My Favorite Dog-Safe Plants!
Ok so this picture above is a little deceiving because the plants shown actually fall in the toxic to dogs category… I am just lucky that my dog (and past dogs) do not bother my plants at all!
If you don’t know me already, my name is Annastasia and I am Donna’s assistant here at Endless Mt!
During COVID, like most, I took on a new hobby and interest! Houseplants!
If you look at my camera roll on my phone you will find pictures of puppies, dogs, and my plants… oh and my kids, of course!
The late great precious Erica, in her favorite spot peering out the window!
The plant next to her there is a Dieffenbachia, nicknamed “Dumb Cane” because if eaten it can numb your mouth making it difficult to speak and cause drooling and vomiting. Erica, however, never showed an interest in my plants, so this one was left at floor level without concern on my end. I still have her daughter Charlotte (the chocolate in the first photo) and she too could care less about the plants. But I realize that any new dog that comes to my house would have to be assessed for plant curiosity, and of course when the day comes that we get a puppy… any unsafe plants will absolutely be out of reach for a curious puppy mouth!
Now to my list of favorite DOG SAFE plants!
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African Violet
African violets have a special place in my heart, as this was my very first plant that I kept alive! A gift from my mother, it was after I kept this alive for over a year that I thought maybe I really could develop a green thumb!
African violets come in a variety of color flowers as well… pink, light purple, dark purple… so if you are a fan of pretty flowing plants but want to eliminate any concerns that your pup may nibble a leaf, go for one of these! -
Peperomia! (This is the Obtusifolia variety)
Another favorite of mine are the semi-succulent species, peperomia! The one above is my Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata, sometimes called a baby rubber tree! These plants are great for beginners (this was another first of mine that cultivated my confidence in houseplant care!) as they just need some bright indirect light and pretty rare watering. -
Prayer Plants! (Maranta Leuconeura)
Marantas, or also called Prayer Plants, are super fun because their leaves move upward in a “hands praying” direction at night, and let back down in the morning with the sun. Very neat. There are typically red marantas like the picture above, or a lemon lime variety with lime green stripes where the red are on this photo. Prayer plants do love humidity, so try to group them with other plants or bathrooms can be a great place for these too! -
Calathea (also often called Prayer Plants!)
I think Calatheas are just beautiful! And they come in so many varieties, all with such uniquely patterned leaves! Now, calatheas are some of my favorites from a distance, that I have yet to own for myself! From what I hear they can be touchy divas… so maybe not the best beginner plant. But if you’re up for a challenge and are as intrigued by their beauty as I am, go for it! These also LOVE humidity… the more, the better. Just like the maranta, their leaves point up at night and lower again in the morning. Watching a timelapse of these sorts of plants is pretty cool! -
Pilea peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
The Pilea Peperomioides, or commonly called the Chinese Money Plant, is a super cute and pet safe little plant! These can grow to be a pretty full pot of precious little coin shaped leaves. -
Banana Tree
If you have some space for a bigger floor plant, a Banana Tree will give your house a warm tropical vibe! You’ll see one of these near our desk in the office at puppy pickups, actually! Our trainer, Lindy, has the mama in her office and gave us a baby! 🙂 -
Boston Ferns
I feel like Boston Ferns are very trendy at the moment! These can be indoor and outdoor plants (during the right season) and add a lovely luscious green to your decor! These can be finicky, and need LOTS of humidity and specific care. Click the picture for a good source on growing Boston Ferns!
While these are some of my favorite dog-SAFE plants… be sure to research any new plant, indoor or outdoor, to be sure that your pup will be fine around it! Some plants have sap that can cause reactions, others may cause digestive distress if ingested, while some can be fatally poisonous. Always check first!
Here is a great article from Good Housekeeping on 25 poisonous to pets plants!
