5 houseplants that are safe for pets
Dogs, cats and rabbits sometimes fancy a little nibble on something green, but not all plants are safe
Dogs, cats, rabbits and birds sometimes fancy a little nibble on something green, but not all plants are safe.
To ensure the safety of pets and animals, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has listed five pet-friendly houseplants that are all attractive to look at – and safe for our furry and feathered friends too.
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Cyperus (umbrella plant)
Cyperus: 'Alternifolius' is very well known, but the cultivar 'Zumula' is also very suitable as a pet-friendly houseplant.
Beaucarnea (elephant's foot)
Beaucarnea has a sturdy stem with leaves that bend backwards. The young variety that only has a tuber, is called Nolina. The trunk and tuber can cope with cats that think it's a very fine scratching post. Felines often find the leaves irresistible.
Chlorophytum (spider plant)
Chlorophytum comosum with its variegated fronds has a few cultivars which differ somewhat in terms of the leaf colouring. The most common is 'Variegatum'. Comosum means 'crested' and refers to the crests which are found on the plant's runners.
Bambusa (bamboo)
Bamboo in the living room is usually Bambusa vulgare, with sturdy yellow canes on which the bamboo leaves grow.
Hordeum (cat grass)
Hordeum is a mini field of barley in a pot, container or bowl. It grows upwards in a compact way, provides (house) cats with folic acid and looks like a comical dark green tall lawn.
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