When my cat adopted me last year, the last thing on my mind was checking to make sure my houseplants were safe for pets. Then I accidentally came across an article on pet-safe greenery and the light bulb came on: time to make sure the plants are up to code! This post is dedicated to all you cat and dog owners out there. Keep in mind that today’s featured plants are safe for cats and dogs, but even non-toxic plants may have less-than-ideal effects if ingested. In fact, it’s never a bad idea to check with your local nursery or vet for verification that a plant is in fact pet-safe, and I’ve found the ASPCA website to be incredibly helpful. Here are 6 unique plant finds that will help you create a stylish, pet-friendly interior… Spider Plant Let’s start with some foliage that demands to be noticed. The spider plant has long, spiky leaves that create a dramatic effect without overpowering the room. Spider plants thrive when placed next to a window. Not to mention, this plant should dry out between waterings, which gives you plenty of time to remember to hydrate it! Lemon Button FernWith its small arching stems and button-like foliage, this plant is the perfect accent piece for a shelf or tabletop. In fact, it often levels out at a height of about one foot tall. The lemon button fern’s curved form and delicate leaves also make it ideal for hanging baskets. At the same time, a simple terracotta pot is the perfect receptacle for this dainty yet eye-catching plant. Areca Palm I’ve been dying to add some tropical greenery to my interior, but it seems that more often than not, a quick research attempt reveals that my plant of choice is toxic to cats and dogs. I was thrilled to discover that the areca palm is a safe option! Here’s a whole slew of them, shown in an image from Fox Hill Nursery: This is the kind of plant you can display with pride in a big pot (such as a metallic planter–my personal favorite for a retro modern look). Talk about an instant focal point to the room! Known for its air-purifying effects, the areca palm is fairly easy to care for. It’s important not to over-water the plant, but it’s a good idea to hydrate it when the soil below the surface begins to feel dry. In terms of lighting, a helpful SFGate article offered the great suggestion of allowing your areca palm to gradually acclimate to indoor lighting by first placing it outside in a part-shade area. After a few weeks, bring it inside to its permanent bright location! Baby Rubber PlantLooking for a plant that works well in containers and glistens with style? The baby rubber plant is shiny and bright, yet low-maintenance. Yes, the waxy round leaves give it a special sheen and a shape that’s ideal for the pot of your choice. The photo below appears in an amazing post from A Beautiful Mess, which showcases a collection of unique houseplants that are non-toxic. Baby rubber plants love bright indirect light, and it’s easy to overwater them, so resist the temptation. In fact, allowing the soil to dry out almost entirely between waterings is a good idea for this no-fuss plant. Ponytail Palm A wide base, a striking trunk and a full display of long leaves gives the aptly named ponytail palm a sculptural look. Bright light works best for this plant, as does a relaxed watering schedule of once every one or two weeks. Display it alone, or go for a tropical look with a row of ponytail palms that creates a resort-style feel. Prayer Plant
Last but not least, we have the prayer plant, which grabs the attention with intricate leaves that boast a variety of green shades, as well as pink detailing. Once again, this plant photo comes to us from A Beautiful Mess via a post that is filled with interesting houseplant selection and display options.. This plant does just fine in medium lighting, and it’s important to keep the soil moist but not too wet. It’s also a good idea to avoid direct light, as it will cause the leaves to fade. I found this post from Growing Wild Seeds to be extremely helpful in terms of prayer plant care.
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We have always believed that size is indeed relative, and what might be a lavish, generous home for some might seem like a modest, mundane affair to others. A backyard swimming pool is not too different in this regard, as those who actually do not have one often crave at least a small pool that allows them to cool off on a hot summer day. Adding a petite pool to your small backyard need not be a challenging and complex affair, and the result will often leave you amazed, as you will discover a brand new hangout just a few steps away from your living room!
A sunburst mirror is an outstanding decor piece that demands to be in the center of attention with its unique design and captivating energy. It can be a very big piece, claiming much of the wall space and not leaving any room for other wall decor – not that it is needed. It can also be a smaller piece but nonetheless an enchanting one! The sizing is not its most charming feature after all; it is the radiance and the gleam! Check out our beautiful selection of sunburst mirrors!
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June 2017
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