceae families are safe for humans and animals. These trees, whose Latin names are Citrus limon and Olea europaea, require a lot of light and regular watering - but avoid waterlogging. Lemon trees are known for their intense fragrance, while olive trees create a Mediterranean atmosphere.
Lemongrass
Lemongrasses, from the Poaceae family and with the Latin name Cymbopogon citratus, are fragrant and decorative plants. They are one of the somewhat different non-toxic houseplants. They thrive best in bright light and need to be watered regularly. Lemongrass can also be used in the kitchen to give dishes a fresh, lemony taste.
Caring for non-toxic plants
Choosing non-toxic houseplants is important to make your home safe for children, cats and dogs. Proper care is essential for your plants to grow well. Make sure to provide each plant with the right amount of light and water according to its individual needs. Make sure they are not in soil that is too wet to avoid root rot. Regular dusting promotes healthy growth. Use a high-quality, animal-friendly fertilizer to provide your plant with nutrients and thus support plant health.
