Pets and indoor plants indeed go together when you bring any of these plant-friendly varieties home.

African Violet

This tiny but magnificent plant is great for areas with indirect light, such as a kitchen table. But take care to keep it away from air vents and other drafty areas. The African violet needs regular indoor temperatures and humidity levels, plus regular fertilizer to bloom year-round.

Baby’s Tears

Round or tear-drop shaped leaves give baby’s tears layers of greenery thanks to its long, leggy stems. It can be used as a ground cover for other plants or indoor trees, but also does well as a hanging plant. Make sure the baby’s tears has moist soil, filtered sunlight, and average indoor temperatures and humidity.

Banana

If you give the banana plant the full sunlight, regular watering, and higher indoor temperatures and humidity levels, it’ll give you showstopping leaves and maybe a banana! Under the right conditions, it’ll grow to six feet tall indoors and can be transplanted outdoors. Be careful to not let a curious pet swat at the leaves as they’re on the fragile side and prone to tearing.

Spider Plant

A known air purifier, the spider plant thrives in partial to filtered indirect light and moderate indoor humidity and temperatures. Though they’re known as a hardy pet-friendly plant, don’t overwater as they’re susceptible to root rot and other fungal disease. When the spider plant begins to mature, you may see small plantlets grow from the stem  — their shape is what gives the plant its name!

Venus Fly Trap

Native to the boggy low country of South Carolina, the Venus fly trap does what it can to take care of itself indoors. But it does need direct sunlight, above average temperatures and humidity levels, and rainwater or distilled water from you. In return, it helps keep flies and other small insects at bay while filling its nutritional needs.

Areca Palm

A common potted plant in homes, the areca palm needs a bright room with the usual indoor temperatures and humidity levels. Make sure it has well-draining soil and that the soil dries out between waterings. Its inviting fronds won’t hurt a curious pet either.

Boston Fern

With its layers of bushy fronds, the Boston fern has been a staple in high humidity areas for years. And it's no wonder — this pet-friendly plant can thrive in bathrooms or kitchens with bright, indirect light as a hanging plant or on a plant stand. Give it all-purpose plant food every other month and you’ll enjoy a Boston fern for years.

Calathea

The calathea is known for its large striped or stippled leaves, but does have particular care needs. It needs filtered light or shade so as to not fade the leaves; loamy soil; regular waterings; and above average temperatures and humidity levels.

Known for its distinct top leaf patterns and purple undersides, the calathea is sure to start a few conversations. It needs more shade than indirect light as too much bright light causes the leaves to fade in color. Give it loose but well-draining soil, average indoor temperatures, and high humidity, and the calathea will add a pop to any home for years.

Peperomia

The Peperomia family is known for its stand-out leaves which feature nearly symmetrical designs. It’s a bit on the slow growing side, but isn’t fussy about its care. Make sure your Peperomia has indirect light, well-draining soil, and average humidity and temperatures.

Orchid

When the winter days are cold and dreary, the orchid shines — it’s known to bloom during these times. Give yours soil designed for orchids; bright, indirect light; water when the soil is dry, and higher humidity levels. Plus, don’t worry about repotting when the orchid becomes root bound; it loves a good tangle of roots.

Mosaic Plant

A compact pet-friendly plant, the mosaic has pink or white veins streaking through the tops of its leaves. When given the right growing conditions and space, the mosaic plant may begin to trail out, with the leaves appearing to reach beyond the container. It needs bright, indirect light; average temperatures but higher humidity levels; and water when the soil begins to dry out.

Bromeliad

An epiphyte, the bromeliad is a relative to the air plant which means it can grow with or without soil. They do best with indirect bright light, average indoor temperatures and humidity levels, and appreciate the occasional spritz of water from a mister. As the bromeliad matures, it might produce a colorful bloom in its cupped center, but this only happens once in its lifetime.

Ponytail Palm

Easygoing but slow growing, the ponytail palm isn’t really a palm at all — it’s related to edible asparagus. If you forget to water it once in a while, don’t worry; the bulbous stem acts as a water reservoir. Ponytail palms do best with cactus or succulent soil, bright but indirect light, and water every one to two weeks.

Royal Velvet Plant

Known for its deep green, serrated leaves with shimmering purple, the royal velvet plant can make any living space feel like a fairytale castle. The shimmer comes from hundreds of fine, tiny hairs on the leaves. Make sure it has moderate indoor temperatures and humidity levels, indirect light, and only water when the topsoil is dry.

Echeveria

One of the few pet-friendly succulents, the echeveria is definitely hardy thanks to its desert upbringing. With jewel-toned leaves encircling a tight rosette shape, it’s great for small spaces, such as an office desk. But the echeveria does need bright to full sun, warmth, and very well-draining soil.

You and your pets can enjoy any of these plants safely and for years with the right care. Need help keeping your home comfortable for your plants and pets? Call Proskill today for HVAC tune-up.