Do you love plants? I sure do, and a lot of pets do, too. Here are some ways to keep them safe!

March 31, 2025

These days most people I know have plants. And, tropical plants are being sold almost everywhere.  Most tropical plants (that I own anyway) are extremely toxic. I put them higher up so my cat cannot get to them.

When purchasing your new plant, some things to research are:

• Find out the name of your plant. If there isn't a label on the pot itself, I use Google Lens. It's pretty good at identification. I will then search it online, and make sure that is really what it is, based on other photos or posts. If no luck, always assume it is toxic.  Some plants also look similar to others. 
• Determine if the plant is toxic or not. You can go to the ASPCA website, internet search, or download apps. 
• I keep a journal of all my plants (total plant nerd), that way I can keep track of who is toxic, who is mildly toxic, and who is pet safe.  As well as specific soil combinations each plant likes, humidity, fertilizer.......(told you, total plant nerd.)
• I use colored plant tags, like you would use in the garden, that indicate what plant is what toxicity level. Red = toxic, yellow = mild, green = pet safe. 
• Toxic plants I place as high up as possible, or hang them from pots. The only exception are my Monsteras. They are beasts and there is nothing sturdy enough to keep them up high. Fortunately, my pets could care less about those.  Sadly, my fave plants are Alocasia, of which I have at least 20. They are all toxic, and someday will be huge. But, that is a problem for another day. 

I'm in no means an expert with every plant, so the best way is to research the plant you like at the store, or just assume it is toxic, and put it up high once you get it home. Also, if your pet does chew on/eat one of your plants, look at the ASPCA toxic plant website or call your veterinarian ASAP.