While there is some debate on how effective indoor plants are at actually purifying the air in your home, studies have shown that by way of biophilia indoor plants can have therapeutic effects such as reducing stress, promoting recovery and healing from illness or injury, as well as boosting productivity. Unfortunately there are many house plants that can be toxic to our pets. With help from our friends at Bloomscape, here are five pet-safe plants to boost your well being.
Bringing plants into your home can add beauty, freshen up spaces, and even purify the air. However, as a pet owner, you also need to consider your furry friends’ safety. Some houseplants can pose risks if ingested by curious pets. So what about the bamboo palm? Let’s explore bamboo palm plant safety for pets and key care tips to protect your four-legged family members.
Overview of Bamboo Palm
Also called reed palm, the bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is a popular houseplant native to Mexico and Central America. It features lush, graceful fronds on slender stems that make it perfect for decorating indoor spaces.
This palm is known for
- Air purifying abilities – helps remove toxins like formaldehyde
- Tropical, exotic look
- Slow, compact growth – reaches 4-6 feet tall
- Low maintenance needs
- Thriving in bright, indirect light
With proper care the bamboo palm can live for many years in indoor environments providing a touch of the tropics.
Is Bamboo Palm Toxic for Pets?
The good news is that bamboo palm is considered non-toxic for both dogs and cats. According to the ASPCA, ingestion is unlikely to cause significant health issues. At most, a pet may experience mild stomach upset or vomiting if a large amount is consumed.
So you can keep this beautiful plant in your home and enjoy its benefits without worrying about safety for your furry companions. Just take some basic precautions, which we’ll cover next.
Precautions for Pet Owners
To ensure bamboo palm doesn’t impact your pets’ health:
Keep It Out of Reach
It’s wise to place palm plants where pets can’t access or knock them over. Elevated areas like shelves, windowsills, and plant stands are ideal. Block access if needed with baby gates.
Watch for Falling Fronds
Pick up any dropped leaves or fronds promptly before pets can eat them. Ingesting debris in quantity could cause upset stomach.
Monitor Your Pet
Supervise your pet around the palm at first. Look for signs like chewing, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea after exposure. This may indicate individual sensitivity.
Consider Non-Toxic Care
Avoid chemical pesticides or fertilizers near pets. Stick to gentler options like neem oil, insecticidal soap, and organic feeds.
Pet-Safe Alternatives
If you’re unsure about bamboo palm with your pets, opt for these other safe choices:
- Spider plants
- Pothos
- Ponytail palm
- Parlor palm
- Orchids
- Bromeliads
Do research before bringing any new plants home to ensure safety. And when in doubt, contact your veterinarian with questions.
What to Do if Ingestion Occurs
If you believe your pet ingested any part of a bamboo palm plant, stay calm but act quickly. Contact your vet or pet poison control right away.
Be prepared to provide details like:
- When it happened
- What part of the plant was eaten
- How much
- Symptoms noted
Treatment depends on the amount consumed and symptoms present. Your vet may induce vomiting, provide medications, or recommend monitoring at home.
Keeping Pets Safe
Here are some extra tips for keeping pets safe around houseplants:
- Identify all plants in your home and research toxicity. Remove any high-risk ones.
- Place houseplants well out of reach, especially for kittens and puppies who tend to chew.
- Avoid hanging plants that could be batted at and knocked down.
- Opt for heavy pots that won’t tip over easily.
- Keep plants away from sleeping areas and food and water bowls.
- Never force pets to interact with plants they seem fearful or wary of.
- Clean fallen leaves, blooms, and stems regularly before pets can eat them.
The Takeaway on Bamboo Palm and Pets
The bamboo palm offers a graceful, tropical look that can safely enhance your indoor spaces as a pet owner. While not toxic, taking basic precautions helps avoid any potential stomach upsets if leaves or parts are ingested.
Monitor your curious pets, offer plenty of pet-safe alternatives, and act quickly if ingestion occurs. This allows you to create a home that balances beauty, freshness, and air purification with your furry friends’ safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fertilizers and pesticides on my bamboo palm if I have pets?
Avoid chemical products, as the residues could harm pets who ingest them when grooming or chewing plants. Opt for gentler organic options.
What if my pet eats the soil from the bamboo palm’s pot?
While not toxic, ingesting soil could cause vomiting or diarrhea. Allowing pets to eat houseplant soil should be avoided.
Are bamboo palm plants safe for pet birds too?
Yes, bamboo palm is non-toxic for birds as well according to the ASPCA. Always place plants where birds cannot access them to be safe.
Should I rehome my bamboo palm plant if I get a new pet?
Not necessarily – just take added precautions like moving it somewhere unreachable and supervising all interactions.
* Please note that while the Bamboo Palm leaves themselves are not toxic to animals, some Bamboo Palms can grow berries that are highly poisonous and need to be removed immediately if spotted.
This incredibly popular plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. The spider plant is native to tropical and southern Africa and prefers bright indirect light and to be watered only when the soil becomes dry (once a week or so).
Another no-fuss larger plant native to Central and South America. The money tree prefers high humidity and bright indirect sunlight. It has been said that the money tree can bring positive energy and good luck to the home. Ill take one!
The Neon Prayer plant gets its name from the way its lovely leaves fold in the evening to resemble hands folded in prayer. Native to the rainforests of Brazil, the Neon Prayer plant prefers well-drained soil and bright indirect sunlight.
This calathea—distinguished by its gorgeous leaves with a purple underside originates—from the tropical rainforests of South America and requires a little extra care. This plant is not drought resistant and does best with a regular watering schedule and medium to bright indirect sunlight.
All of the plants mentioned above can be available for home delivery from Bloomscape.com