When I began sharing the plants inside my home, I didnt expect the mass amount of messages in regards to my plant collection in a home with two dogs.
The most commonly asked question I received was, “Do you have a list of dog-safe plants?” and most people were shocked to find out that most of the plants in my house were technically “toxic” to pets (Im talking well over 70%!). However, before we go crazy over the word “toxic” and raising pitch forks, lets break down some science first.
Pet Safety and Anubias Plant: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners
Having pets at home comes with great joy and responsibility. As pet parents, it is our duty to ensure our furry friends stay happy and healthy. One important aspect of pet care is ensuring their environment is safe. This includes checking any plants we bring home are pet-safe.
The anubias plant has become increasingly popular for home and office spaces. With its lush green leaves and minimal care needs, it’s an ideal houseplant. But is it safe for pets? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about anubias plant safety for dogs, cats and other pets.
Overview of the Anubias Plant
Native to tropical West Africa, the anubias plant thrives in warm humid environments. Its scientific name is Anubias barteri with the most common variety being the Anubias barteri var. nana. Some key features
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Broad, dark green oval-shaped leaves. Size ranges from 2 to 14 inches long depending on variety.
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Rhizome root system. This thick horizontal stem attaches the roots to the leaves.
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Slow growing. Typically produces one new leaf per month.
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Low maintenance. Requires little pruning or fertilizing.
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Hardy and resilient. Can bounce back from environmental stresses.
The anubias makes an attractive aquarium plant due to its aesthetic appeal and tolerance for low-light conditions. It’s also increasingly used in paludariums (half aquatic, half terrestrial enclosures).
Is the Anubias Plant Toxic to Pets?
The good news is the anubias plant is non-toxic to dogs, cats and other household pets according to the ASPCA. That said, some precautions are still needed to prevent gastrointestinal issues.
The main risks are:
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Pets eating the leaves. The tough, leathery foliage can cause oral pain, drooling, vomiting or obstruction.
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Cats chewing on or ingesting the roots/rhizomes. This risks gastrointestinal irritation and blockage.
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Dogs and cats playing with or knocking over unsecured potted plants. This could cause trauma from falling pots.
So while anubias itself is not poisonous, pets that chew or consume the plant may suffer discomfort or physical injury. Let’s look at some specific safety tips for different animals.
Anubias Safety Tips for Dogs
Dogs are curious creatures and may be attracted to the vibrant green anubias foliage. Here are some tips for keeping your canine safe:
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Place out of reach. Keep potted anubias on high shelves or plant stands where your dog can’t access.
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Use pet deterrents. Spray leaves with bitter apple spray or cover soil with scent deterrents.
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Train your dog. Teach the “leave it” command so they don’t approach the plant. Reward ignoring it.
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Remove immediately if chewing. If you catch your dog nibbling leaves, promptly remove the plant to prevent ingestion.
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Secure heavily weighted pots. Choose heavy cachepots that are hard to knock over.
Close supervision is recommended when first introducing anubias around dogs until you see how they react. Some dogs may ignore it, while more playful or curious dogs may need extra measures.
Keeping Cats Safe Around Anubias
Cats also have a penchant for chewing houseplants. Here are some anubias safety tips for felines:
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Hang anubias or place on high shelves. Cats can’t access plants out of their reach.
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Use barriers. Block access to the plant’s location or enclose in a wire mesh cage.
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Monitor closely. Watch for chewing or digging behavior and distract your cat.
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Remove nibbled plants immediately. Cats often sample new plants first before leaving them be.
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Keep potted plants in heavy, stable pots that resist tipping.
Since cats use plants as part of their natural instinct to chew greens for digestive health, provide cat grass as an alternative. This makes the anubias less tempting.
Anubias Safety for Birds, Reptiles and Small Pets
For pet birds, the main risk is perching on unstable potted anubias and causing injury if knocked over. Use heavy weighted pots secured in place. Also keep plants out of reach of birdcages.
Reptiles like lizards generally won’t try ingesting anubias. But the leaves could potentially cause impaction if eaten. Best to keep enclosed terrariums locked to avoid access.
Small pets like guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits may nibble leaves if within reach. Make sure potted plants and any accessible anubias are kept safely out of their environment.
General Precautions for All Pets
No matter what type of pet you have, here are some general safety precautions:
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research first if introducing new plants to ensure they are non-toxic
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keep all houseplants up high on shelves, tables, stands or wall mounted
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secure pots and use heavy, sturdy cache pots that resist tipping
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use cat grass and other pet-safe greens as alternatives they can chew
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apply bitter apple spray or other deterrents to discourage nibbling
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actively train pets to avoid touching certain plants
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monitor for any chewing or digging behavior and distract pets away
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remove immediately if you notice ingestion – induce vomiting if significant
Following these simple guidelines helps avoid potential hazards of pets ingesting houseplants. Always supervise pets around new plants until you’re sure they leave it alone. It’s better to be cautious.
Anubias Pet Safety Outdoors
The anubias plant can also be incorporated into backyard water features and semi-aquatic setups. But this also poses some potential risks for outdoor pets who may drink the water.
While the plant itself is non-toxic, stagnant water can harbor bacteria, parasites and pesticides that cause illness if ingested. Here are some tips:
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Use filtration and circulation pumps to keep water fresh and aerated.
