Indoor plants have many benefits for humans, but can be dangerous for pets. Some of the most popular house plants can be toxic to cats and dogs. Keeping your pets healthy and safe is important, but it’s disappointing when your ideal houseplant won’t work in your home. Luckily, there are some comparable options for many of the most popular plants to have indoors. Here are the details about monstera, aloe vera and their pet-safe alternatives.
Monstera are tropical broad-leaf plants that can grow as high as ten feet tall when grown indoors. They’re also called “Swiss cheese plants” because of their iconic split leaves. Monstera are very popular with interior designers as a bold statement plant in homes and commercial spaces. Unfortunately, the leaves are toxic to dogs and cats. Monstera are not deadly but can cause vomiting, upset stomach and mouth irritation if eaten.
If you want a large statement-making plant, you still have options that are non-toxic to pets. The banana tree, while most commonly grown outdoors, can make a great indoor plant for those who like large bold leaves. They are native to tropical climates and thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity, which can actually make them a great indoor plant choice if you live in colder climates.
Another excellent alternative that won’t harm your pets is the Areca palm. This is another tropical plant you are likely to encounter planted outdoors as barriers or privacy screening because of their height and similarity in appearance to bamboo clusters. Areca palms need lots of light, so if you don’t have a bright window, it’s a good idea to bring the palm outside during the summer months.
Aloe vera plants are popular houseplants because of their ability to grow in small containers with little attention. They’re also useful plants: aloe vera gel is widely used in cosmetic and medicinal products all over the world. They are heavily cultivated and therefore easy and inexpensive to find. Despite its many benefits and uses for humans, aloe vera is toxic enough to pets that you should keep it far away from them. Often it’s simply enough to keep an aloe plant out of reach, but if you’re looking for alternatives, there are options.
One aloe alternative is the haworthia succulent. While it looks extremely similar to aloe plants, it’s non-toxic to pets if ingested. They’re also similarly easy to take care of and only require watering once a week at most. Any variety of haworthia succulent is an excellent alternative to aloe, especially for homeowners with limited space or time for maintenance.
The fleshy, pointy leaves of the bromeliad family of plants are comparable to aloe both in aesthetics and care. While bromeliads can grow large and produce bold, bright flowers, some of them don’t even require planting in soil to grow. Epiphytic bromeliads, also called Tillandsia or air plants, grow attached to rocks and trees in nature and simply absorb moisture and nutrients through the air. You can do the same with an indoor bromeliad as long as it has something to hold on to. Just soak your plant in water for an hour once a week to make sure it gets the moisture it needs.
Headline: Tina Broyles: Your Expert Real Estate Agent for Fremont, San Jose, and the Bay Area | eXp Realty
Bio:
As a dedicated real estate professional and a long-time resident of the California Bay Area, I have been proudly serving the real estate community since 1987. My mission is to provide my clients with unparalleled professionalism, in-depth market knowledge, and a caring approach that has resulted in a business built almost entirely on referrals.
Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor in the Bay Area
I specialize in the vibrant and diverse real estate markets of Fremont, Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Milpitas, CA. With over three decades of experience, I have a deep understanding of these communities and can provide you with the insights you need to make informed decisions.
One of the most consistent compliments I receive from clients is about my responsiveness to their needs. Your goals are my top priority, and I am committed to being there for you every step of the way. I am honored to have been voted "Best of Milpitas" every year from 2000 to 2020, a testament to my dedication to my clients and my community.
About My Business: eXp Realty
As part of the innovative eXp Realty team, I bring a diverse set of skills and a commitment to excellence to every transaction. We leverage cutting-edge technology that is "beyond expectation" to provide you with a seamless and efficient real estate experience. My team and I offer the perfect balance of experience and professionalism to help you achieve your real estate dreams in the Bay Area.
Community Involvement
I believe in giving back to the community that has given me so much. I am a happily married mother of two and a proud grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters, Audrina and Chesney. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, exercising, and my weekly Bible study. I am also passionate about serving the homeless community in Milpitas and supporting our local businesses.
I would be honored to get to know you and your family and put my extensive real estate experience to work for you.
Credentials: