During the winter and over the holidays, bringing plants indoors is not uncommon, even in Florida's warm climate. Not only are plants nice to look at, but they filter toxins from the air and provide oxygen. Yet, they can also be a temptation to curious household pets. While many varieties of plants are toxic, others are completely pet friendly. Here is a sampling of the most common, easy-to-grow and attractive pet-friendly plants that thrive in Florida's climate.
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Festive Greenery
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Some plants associated with the holidays have gotten a bad reputation for being dangerous to pets. According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, many are safe, including the premier symbol of Christmas, the poinsettia. If any symptoms result from a pet devouring a poinsettia, they are mild at most.
Holly, including the berries and leaves, is not toxic to pets either. Any reaction at all would also be mild. Other safe bets for the holidays include the Christmas cactus, and in the spring, Easter lilies.
Flowering Beauties
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One of the most popular and oldest of indoor plant cultivars is the African violet, which is famous for its velvety, hairy leaves and bright flowers. Among its other beneficial qualities, the African violet is non-toxic to house pets. Other flowering plants to consider displaying in your home that are pet friendly include: the colorful lipstick plant; bromeliads, which have spiky leaves and colorful flowers; and begonias, grown for their beautiful blooms.
Tender Grasses
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Cats love to graze on tender grass seedlings such as rye, alfalfa and wheat, not to mention catnip. These aren't the most prized of houseplants, but they won't affect Fluffy's sensitive digestive system.
Other Options
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The ASPCA lists 562 pet-friendly house and garden plants. This line is blurred in climate-friendly Florida where plants can grow well both indoors and out.
Among large non-toxic species are favorites such as rubber plants, bamboo, Boston fern and spider plants. Tabletop species include freckle face, zebra plant, burro's tail, wandering Jew, aluminum plant, peperomia and prayer plants.
Pet Deterents
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Even if plants aren't toxic to your pet, Fluffy can be harmful to your favorite posy. There are pet deterrent sprays such as Bitter Apple that keep cats---and critters from ferrets to birds---away. The list from the Animal Poison Control Center is partial. If your dog or cat has adverse symptoms after eating one of these plants, take him to the vet immediately, along with a sample of the plant.
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