GARDEN ARTISANS NEWSLETTER                                                                 JANUARY 2009
 
With a degree in horticulture, I seem to naturally accumulate random plants, green-thumb or not. A few ferns leftover from a wedding, several houseplants that friends were on the brink of killing... you get the idea. Before I knew it, my living room had more than three times as many plants as couches, and I had only paid for one of them. The weekend before Christmas (good timing is not one of my strong-suits) I moved in with a roommate...who has cats. I love cats. Despite the fact that one has already tried to maim me several times in our less than two weeks together, I still love cats. In an attempt to start things on the right foot with my new roommate, I researched the toxicity levels of my growing collection of houseplants before introducing them to their new home, and their new furry friends. The added benefits of plants and pets are endless, but keeping them in the same house can be tricky. Below is a list of houseplants that will enhance your home and are safe for your pets, too.
Growing Together: Houseplants & Pets
Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants

For a complete listing of toxic and non-toxic plants, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has an extensive list on their website.  If you are concerned your pet might be poisoned, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at 888-426-4435.

Non-Toxic Houseplants:

1.  African Violet - A common houseplant, African violets produce colorful flowers in many shades of pink, purple, or white. When watering, make sure not to get water on the leaves, as they will leave water marks. Visit the African Violet Society of America, Inc. for more information.
2.  Begonia species - With many different varieties to choose from, it would be difficult not to find a type that suits everyone's home styles. The American Begonia Society is another great resource for more information.
3.  Boston fern - A common citing in many indoor gardens, the Boston fern has an elegant look that reminds me of waterfalls. If not watered regularly, it will become a messy houseplant as its leaves turn brown and drop.
4.  Lipstick plant - This houseplant produces bright red tubular flowers reminiscent of its namesake. With drooping panicles, lipstick plant looks best in a hanging basket or cascading over a shelf.
5.  Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia sandersii) - Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) poses a slight toxicity risk to some animals if eaten, but watermelon peperomia is both beautiful and safe for pets.
6.  Pink polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) - Native to Madagascar, this small-leaved houseplant grows up to three feet in ideal environments. In addition to pink and green, it also comes in white or red with green.  
7.  Spider plant - The ideal starter plant for the new gardener, this easy-going houseplant enjoys being left alone. With occasional attention and watering, it will sprout new "babies" or miniature plantlets from the original plant. Taken as a plantlet from my aunt's plant more than twelve years ago, my spider plant is still growing strong (and this is after I fed it acid-loving fertilizer...they're not acid loving, I do not recommend it)!
8.  Swedish ivy - Taken as a small cutting from a friend's plant more than four years ago, my Swedish ivy has overgrown its pot numerous times and I've shared new cuttings with many friends. Swedish ivy is an attractive vine that will keep growing for nearly as long as you let it.

Houseplant Care - A General Overview
  • The number one cause of houseplant death is overwatering. Let the soil dry between watering to ensure the soil is receiving adequate oxygen.
  • Your houseplant loves the warm weather even more than you! When the days start to heat up and the night temperatures don't drop below 50's for at least four or more consecutive days, move your houseplants outdoors for the summer. Gradually warm them to their new location, leaving them in a shady location for a few weeks before moving the sun-loving plants into a more ideal environment.
For more houseplant advice, the January, 2004 Garden Artisans newsletter also has more tips and recommendations for indoor plant care.

About the Author

Courtney Capstack is a trained horticulturist from Virginia Tech. Courtney has worked at the Chicago Botanic Garden and as a volunteer at the Hahn Horticulture Garden. Courtney currently works at the American Horticultural Society in Alexandria, Virginia.


New Product Introductions
 
We have introduced many new styles of Crescent resin planters this month.  Some are sold in sets, some as individual pots and there are some fabulous new color choices.
 
 Fun NEW Colors!
 Josef Planter ComboMosaic Nomi Turq
 
Many New Styles: including many new urns and rectangular planters.
 
Festonada Rect in useCarlisle Urn
 
Click here to peruse the entire Crescent line of planters.
 
 
 
 
Sources
 

"Animal Poison Control: 17 Common Poisonous Plants." The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. http://www.aspca.org.

Goetz, Rebecca. "Indiana Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets." Cooperative Extension Service, Purdue University. http://www.vet.purdue.edu/toxic/- cover1.htm

"Non Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats." The Pet Friendly House. www.petfriendlyhouse.com/information/Plants/-non_poisonous_plants.aspx

"Safe and Poisonous Houseplants." Home & Garden Education Center, Cooperative Extension System. University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. November 7, 2005. http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu