28 Pet-Friendly Flowers and Plants

     Plants liven up our homes and pets liven up our lives. We want the best when we have both. There are many plants that are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested. Sometimes just an upset stomach, sometimes they can be lethal. Even if your pet is the best boy or girl, they are likely to take a nibble of a houseplant here or there. So we have compiled a list of flowers and plants that are pet-friendly. And of course, we have these plants in the store throughout the year. Some are seasonal, like Christmas Cacti and Sunflowers. But we can always help get you your perfect plant.

For an extensive list of unsafe plants, check out the ASPCA website here.

1. Rose

    Mini Rose Bushes are a great, blooming, pet-friendly addition to your home or garden. While they can withstand some neglect and are considered hardy plants, any extra care will be highly rewarded with beautiful blooms and lush foliage. Roses need 6 hours of full sun every day. If your rose bush is in the garden, morning sun would be preferred over afternoon sun. They do not like water to remain on their leaves for too long. Water thoroughly about twice a week.
     Not all "roses" are the same - Primrose, Desert Rose, and Moss Rose are all not pet-friendly.

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2. Gerbera Daisy

   Gerbera Daisies are a fun addition to your spring garden. They can be planted in the spring after the last frost (hopefully we have seen the end of the random cold fronts). Gerbera Daisies grow best in zones 8-11, however it is possible to grow them here in our zone. I had one pop up in my flower bed last year and thrive all summer.
     They would like full sun, but not intense heat. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry, about once a week. Water more often when it is especially hot. Remove any faded blooms or leaves from your Gerbera Daisy as needed to help keep the focus on the healthy growth.

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3. SUnflower

     Here comes the Sun-flower! These beautiful annual summer flowers are so named because of the way they stretch to follow the path of the sun throughout the day. Give these plenty of sunshine and keep weeds out of their soil. Planting them in a group would be ideal to protect them from strong winds.
     Sunflowers can tolerate some drought, but watering regularly will help the blooms grow. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry.

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4. Snapdragon

     Snapdragons are a short lived garden perennials but they are usually grown as an annual. If they do survive the winter frost, they aren't as full as their first year. Snapdragons are hardy in zones 7-11 - we're in zone 7. As cut flowers, they are gorgeous and can give a fun texture to any arrangement.
    In the garden, they can tolerate full sun to partial shade. With partial shade and keeping it well watered, it will make it through the Summer and may even bloom again in the Fall. Regular watering is a must for this blooming plant. It is best to water near the crown of the plant and not overhead to avoid too much water build up which can cause rot. Pluck off any fading blooms as needed to keep your Snapdragons happy and healthy!

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5. Orchid

   If you're looking for a beautiful tropical plant that's good for beginner botanists, look no further than our Phalaenopsis Orchids. They bloom for months, given the proper care. In Maryland they are an indoor only plant as we are not tropical enough to sustain them long-term. Orchids love warmth and humidity along with bright, indirect sunlight. If they are in direct sun their leaves can burn. Water them thoroughly at least once a week, but don't let them sit in water. We let a cup full of water run through the liner once or twice before putting it back in its decorative container.

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6. Bromeliad

    Bromeliads are another blooming tropical plant, but they are more tolerant than orchids of any fluctuations in care. They prefer lower light levels and well draining soil. While Bromeliads can be ​tolerant of drought conditions, they prefer a moist soil.
   For Maryland they are indoor only plants like orchids. They are a great plant to give you a little splash of color and still be safe for your fur-baby.

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7. African Violet

   This gorgeous blooming plant is both popular and pet-friendly. Despite its name, it comes in more shades than just purple. You can find pink, purple, lavender, white, and bi-colored African Violets. Plus, we almost always have different options to choose from! Just now, we have purple and pink-white ones, as well as some mystery ones that are waiting on their blooms.
   They are somewhat low maintenance and can thrive in low-light spaces. Keep the soil moist, watering from below to protect their leaves and blooms from getting wet. We place our African Violets in a low dish and let the soak for about an hour each week and more often as needed.

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8. Lipstick Plant

    The Lipstick Plant is such a cool tropical houseplant! They have vibrant red and tubular flowers that look like lipstick when they are blooming. They are best in hanging baskets or in containers that allow them to cascade and vine. Lipstick Plants flower the most in the Summer and Fall months. They want bright, indirect light. The soil should dry out in between watering.

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9. Christmas Cactus

    Another beautiful blooming plant which is so named because of the time of year that it blooms - Christmas! It is non-toxic, but don't let that fool you, it can still cause a tummy ache if ingested.
    There are two differences between the Thanksgiving Cactus and the Christmas Cactus - more than just the time of year they bloom. Thanksgiving Cacti are not pet-safe and their leaves have pointed claw-shaped edges to distinguish them from the slightly rounded edges of a Christmas Cactus.
   The Christmas Cactus is a "short-day plant," meaning it needs 12-24 hours of dark and coolness, which is perfect as the shortest day of the year is the winter solstice. After 6 weeks of these short days, blooms will start sprouting. They like bright, but indirect light. The top of the soil should dry out about 1 inch in between watering.
​    Check back in the winter to see them in-store and on the website!

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10. Venus Flytrap

     Our adorable "Little Shop of Horror" plants - Venus Flytraps make everyone ask "do they bite?" No they won't bite you - or at least it won't hurt. They have little feelers on the inside of their "mouths" that initiate them closing. Venus Flytraps are relatively low maintenance plants other than needing distilled or rain water only. Town or chlorinated water will harm them.
     Like many ferns, Venus Flytraps don't want to dry out. They are often planted in a mossy soil mix to help retain moisture. At least 4 hours of direct sunlight is ideal, but here in Maryland a bright room all day will do just as well. If you feel that your Venus Flytrap is not eating enough bugs, you can catch some and gently place it inside the "mouth" with tweezers. Just a nudge on the feelers should make it close around the insect. Surprisingly, Venus Flytraps only need 1-2 insects per month to sustain itself.

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11. Basil

     Stop over to our garden center to pick out your basil this Spring! All of our herbs will be arriving the last week in April.
     Basil is very popular in Italian cooking - I use it in many recipes! It is a great addition for either an indoor or outdoor garden. Did you know that the flower buds are also edible?
      Place your basil in a spot that will get 6-8 hours of full sun every day and water it on a regular basis. It should stay as moist as possible, but not sitting in water. Basil loves the heat and is good to go in the garden when temperatures stay in the 70s during the day and 50s overnight. During the hottest days of the summer, we have had to water our basil twice a day to keep it moist, so keep an eye on yours during the blazing heat days.

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12. Sage

   Sage is a perennial herb, meaning that it will come back every year. It needs 6-8 hours of full sun each day and moderate moisture. Sage can tolerate some drought and should be allowed to dry out in between watering. If you can, give it a sandier soil that has good drainage.

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13. Thyme

    Isn't it "thyme" to get an herb? Thyme prefers hot and dry over cool and damp. Full sun is best. While still watering regularly, they should dry out in between watering.

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14. Boston Fern

     Boston Ferns are great indoor-outdoor plants. They can bring that lush green garden feel into your home or help enhance your porch or patio. Here in Maryland, they can go outside in the mid-Spring and should be brought back inside mid- to late-Fall. Extreme temperatures (which we know can happen here) can be harmful to the Boston Fern. Anything over 95°F or under 35°F would be too much for these lush green plants.
    They love bright, indirect light and want to be in warm, humid conditions. Boston Ferns need to be watered frequently, not allowing them to dry out. Periodically, they will need to be cleaned of any dead leaves to keep the plant's focus on the healthy leaves.
    ​We love the Boston Fern, come see them for yourself this Summer!

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15. Maidenhair Fern

    Maidenhair Ferns are considered to be a hardier type of fern, although their leaves are delicate and prone to burn easily. They prefer indirect light and can tolerate low light. Like most ferns, they need their soil to remain moist. It shouldn't sit in water, but should never completely dry out. Plenty of humidity and moisture are a must!
     It can take 3 years before a Maidenhair Fern reaches full maturity. But once it is mature, it can span up to 2ft tall and 2ft wide.
     We often get these cuties in plant assortments, but can always order them in for anyone interested.

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16. Bird's Nest Fern

    Fun Fact: Bird's Nest Ferns can grow on other plants, such as trees. In the rainforest, they can be found up in the crooks of trees like the bird's nests they are named for!
    They love the environment of a bathroom - as long as there is enough bright light. Plenty of moisture, humidity, and warmth are good for the Bird's Nest Ferns. The soil should remain moist, but not drenched or soggy. Water it when about 1 inch of the soil has dried out. When watering, try to avoid watering directly on the plant, this will prevent mold and rot growing in the center.

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17. Staghorn Fern

    Staghorn Ferns are very popular for displaying on walls. Like the Bird's Nest Fern, they can grow on other plants, and many people grow them on wooden planks for their wall.
     They do well with low-light and high moisture. It can tolerate higher levels of light if given enough water, warmth, and humidity. Staghorn Ferns can be watered about once a week in the Summer and every 2 weeks during the Winter. 
     Watering Tip: If the fronds start to brown or blacken at the base, it is getting overwatered. If the tips start to brown or wilt, it is getting underwatered.

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18. Ponytail Palm

   Ponytail Palms are an interesting indoor-outdoor plant. Their bulbous root actually stores water, making it easier to care for. They need minimal watering and let the soil dry out in between watering. Ponytail Palms can be in full sun or otherwise bright light.
    It's not an actual "palm" but a small tree apart of the asparagus family. The Ponytail Palm can take 5 or more for a 1ft plant to double in size.

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19. Parlor Palm

     Parlor Palms are a popular indoor plant and a great plant for beginner botanist.
    They can easily be found in many of our dish gardens. They do well in the assorted dish gardens because they can tolerate all light conditions. They do prefer bright indirect light, but low light and lower temperatures don't bother this palm. They are sensitive to overwatering, but does need to to be kept evenly moist.
    Stop in to see about getting them as individual plants or get one in the assorted dish garden.

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20. Polka Dot Plant

     If you're looking for a little splash of color, the Polka Dot Plant is a great choice. They come in pinks, reds, and whites. We love the way the Polka Dot Plant fills out a dish garden or a plant basket.
    They love bright, indirect light which helps keep their vibrant colors. Keep your Polka Dot Plant soil moist, not allowing it to completely dry out. About once a month in the Summer, it should be fertilized with a low grade houseplant fertilizer.

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21. Fittonia

    These lovely plants are very similar to the polka dot plants with their colorful leaves. The Fittonia (a.k.a. Nerve Plant or Mosaic Plant) comes in whites, pinks, reds, or greens. They are extremely dramatic plants! They tell you immediately if they are needing care. Slumping over as if dead and wilted, but then after you give it a nice drink it will perk right back up.
    Fittonias like low light and can burn easily if exposed to direct sunlight. They should stay relatively moist, and they will tell you if they are too dry.

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22. Watermelon Peperomia

    Watermelon Peperomia get their name from cute watermelon pattern on their leaves. The shimmery look makes them seem almost magical. Magic or not, they need regular care and attention.
    They thrive in bright to medium indirect sunlight. In lower light, Watermelon Peperomia grow smaller leaves and their stems start to get leggy as they stretch toward the light. The top inch of soil should dry out in between watering and then they should be thoroughly watered.

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23. Peperomia

    There are so many different varieties of Peperomia that sometimes they don't even look like they are the same plant. Right now, we have 2 different varieties in the shop. Peperomias are also known as Rubber Plants or Radiator Plants.
   Peperomias are a low maintenance, very forgiving plant. They don't grow very fast and can tolerate some neglect, making them a good beginner plant.
   They like medium to bright indirect sunlight. The more light they are exposed to, the more color variation they can get. Water them only when the soil is dry to the touch. The succulent type leaves of the Peperomia store some of the moisture, giving it it's forgiving nature.

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24. Prayer Plant

    People seem to love Prayer Plants. They get their name from the fact that their leaves curl up at night, mimicking the folding of hands in prayer. They can be found in reds, whites, and purples. We most often have red or purple Prayer Plants. They make great additions to dish gardens or plant baskets.
    They do best in medium to low indirect sunlight. Prayer Plants ​like to dry out in between watering - but don't let it completely dry out! Thoroughly water when you do.

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25. Rattlesnake Plant

   Rattlesnake Plants have an amazing striped pattern and rippled leaves with a purple-red color underneath. These tropical beauties can grow up to 30 inches tall. Definitely not a beginner plant!
   Give the Rattlesnake Plants plenty of filtered light. Stay clear of the intense afternoon sun, though! While they like to stay moist, they do not want to sit in water and need a container with good drainage.
     Hot Tip: Do not use Leaf Shine on these as it can cause browning on the leaf tips. If you want to shine the leaves, you'll have to do it the old-fashioned way with water and a towel.

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26. Spider Plant

    Another great indoor-outdoor plant is the Spider Plant. Very versatile! You can place them in decorative containers in your home, as a hanging basket on your porch, or in a patio pot. During the Spring and Summer, we usually have all three options!
    The Spider Plant will occasionally flower, but it's best feature is that it constantly produces babies that can be propagated to grow even more plants. If outdoors, they would like medium to light shade, never direct sun. If indoors, they like bright indirect light, but they can tolerate lower light conditions. Keep it evenly moist, never sitting in water nor drying out completely. If outdoors, bring it back inside after temperatures begin to drop below 50F.

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27. Some Succulents

     Some Succulents are pet-friendly while others (like Jades) are not.
  Haworthias are spiky, snake-plant-looking succulents. They love bright light and temperature between 70 and 95F. Anything below 40F can be damaging to a Haworthia. Here in Maryland, they can go outside in the Summer. 
  Echeverias are probably the most popular type of succulent. They also love the bright direct sunlight (about 4-6 hours is ideal). If they don't get enough sunlight, they will start to get leggy as they reach for the light.
   For both of these, as well as most succulents, it is better to underwater them than to overwater. A good rule of thumb is to water thoroughly and after you notice it is dry, leave it for a day and then repeat. For most 2-3" succulents this will be about once a week.

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28. Air Plant

    Air Plants are the lowest of the low-maintenance plants. If you want plants, but struggle to keep them alive, these are for you. However, with enough neglect, they will still fade. They are not in any soil and only need a spritz of water once a week. We give them a quick soak once a month, for only about 5 seconds. They thrive in bright, indirect light.
     Stop in to see our options. Don't forget to buy a mister with your air plant!