Growing indoor plants can be incredibly rewarding and enhance the aesthetics of your home. However, it's important to know which plants are safe for every member of your household to be around. While many attractive and popular houseplants are toxic to pets and humans, there are plenty you can grow indoors safely, like polka dot plants. Here are three of the best pet-safe colorful houseplants:
Polka Dot Plant
Polka dot plants are small, bushy plants with vibrantly patterned leaves. They come in multiple color combinations including green and white, pink or rich red. These plants prefer higher humidity and warmer temperatures, as well as plenty of bright light to maintain their color. While they might resemble a speckled version of the toxic poinsettia, they are completely safe for both pets and humans.
Peperomia
There are over one thousand different species of peperomia, many of which make excellent houseplants. Not only are these plants pet-safe, they come in a wide array of colors and textures. Peperomia colors range from a wide range of greens to dark purples and silvers. Some varieties like the peperomia "rosso" have leaves with deep red undersides to contrast the green on top. Peperomia are generally easy to care for and completely pet and human safe.
Calathea
Calatheas include members of the "prayer plant" family, named for their leaves curling up at night resembling hands in prayer. They come in many vibrant and distinctive color patterns, sporting leaves with combinations of green, pink, red, purple and silver. While some calatheas can be demanding about their moisture needs, this type of plant is easy to care for and happy at lower light levels. All calatheas are completely non-toxic, as well, so there's no risk to pets or curious children who might want to sneak a taste of a leaf.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Realty ONE Group Dockside. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
