SOHO Flower & Garden: Pet-Friendly Plants
Pets and plants really do help to make a home. I know many hold that same sentiment to be true, but your green thumb could ultimately bring harm to your furry friend. Many common house plants are actually poisonous to dogs and cats, and could have severe adverse effects on your pet’s well-being.
I spoke with Katie of SOHO Flower & Garden to get her take on pet-friendly plants.
Who Is SOHO Flower & Garden?
SOHO Flower & Garden is run by brother-sister duo Dominic and Katie. Their shop is a Hoboken plant store that specializes in indoor plants and flower bouquets. The 900 square foot store may be small, but they carry a large variety of plants.
“We would love to create an urban jungle where customers can easily stop by, enjoy the atmosphere and be a part of the house plant community,” says Katie.
Where is SOHO Flower & Garden located?
SOHO Garden & Plant is located at 264 1st Street, Hoboken, NJ.
What do you recommend for Pet Friendly Plants?
“When it comes to pet-friendly plants, the choices are limited and there are more plants that are toxic than non-toxic.”
Luckily, SOHO Flower & Garden carries several non-toxic species of plants.
Katie recommends the following non-toxic plants:
- Calathea
- Peperomia
- Parlor Palm
- Fittonia
- Areca Palm
- Majestica Palm
- Bamboo Palm
- Chinese Fan Palm
- Spider plants
- Ponytail palm
- Ferns
- African Violet
- Phalaenopsis Orchid
- Pilea peperomioides
- Basil
- Haworthia
- Burro’s tail
Calathea, also known as the Prayer Plant is a low-maintenance, non-toxic house plant that gets its nickname from the fact that its leaves curl up at night.
“Both Calathea and Peperomia come in multiple varieties with beautiful colors and patterns making them pet lovers’ favorites.”
What are some unsafe plants to avoid with pets?
Unsafe plant species include:
- Jade Plants
- Aloe Vera
- Pencil Cacti, Kalanchoes
- Devil’s Ivy
- Poinsettia
- Crown of Thorns
- Sago Palm
- Monstera
Although several species of plants aren’t safe for pets, there are many that are safe. Don’t let it turn you off from having plants in your home as there are many benefits.
What are the benefits of having house plants?
“Little is known how much impact house plants have on pets. However, the research has proven that house plants reduce our stress and fatigue, boost mood, productivity and concentration,” says Katie.
“Also, most importantly, plants clean indoor air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. All these benefits make people happier and healthier, which will in turn have a positive influence on pets.”
How do I know if a plant is safe for my home and my pet?
Are you unsure about any plants in your home? You can always talk to someone at your local garden center, such as SOHO Flower & Garden, to be sure you are getting plants that are pet-safe. Or, if you have exhausted your online research, you can also see ASPCA’s website to double check all of the plants that are safe to bring into your home.
If you believe your pet has ingested a poisonous plant, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, and contact your local veterinarian immediately.
