Pet-friendly houseplants: Boo, the much loved dog of Tom Cox – founder of HÁM Interiors – in a comfortable armchair at his Devon farmhouse.
Dean Hearne
While most pets have the instinct not to eat poisonous plants, both indoors and outdoors, not all our four-legged friends act with intelligence, and some young animals – especially puppies – chew everything in sight. For peace of mind, place toxic plants well out of reach of dogs, such as in hanging pots, atop cabinets, or on shelves. But, if you have an acrobatic cat that can reach all of those places or you want peace of mind that nothing in the house is poisonous, opt for plants that are 100% safe for animals. Here are some of the best pet-friendly houseplants:
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For flowers
*Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) – In bloom over a long period in winter, this epiphyte is the easiest indoor orchid to grow. Hailing from damp tropical and subtropical Asia, they do well in bathrooms, in bright indirect light. Follow standard orchid care, including watering with rainwater, if possible.
*Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) – An explosion of magenta flowers over the festive period, these wonderful cacti fill the house with colour. In the wild, they thrive in damp Brazilian forests and thus enjoy bright, indirect light and humidity. If their seasonal care routine is followed, they are easy to grow.
For bright sun
*Donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum AGM) – This easy Mexican succulent sends out fleshy lengths of green-blue leaves, making it perfect for a suspended container. One of the few houseplants that enjoys the sunshine of a south or west-facing windowsill and low humidity. Water when the compost is dry.
*Hen ‘n’ chicks (Echeveria) – These small succulents grow in snug rosettes of leathery leaves. Plant individually in little pots or plant several of different colours together. Hailing from South American desert terrain, they thrive in bright light, low humidity, and warmth. Water when the upper compost feels dry.
For hanging pots
*Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans AGM) – This trailing epiphyte from the damp forests of Malaysia appreciates bright indirect light in a bathroom that is kept over 18°C, where it will produce vivid-red summer flowers. From spring to autumn, keep the soil moist (not waterlogged) and feed monthly.
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