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Change water frequently to prevent buildup of contaminants.
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Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers near water features pets can access.
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Cover or fence off sections pets can’t reach.
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Provide a separate clean water source for drinking and bathing.
Simple preventative steps let you safely add anubias to outdoor environments with pets. Just be vigilant about proper water quality.
Benefits of the Anubias Plant for Pets
Beyond just being non-toxic, the anubias plant offers some benefits for pet health and enrichment.
In aquariums, anubias provides hiding spots for shy fish and absorbs excess nitrates from the water. The leaves also offer surfaces for beneficial bacteria that filter the tank.
The plant releases oxygen into the tank water, promoting healthy gill function for aquatic pets. Its low lighting needs also help control algal growth.
For semi-aquatic setups like paludariums, anubias helps create the hot humid environment needed for amphibian species like frogs and newts to thrive.
The sturdy foliage and trailing roots also provide sensory stimulation and foraging opportunities for lizards, turtles and other reptiles.
As part of a naturalistic vivarium, anubias contributes to the ecosystem while helping manage humidity and air quality for inhabitants.
So in addition to being pet-safe, including anubias in your animal habitats brings many advantages for health, enrichment and behavior.
Caring for Anubias Plants Around Pets
To keep your anubias thriving in your home with pets, follow these care tips:
Lighting
Anubias prefers low to moderate indirect light. Too much direct sun causes algal growth on leaves.
Water
Keep soil moist but not saturated. Allow to partially dry between waterings. Mist leaves to increase humidity.
Temperature
Ideal range is 70-80°F. Can tolerate slightly lower but avoid drafts and cold.
Fertilizer
Apply diluted liquid fertilizer monthly. Anubias are not heavy feeders.
Pruning
Trim dead or damaged leaves at the stem. Remove fallen debris which may attract pets.
Repotting
Replant whenever rootbound every 1-2 years in spring, dividing the rhizome.
With its adaptability and durability, the anubias plant can thrive for years with minimal care. Following these growing tips keeps it healthy while avoiding potential safety issues. Monitor closely after any changes to ensure your pets leave it alone.
Be sure to research any new plants fully before introducing them to your pet’s environment. While the anubias itself is non-toxic, other aquatic plants may be harmful if consumed. Prevention is key to pet safety.
Conclusion
The anubias plant’s hardy nature, lush foliage and versatility make it a popular choice indoors and out. By taking some simple precautions, you can safely incorporate anubias around pets.
Keep foliage out of reach, train pets to avoid it, use deterrents on the plant, and monitor closely, especially during initial introduction. Be vigilant with water quality for outdoor setups to prevent illness.
) Lock ‘Em Up
While our dogs have never bothered our plants before, I still take extra precautions when we leave the house. I separate all of our large plants by a gate upon leaving the house, or have them located in rooms where the door can be easily closed to limit our dogs access to them. Why? Because accidents happen, and I would never want to risk coming home to a living room full of plant matter, soil, and dogs who may have ingested their fair share of something they shouldnt have.
4.) Do your research – and Not a Simple Google Search!
For example, when I do a simple Google search on the Toxicity of String of Pearls for dogs, this comes up:
Above, the FIRST snippet that comes up is that theyre toxic to the point of being devastating for your pet. When I think devastating, I think severe effects that effect livelihood or even death.
However, upon doing a deeper dive, String of Pearls arent necessarily what I would call “devastating”; the next article down in the search calls them a 2 out of 4 Toxicity level, which is minor toxicity. For dogs and cats, that may be things like “drooling, diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy”.
So before you run for the hills on every Google-Based plant search, remember that sources & citations matter.
) Raise ‘Em Up!
Hanging planters and raised plant stands work wonders in our home for keeping any curious little noses at bay. Not only does it make the house look cozy, but it sets everyone up for success (dogs and plants alike). We recently installed a plant ladder above our tub in our spare bathroom, which offers a great green vibe while also ensuring my plants are kept away from the dogs.
5 Must-Have Pet Friendly Indoor Plants l Easy Non-Toxic to Pets Houseplants
FAQ
How to look after an Anubias plant?
How to plant an Anubias plant?
How big do Anubias plants get?
How to keep Anubias healthy?
Are Anubias good for aquariums?
Most aquarium hobbyists, both beginners, and experts are quite familiar with the Anubias because of its popularity in the fish-keeping hobby. This plant is very attractive, notable for its lush durable green leaves and strong root structure. Anubias are hardy, undemanding, and can serve as a foreground, midground or background plant.
Are Anubias good Betta plants?
Low Maintenance: Anubias plants are incredibly hardy. They can withstand a range of water conditions, making them perfect for those who might not have the time for meticulous plant care. Versatility: Whether you have a small betta tank or a large community aquarium, Anubias fits right in.
Where can I buy Anubias?
Different varieties of Anubias are readily available in online stores and brick-and-mortar stores alike. They are sold by large pet supply distributors, like Petco and PetSmart, as well as in smaller, local aquarium and pond stores. While Anubias plants come in various shapes and sizes, they all have similar care needs.
Can Anubias grow in a tank?
The largest variety of Anubias, Anubias gigantea, should only be kept in large tanks, 50 gallons or larger dependent on tank setup. Since these plants are tropical, they all prefer tropical tank environments. Temperatures in the range of 70–82˚F will produce the best growth in Anubias plants.