Most of us are aware of the benefits of having plants in the home, which is probably why plant sales have increased 50% in the last four years with 66% of people having at least one houseplant. Also, pet ownership is rising with 57% of Americans owning at least one pet. With so many homes having pets and plants, it’s important to be aware of which pet-friendly plants are available for you to keep in your home and keep your fur babies safe. Here at Walter Knoll Florist, the premier floral shop in St. Louis, we love cats and dogs as much as we do plants and have posted for you below the top safest houseplants for pets.
Bringing plants into your home can brighten up living spaces and purify the air, but it also raises questions about pet safety. If you’re considering adding an African violet plant to your indoor garden, you probably want to know whether this popular flowering houseplant is safe to have around pets like cats and dogs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pet safety and the African violet plant, including
- African Violet Plant Overview
- Is the African Violet Toxic to Pets?
- Potential Risks for Pets
- Keeping Your Pets Safe
- What to Do if Your Pet Ingests an African Violet
- Safe Alternatives to African Violets
An Overview of the African Violet Houseplant
With their velvety leaves and cheerful purple pink, red, or white blooms, African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are one of the most beloved indoor flowering plants. These compact perennials are native to tropical eastern Africa and thrive in indoor conditions.
Some quick facts about African violets:
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Region: Tropical eastern Africa
- Height: 4 to 8 inches
- Spread: 6 to 12 inches
- Flowers: Purple, pink, red, white; year-round bloom
- Foliage: Round, fuzzy, green leaves
- Light Needs: Bright indirect light
- Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist
Is the African Violet Toxic to Pets?
The good news is that the African violet is considered non-toxic for both cats and dogs. According to the ASPCA, ingestion of small amounts of the plant by pets is unlikely to cause serious health issues.
However, African violet plants can still pose some minor risks, including:
- Digestive upset if large amounts are ingested
- Allergic reactions in sensitive pets
- Damage to the plant itself from chewing
So while not overtly dangerous, it’s still smart to take precautions when keeping African violets in a home with pets
Keeping Your Pets Safe Around African Violets
While the African violet itself may not be toxic, here are some tips to keep your pets safe and protect your plant:
- Place out of reach of pets on high shelves or hang from the ceiling
- Monitor pet interactions and redirect chewing
- Provide alternative chewing toys and scratching posts
- Use bitter anti-chew sprays on plants
- Consider non-toxic alternatives like cat grass
Supervising pets around any houseplants can prevent ingestion. If your pet seems intent on sampling, it’s safest to remove the plant entirely.
What to Do if Your Pet Ingests an African Violet
If you notice your pet nibbling on or ingesting parts of an African violet, take these steps:
- Remain calm but act quickly
- Check for signs of distress like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
- Provide fresh water to rinse their mouth and prevent dehydration
- Remove any remaining plant parts from their environment
- Call your vet for advice, especially if symptoms persist
While a trip to the vet likely won’t be necessary, it’s always wise to consult them when a pet ingests an unfamiliar substance. They can advise you on any steps needed to relieve discomfort.
Safe Houseplant Alternatives to African Violets
If you decide African violets may pose too much temptation for pets, there are plenty of safe, pet-friendly houseplant alternatives to consider instead, including:
- Spider plants
- Ponytail palms
- Christmas cactus
- Orchids
- Boston ferns
- Parlor palms
- Peperomias
Check with your veterinarian for their recommendations on the safest houseplants for your specific pet. With the right precautions, you can maintain a pet-safe indoor garden.
The African violet’s reputation as being non-toxic makes it relatively low-risk for pet owners. But supervising interactions and taking preventative measures is still advised to avoid digestive upset. By understanding the potential risks and how to properly safeguard your pets, you can safely add this flowering beauty to your indoor plant collection.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, you should take them to the vet right away. Signs that indicate poisoning include vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, lethargy, and a racing heart. For an extensive list of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.
Pet-Friendly Plants for the Home
A popular houseplant because it’s easy to grow and fast-growing sprouting baby “spiders” that are easily propagated, Spider plants are pet-friendly ornamental plants that bring life and vitality to any home. The long, grassy leaves arch outwards makes it perfect for hanging planter.
A beautiful and lush green plant with large leaflets that provide texture and movement, the Parlor Palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. This easy-to-grow plant can reach up to 4 feet indoors.
A tropical plant that is usually found growing off of a palm tree, the Bird’s Nest Fern can thrive indoors and make a fantastically unique houseplant. With light-green fronds that are crinkled at the edges, Bird’s Nest Ferns are safe for pets, which is good because they will add pizzazz to any room it’s placed in.
A charming plant with visually stunning leaves, the Ponytail Palm is pet-friendly and easy to grow. It is very forgiving and can handle various conditions making an ideal houseplant. Plus, they just look really cool.
For a plant that delivers air-purifying benefits and a splash of color, then pick up a Polka Dot Plant. Its large green leaves are “dotted” with colors such as pink, white, and red as if splashed by a paintbrush. The Polka Dot Plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, easy to grow, and eye-catching. You’ll want to add this one to your plant collection.
Another plant with striking and decorative leaves, the Watermelon Peperomia plant has a leaf design that resembles the exterior of a watermelon. Easy to grow, this plant is good for those new to owning plants. The Watermelon Peperomia is a pet-friendly pet.
An elegant and distinctive plant, Orchids are also pet-friendly. Orchids are very popular most likely due to their stunning blossoms, sweet fragrance, and beauty.
Another popular houseplant, the African Violet comes in a variety of leaf forms and colors. With proper care, it can flower nearly all year round and thrive indoors. African Violets are not toxic to cats or dogs.
28 Low Light Indoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs || Non-Toxic Plants
FAQ
Are African violets safe around pets?
What is the secret to growing African violets?
Do African violets like direct sun?
Are African violets annuals or perennials?
Are African violets poisonous to cats?
African violets are common houseplants that are relatively easy to care for. They have soft and fuzzy leaves and produce pretty and dainty flowers. Fortunately, African violets aren’t poisonous to cats, so these pet owners can have as many of them in their homes as they want. Continue reading to learn more.
Can cats eat African violets?
While the leaves and flowers of the African violet are non-toxic to pets, they can absorb any fertilizer you choose, and that could be harmful if the leaves are then ingested. So if your cat or dog has a track record for eating your houseplants, find a non-toxic or natural fertilizer to use for your African violets.
What are African violets?
These plants, scientifically known as Saintpaulia, are native to eastern Africa and are widely cultivated for their beauty. African violets come in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, pink, and white, making them a popular choice for indoor gardens.
Are Houseplants toxic to cats and dogs?
And while some popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs, there are plenty of pet-friendly options to add greenery and purify the air in your home. Of course, for the sake of your plants and your pets, you’ll want to keep all houseplants out of the general reach of your pets.