A Guide to Dog-Friendly Plants
Let’s face it, everyone wants to relax among lush green plants and colourful flowers. Now that winter has passed, we might all find ourselves sick of looking at shades of white, brown, and grey. That’s where houseplants come in! Plants bring a little bit of the outdoors in and provide that touch of green we’ve all been craving. But if you’re like us, navigating the plant aisle for stunning dog-friendly plants can be daunting. Don’t worry, we’ve partnered with Halifax Seed Company to help navigate the world of dog-friendly plants! If the closest thing to a dog-friendly plant in your place is a plastic Christmas tree that may or may not still be in your living room (we won’t judge), then read on.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
If you’ve got a thumb about as green as concrete, look no further than the spider plant. These popular, low-maintenance houseplants thrive with low light and only occasional watering. Unlike your laundry that’s still waiting to be folded, they thrive on neglect. Not only do they look great, filling a space with ease due to their long cascading leaves, but they are keen to propagate and do so by producing pretty, delicate-looking flowers on long stems that you can pot to grow a brand-new spider plant! With some patience, you’ll have enough spider plants to achieve world domination – don’t ask us how!
Spider Plants can grow rapidly if adequately cared for, so be sure to re-pot with relative frequency to ensure they remain looking their best!
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Are you the sort of person who is reading this blog in the bathroom? Why not make that room look a bit livelier with some hanging greenery? Enter the Boston fern. These easy-to-care-for plants are, like most true ferns, safe for pets. They prefer bright, indirect light and moist, humid environments, meaning they thrive when displayed near the shower. Take comfort in knowing that every time you shower, you also care for your plants and give yourself a pat on the back for all that hard work!
Boston ferns require rich, moist soil, so water them weekly to prevent the soil from drying out. To prevent stressing the plant out, keep it away from areas with drafts or frequent temperature changes and avoid mentioning tax season around it.
African Violet (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia)
Roses are red, violets are… well… violet. If you want a splash of colour with your greenery, the African Violet might be what you’re looking for. These plants feature velvety leaves and vibrant blooms. While they have a reputation for being a bit fussy, like your cat, who will definitely not knock this plant off your table the second you look away, if grown under the right conditions, you will be rewarded with a stunning display that will flower continuously.
African violets prefer warm temperatures and bright, indirect sunlight. When watering, be cautious, ensuring the soil is well drained and moist but not saturated. Water them from the bottom to avoid damaging the stems and leaves.
Echeveria Succulents
Are you the sort of person who wants to dump a bucket of water on your plant and then forget you own it for several weeks? You might be looking for a succulent of the Echeveria genus. These succulents are known for their colourful, plump leaves and rosette shape. They need direct, full sunlight six hours a day, so if you have floor-to-ceiling south-facing windows (no need to brag), these succulents are for you. They require infrequent, thorough watering. Despite the name, we do not recommend taking a bite of these succulents as they taste unpleasant (don’t ask us how we know). They are completely safe if your dog decides to sneak a nibble.
There are more than 1000 kinds of echeveria, ranging from purple to green to blue. Collect them all!
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
It’s time to throw out that plastic container of wilted basil leaves you bought last week. But don’t go running out for some more just yet – why not grow your own? Basil is a great herb to grow in your kitchen year-round so long as it gets 6 hours of full sunlight daily. They can keep your echeveria succulent company near those south-facing windows you were just bragging about. Alternatively, a grow light will do the trick. Plus, unlike succulents, basil is a delicious herb for you and your dog. Just don’t feed them too much, or they will start barking with an Italian accent.
Once the plant is established and planted in rich soil, basil will consistently produce leaves. Once it has made several sets of leaves, pinch it back to encourage bushier growth. If you want your basil leaves to be bigger, you can grow them outside so long as there is no risk of frost. The warmer, the better!
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Already sick of basil? That’s quite the dill-emma! If that pun annoyed you, take your anger out on some soil by planting a dill plant. Like basil, dill thrives indoors year-round. Because of its deep root system, it should be grown in a container at least 12″ deep. This plant also needs bright, full sun for a minimum of 6 hours a day. Once your seedlings reach 3″ tall, it’s time to begin thinning them until they are 4″ apart. Harvest leaves from your dill plant regularly, and the fronds will return more powerful than you could possibly imagine. Or, at the very least, regular harvesting will encourage bushier growth.
The best part? In moderation, dill supports healthy digestion by eliminating gas and remedies bad breath. So, if your dog can clear a room from both ends, this plant may be for you!
This list of six pet-friendly options will have you and your dog soiling your floors and wetting your plants in excitement. Whether your thumb is green, red, or somewhere in between (you should probably see a doctor about that), this list provides a foolproof way of bringing a little bit of verdant nature into your life.
Note: Consuming large amounts of any plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset or distress. Always consult your veterinarian when you have questions about your pet’s health.
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