A home full of fresh-cut flowers and growing green plants is one that is healthy, bright, and stylish. Since it is well known that having plants and fresh blooms in the home provides several health benefits, enhancing homes with them is a normal part of modern living now. Plus, the pop of color and sweetly fragrant flowers and plants are natural ways to freshen a home. For pet owners, it is necessary to be aware of which plants are safe and which are not safe for cats and dogs.

Here at Norton’s Florist, Birmingham’s premier flower shop, we love surrounding ourselves with fresh flowers and plants and also want to keep our pets stay safe, too. Therefore, we put together a collection of our favorite pet-friendly flowers and plants perfect for the home.

Pet-Friendly Plants & Flowers

Parlor Palm

Add texture and vivaciousness to any room with a Parlor Palm plant. Long, arching green fronds separate into smaller leaflets creating a full and lush look. This rainforest native is can grow to 4 ft. indoors and is easy to care for. The Parlor Palm is pet-friendly plant and can handle low-light environments.

Bird’s Nest Fern

Another fabulous plant with great texture, rhythm, and movement, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a great piece to add to your collection. Its light green leaves arise from a central rosette, broad and crinkled on the edges. The Bird’s Nest Fern is pet-friendly and a great plant to add anywhere your home needs a little pizzazz.

Ponytail Palm

For you are looking for something whimsical, pick up a Ponytail Palm. This unusual plant is not a palm but a succulent, storing water in its trunk. Thin, long green leaves flow from the top of the trunk and fall down in waves like an actual ponytail, hence its name. Ponytail Palms are safe for cats and dogs and add personality to any room.

Haworthia / Echeveria

For the numerous succulent lovers out there, you will be happy to discover  Haworthia and Echeveria species are pet-friendly. However, succulents such as Jade, Kalanchoe, and Aloe Vera, are not and should be kept far away from pets.

Polka Dot Plant

Add some color and brighten your home with the unique Polka Dot Plant. This plant has large green leaves adorned with colorful “dots” as if they were splashed with a paintbrush. Polka Dot Plants are safe for pets and come in color combinations of pink and green, white and green, and red and green.

Watermelon Peperomia

A small, but eye-catching, plant, the Watermelon Peperomia has decorative leaves boasting a striking pattern that resembles the skin of a watermelon. Fascinating and attractive, Watermelon Peperomia plants are safe for pets.

Roses

Perfect in so many ways…. its form, scent, colors, and symbol of love, the rose is also pet-friendly. There really just is no reason to not adore this bloom, which is probably why it is the most popular flower in the world.

Gerbera Daisies

Coming in a assortment of vivid colors, Gerbera Daisies are beloved by florists and gardeners alike. Their broad face and expanding colorful petals spread joy. Gerbera Daisies are also pet-friendly, which is why we love them.

Sunflowers

For an instant mood-booster, pick up a bunch of sunflowers. They brighten any room — along with your spirits! These delightful blooms radiate the essence of summer and joy. Sunflowers are safe for pets and bring warmth and joy to your home.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons bloom atop tall stalks with numerous delicate and colorful flowers. These pleasant blooms are frequently featured in flower arrangements as they bring height, volume, and an explosion of color. Snapdragons are pet-friendly and look amazing in a vase by themselves.

Orchid

Orchid lovers will be happy to know orchids are pet-friendly. A remarkable plant due to its dramatic, colorful, and perfectly balanced blossoms, orchids are the type of plant where it’s to have just one.

Pansies

Pretty Pansies —  colorful, charming, and pet-friendly. They are human-friendly, too, as pansies are edible and frequently found on wedding cakes for decor – and to eat. Pansies come in an assortment of colors and bloom even in cold weather.

How to Protect Pets from Toxic Plants & Flowers

If you have one, or several, pets that have a knack for getting into things, then it would be smart to have only pet-friendly plants and flowers in your home. There are other household items that are toxic, too, such as batteries, raisins, chocolate, prescription drugs, avocado, or pesticides that be kept away from pets. For a complete listing of poisonous plants and flowers, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.

In the meantime, keep all possible toxic items as far out of reach as possible from any curious paws. If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal distress along with vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and loss of appetite, take your pet to the vet right away.

With a little care and a lot of common sense, you can enjoy the multiple benefits of having gorgeous flowers, plants, and pets in your home.