Snake Plants: Pros and Cons in Homes with Pets

Photo by Pet Shot Studios

Creating a pet-friendly indoor garden is all about finding plants that are easy to care for and safe for pets. Snake plants, with their ability to clean the air and low need for attention, seem perfect at first glance. But there's a catch: they're not great for pets. My human hasn't had the best luck with plants, from struggling succulents to a 4-year-old saguaro cactus that didn't make it. Yet, these snake plants have been surprisingly tough. Let's unpack this a bit more, aiming to help other pet owners figure out how to keep us safe while still enjoying the perks of having a snake plant around.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Air Purification: Snake plants excel in stripping indoor air of toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, offering a breath of fresh air—literally.

• Low Maintenance: Ideal for the busy pet parent, they demand little attention and thrive on neglect, with minimal watering and light requirements.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Snake plants add a modern touch to any interior design scheme with their striking upright leaves.

Cons:

• Toxicity Alert: When ingested, snake plants can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The saponins they contain are responsible for these toxic effects.

• Potential for Chewing: Curious cats (and sometimes dogs) might find the leaves an enticing snack, risking their health.
  

Making the Right Choice for Your Green Home

Education First: Realize that no plant is 100% safe. Knowing the risks and keeping pets from making a salad out of your indoor garden is crucial. The ASPCA's comprehensive guide on plant toxicity is an indispensable tool for pet parents, so check it out here.

Safety Over Style: Consider these pet-friendly alternatives that don't skimp on benefits or beauty:

• Money Tree: Thrives with minimal fuss and brings a touch of green luck into your home.

• Parlor Palm: Adds a lush, tropical feel without the worry for your furry friends.

• Rattlesnake Calathea: Its striking patterns are safe for pets and a feast for the eyes.
  

  
  

For my friends living in LA, you can also check out KimThai Garden in Chinatown. They have a fantastic array of plants, and the owners are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Don't even get me started with how good their head scratches are. 

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate these planters?

Black Schnauzer Planter

French Bulldog Planter

Shih Tzu Planter

Pug Planter

Aside from the black schnauzer, aka a Calvin planter, Likha makes a variety of pet planters that look as cute as your pet. Likha is committed to creating sustainable, hand-crafted artisan products that benefit artists from the Philippines. Learn more and get your own pet planter here.

Strategic Placement Is Key: Even with safer plants, placement matters. Keep potentially risky plants on high shelves or in pet-restricted areas. As a general rule of thumb, all our plants are placed on bookshelves, kitchen counters, and dining tables where my short legs couldn't climb. That might be trickier for cat owners because I have seen some climb trees at my local park. 

Behavioral Strategies

• Training: Teach pets to avoid plants from an early age. This can include using deterrents for initial training and positive reinforcement for avoiding plants. In my case, I was taught not to eat anything in a pot using my plant toy as a training tool. This is the same training I received when I was taught not to eat anything off an unattended plate. 

• Provide Alternatives: Sometimes, pets chew on plants out of boredom or lack of stimulation. Offering chew toys or interactive and puzzle toys for dogs can redirect this behavior away from your indoor plants or favorite pair of shoes. Trust me, an antler chew saved all our furniture when I was teething. 
  

  
  

Fostering Harmony Between Pets and Plants

Keep Watch: Always monitor your pets for signs of plant munching or related illnesses. Quick action can prevent more severe issues.

Be Prepared: Keep your vet's contact information handy, along with a list of your indoor plants. It could be vital in an emergency.

A pet-friendly indoor garden is about balancing your love for greenery with your responsibility towards us, your adorable but sometimes very naughty pets. With thoughtful choices and strategic care, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, ensuring your homes are safe havens for all inhabitants.

Proud plant paw-rent

If you found this article helpful, subscribe to my newsletter for more paw-fessional tips. I would also love for you to weigh in on this subject. Remember to follow me on Instagram @sweetlifeofcalvin and tag me a photo of your plant.🌱