Elevate Your Mood + Space with these Nine Exotic, Colorful, Non-toxic Houseplants

Mar 30

Plants have been cultivated as long as animals have been domesticated. As I sit here, my laptop is open to photos of dogs who descended from wolves, and I look around the room and count 16 houseplants that have been propagated from forest around the world. I try to imagine what this place would look like without all the green, and it would feel less like a home. Houseplants aren't just décor; they are meditative artforms, air purifiers, and mood enhancers. Indoor plants are a centuries-old tradition and have gained popularity in the number of new pop-up shops, online subscription services, and social media accounts (I personally enjoy @earthychildren) dedicated to the hobby. From the common to the exotic, plants offer many benefits. However, selecting a beautiful houseplant for your home is only secondary to choosing a plant that is non-toxic to your pets.

Researchers have traced the cultivation of plants and domestication of animals in a similar timeframe that spans over 23,000 years. Throughout history, they have represented wealth and status. Plants have been coveted treasures for royals brought to them from explorers and have been displays of opulence from Babylon to Versailles. Over time, plants' cultivation became a pastime of the elite who had extravagant greenhouses, atriums, and sunrooms constructed. Today, we have window sills, plant stands, and terrariums committed to the practice of plant people. As both plants and animals have become an integral part of our lives, they serve to be more than displays.

Houseplants have many health benefits for both you and our pets. As every plant takes in carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, some houseplants also serve to filter toxins from our environment and remove compounds such as mold, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, providing us with cleaner air. Indoor plants in office buildings have been shown to improve productivity and efficiency by 15%. Houseplants also create an environment that replicates nature, which generates a sense of calm and relaxation, leading to reduced levels of stress, improved blood pressure, and increased mental clarity.

However, while houseplants can provide many health benefits for humans, those with curious pets may find that selecting the wrong type of plant can be dangerous to their health. Animals are curious by nature and sometimes just plain devious. Creating a home habitat with non-toxic plants is the best safeguard against incidents that may lead to a vet visit.

The combination of non-toxic plants and placement within the home is vital for your peace of mind and enjoyment. Some articles and blogs will provide you with a list of pet-friendly houseplants, but it is wise to verify that they are not toxic to your pet. The ASPCA’s online database is a great resource as well as the websites like the Botanical Gardens Conservation International. Additionally, a visit to www.petpoisonhelpline.com will help supplement any information you may need.

To begin your houseplant obsession, here is my list of nine houseplants that are not only non-toxic to your pet but easy to care for and foremost beautiful: