Pet-friendly plants for your home & garden
Better safe than sorry – especially with our four-legged friends. That’s why we want to share with you our top 10 favourite plants that are completely non-toxic for pets.
Turn your back for a second, and before you know it your dog has devoured a flower from the garden beds and your cat is nibbling on your potted plant. This little mishap is more than just an annoyance: many plants can be poisonous to our four-legged friends so it can result in a trip to the vet. But such a scare can be prevented. Here you will find ten plants for your home and garden that are safe for your pets to chew on to their heart’s content.
By the way, the products in our Plantura shop are not only sustainable and environmentally friendly, they are safe for your pets too!
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Pet-friendly garden plants
Below you will find 5 beautiful plants for your garden that are safe for dogs, cats and other furry loved ones.
1. Nasturtium
Whether as a climbing plant or as a ground cover, the colourful nasturtium (Tropaeloum) is always eye-catching. But nasturtiums are not just decorative plants; they are also delicious in salads and brewed into tea that boosts the immune system.
2. Lavender
The myth that “lavender is poisonous for cats” is widespread, causing a lot of uncertainty. But don’t worry: the lavender plant itself (Lavandula angustifolia) is absolutely harmless to cats – though some give the plants a wide berth because of its strong smell. Lavender poses no danger to dogs either. On the contrary, lavender is considered a calming agent and can provide natural relief, especially for nervous animals. The scent from the flowers, whether fresh or from a lavender cushion, can help to calm animals. Sadly, the case is different for hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs: lavender is indeed poisonous to them.
3. Daisies
Daisies are as innocent as they look. All types of daisies (Leucanthemum) are non-toxic for humans, cats, dogs and rabbits. These elegant white flowers, along with their little cousin the common daisy (Bellis perennis), are part of every quintessential flowering summer meadow, and they are a welcome snack for many of our pets. On top of that, daisies are easy to care for and very robust, making them a fun, worry-free addition to your garden.
4. Sunflowers
Living up to its name, the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) shines like a beacon from summer to autumn. But it is more than just an ornamental plant: the sunflower seeds are also a popular snack for humans as well as animals. In fact, no parts of the plant are poisonous. Neither the stem, leaves nor flowers have any negative effect, so animals are free to nibble on the plant or eat the tasty sunflower seeds.
5. Catnip
The name says it all: catnip (Nepeta cataria), also known as catmint, is a favourite among house cats. It seems the plant has an intoxicating, almost euphoric effect on cats. The felines rub themselves against the shrub and play or roll around in it. Even lazy house cats get a little pep in their step for catnip. Over long periods of time, catnip also has a calming effect and can relieve stress or make trips to the vet easier. As for dogs, catnip has no particular impact on them but it is likewise safe.
Pet-friendly houseplants
In the next section, we will show you five houseplants are entirely safe for your beloved pets.
1. Culinary herbs
Kitchen herbs such as dill, thyme, parsley and mint are not only tasty for humans – pets enjoy them too! Although we may be annoyed that our pets have pilfered our herbs, it is typically no cause for concern: almost all kitchen herbs are safe for pets. In fact, some of them even have a positive effect. Thyme helps with respiratory problems and supports digestion. So, it is not just a tasty herb garden on your windowsill, but a medicine cabinet too.
2. Palms
Fancy a tropical jungle vibe in your home? An ornamental palm tree could be just the thing. Generally placed on the floor, they are particularly easy for dogs and cats to reach. But there’s no need not worry: almost all palm trees, including the popular coconut, kentia and butterfly palms, are all safe for pets. Only the yucca palm (which is actually a member of the asparagus family) should be avoided. The leaves and trunk of the plant are poisonous and can cause severe diarrhoea.
3. Swedish ivy
Everyone knows ivy (Hedera helix) as an ornamental climbing plant. Unfortunately, aside from being pretty, ivy is also poisonous and therefore not suitable for house pets. For those who nevertheless want to keep ivy in their home, there is a harmless alternative: Swedish ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus). Although Swedish ivy looks similar to its namesake, it has a distinct advantage – it is completely non-toxic.
4. Jade plant
According to superstition, keeping a jade plant (Crassula ovata) in the house will bring you wealth. True or not, this plant (also known as a money tree or money plant) will certainly prevent unwanted vet bills. After all, unlike many other houseplants, the jade plant is cat and dog friendly. What’s more, this lucky charm is a breeze to care for. A brightly lit spot and the occasional watering are enough for the plant to thrive, giving you a wealth of time to spend with your pets.
5. Chinese hibiscus
Searching for something beautiful but easy to care for? The Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa sinensis) is a great option. This popular houseplant is renowned for its magnificent flowers and ease of care. What matters most is where it is placed: keep it in a bright spot, but not in full sunlight. In the right location, indoor hibiscus is the perfect roommate. And best of all, Chinese hibiscus poses no danger to cats or dogs as it is not poisonous to either of them.
So what plants do you need to avoid? Check out our list of poisonous houseplants. And for outdoor plants, read our overview of the most poisonous garden plants for pets.
