You've probably seen that funny meme going around that says “pets are the new children, and plants are the new pets.” I couldn't agree more! We're all out here treating our plants like our babies and our pets like our kids. But what happens when these two loves collide—and your toxic plant harms your pet? In this episode, I share the different plants that are safe for our furry babies, how to keep pets away from toxic plants, and other things to keep in mind when caring for both plants and pets.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:44] Things you need to know if you have pets and plants
• [04:10] Which plants are the most toxic for pets?
• [05:34] How do you keep your pets away from your plants?
• [09:07] Make summer unforgettable with a personalized Wind Chime!
• [10:42] Protect your pets and the planet with high-quality, organic plant products
• [13:10] Which plants are pet-friendly?
• [15:25] What other resources can help you?

 

 

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Know Your Plants, Know Your Pets

Some of the most common houseplants out there—I'm talking monsteras, philodendrons, and pothos—can be toxic to our pets. Contact with or ingesting these plants can cause skin-related irritation and even cause numbing or itching. Some can be mild and some can be worse.

The ASPCA website has an amazing resource for looking up exactly how toxic a plant is for your pets.

But at the same time, you've got to know your pet too. I know people who have houses full of toxic plants and their pets have no interest in them. Then there are others whose pets will eat anything that they bring into sight. So, you know, grain of salt and all that.

 

Strategies for Pet-Plant Harmony

Here are some ideas for how to deter your pets from your plants.

1. Place Toxic Plants Out of Reach

It should be easy to keep your plants out of your pet's reach. You can hang them, put them on the top of bookshelves, or use wall hangers like I do. You can get creative—provided you don't have flying squirrels as pets. Ideally, that would solve your problem.

 

2. Apple Cider Spray

If your pets like to nibble, you can use this product called Grannick's Bitter Apple – it's a spray, like an apple cider spray pest deterrent. You spray it on the leaves so your pet won't like its taste anymore.

 

3. River Rocks on the Soil

If your pets like digging, you can try putting river rocks on top of your soil. A friend of mine who has cats swears by this. Her cat's paws don't like the way the river rocks feel. Plus, it looks super cute!

 

4. Aluminum Foil on Top

This one's a bit less aesthetically pleasing, but it works: put aluminum foil on top of your soil. Pets do not like the way aluminum foil feels under their paws.

 

5. Toothpicks in Soil

This one is a bit unique, but take a bunch of toothpicks and then put them in the soil sticking up. It would look like a mini fence. Just be careful not to make it too pokey!

 

6. Make a Pet-Free Plant Zone

If all else fails, you could make a pet-free zone in your home where all of your plants are. Maybe it's your office or a dedicated plant room if you're lucky enough. Have a closed-off area that your pets know they're not allowed to go into.

 

Pet-Friendly Plants

I didn't want everything about this episode to be negative, so I’d like to let you know that there are so many amazing pet-friendly plants out there! Here's a quick list of 10 plants that I love that are totally safe for your pets:

1. Spider plant (cats love playing with the small ones!)
2. Boston fern/ferns
3. African violet
4. Palm
5. Pilea
6. Christmas cactus
7. Peperomia
8. Hoya
9. Money tree
10. Prayer plants

For sure, there is a plant that you and your pets may love on this list.

 

Growing Joy Together

At the end of the day, it's all about growing joy! We as humans are hardwired to feel at ease around other living things, whether they are plants or whether they are pets.

It makes sense that I feel more relaxed because I have my bird Frankie in my office all day. It makes sense that when you pet your dog, you immediately feel happy and relaxed. And it's the same way that you feel at ease when you're surrounded by plants in nature or if you have an amazing plant collection.

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants by ASPCA
• Pet Poison Helpline
• Mosser Lee ML1121 River Rock Soil Cover
• Grannick's Bitter Apple for Dogs Spray Bottle
• GJ EP 123: How to Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles and Other Animals in Your Garden with Brie The Plant Lady

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Wind River Chimes

Bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition to your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

If you want thriving houseplants, set them up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mixes and more! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

 

 

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