Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!
Find Your Local Florist:
Home Shop Flowers Bloomin' Blog Find Florists About FSN Contact FSN Florists Only!

Is My New Croton Okay Around Kitty?

Ask The Plant Expert:

I got a plant for Mother’s Day. It’s name is Croton, it’s a black waxy leaf with red veins in it. I went online and on one web site it stated that it is highly poisonous to pets and people. I have it on my enclosed patio and my cats go out there all the time. So i was wondering if i should return it? If you could please email me back asap, cause I’d  like to keep the plant, but I love my cats and myself more. Thank you for any help, or if your not sure if you could maybe have any ideas on who i could contact. Thank-you, Anneke

Colorful Croton HouseplantFlower Shop Network:

Yes, the croton house plant is toxic for plants and people, but only if it’s digested. If you’re cat has a habit of chewing on plants, you may want to try a different plant. However, the plant tastes terrible, and accidental poisonings are rare.

If any part of the croton is ingested, it would cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, and in large doses could be fatal. It is also a good idea to wear gloves when pruning, and wash your hands after touching the plant.

Although crotons are toxic, they are a beautifully colored house plant that requires little care to maintain. As long as you leave it alone and teach kitty to not crave croton salads, you can live happily with your new plant. However, if you think your cat is prone to chewing on leaves, you might consider a different plant. Be sure to check the FSN House Plant Toxicity List for help.

Top 5 Houseplants For Fido (Safe For Pets)

House Plants Safe For Pets

When it comes to our pets, like kids, we are very protective. You might have given up growing green plants in your home just to keep them safe. However, you don’t have to abandon all house plants! These 5 house plants are great and safe for Fido!

African Violets Safe For Pets5. The African Violet

African violets (Saintpaulia) are well-known, colorfully blooming plants found in many gardens, or kept as houseplants. With an array of colors including violet, blue, red, white, pink, cream, soft yellow, and bi- or multicolored flowers, it’s easy to see why. Care of African violets is relatively easy and requires an environment of bright to moderate, but consistent light in an evenly moist and humid atmosphere. The African Violet is also safe for cats and dogs!

 

Christmas Cactus - Safe for pets and children.4. Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera bridgesii or Christmas Cactus is a cactus from the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil. Plants grow on trees or rocks in habitats which are generally shady with high humidity and can be quite different in appearance from their desert-dwelling cousins. This flower is usually available in white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple. This blooming plant is perfect for houses with cats and dogs!

 

Bird Nest Fern3. Birds Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) plants are tropical plants native to Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Very slow-growing, Asplenium nidus plants are excellent for seasoned houseplant growers. Care for Asplenium nidus plants, sometimes known as spleenwort, requires attention to watering and propagation, but does not require as much attention to fertilization and light as many other houseplants. Bird’s Nest Fern plants, though care is not for the faint of heart, make beautiful additions to homes, rock gardens, and patios, in addition to being safe for your pets.

 

Parlor Palm Photo - Safe for children and pets2. Parlor Palm

Parlor Palm (Chamaedora elegans) is a very popular houseplant with rich green, slightly arched and slender leaves. Parlor Palm plants are often passed from generation to generation as they are very slow-growing and live actively for many years. This pet-friendly house plant ranges from a few inches to three feet, making Parlor Palm plants ideal for tabletop decorations, terrariums, and other small spaces inside a house. Care for Parlor Palm plants is moderately easy; they require an evenly moist environment with moderate humidity.


[Read more…]

What’s A Good Houseplant To Order Now In West Point, NY?

Ask The Plant Expert:

What houseplant is good to order this time of the year in West Point NY? I also need something not poisonous to babies and cats. -Cassandra

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

If you want a blooming plant, I would recommend the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) or Bromeliad (Guzmania lingulata major), which are both very safe for pets and children.

Christmas Cactus - Safe for pets and children.
Christmas Cactus
Bromeliad House Plant - Safe for children and pets
Bromeliad

If you want a nice green plant, I would recommend a Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans).

[Read more…]

Peace Lilies Don’t Make Dogs Peaceful

Ask The Expert: My Sons dog ate all the leaves off my peace lily. Please tell me this plant
isn’t toxic and his dog will be ok. Thanks, Gina

Reply:
Peace lilies are on the toxic list for dogs. However, it depends on how much he ingests. Peace will cause the following symptoms: oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. If the dogs develops beathing problems, excessive drooling and/or difficulty swallowing call your vet. The dog may need something to counteract the insoluble calcium oxalates from the peace lily.

Please keep me posted on your dog. I have 2 dogs myself and will worry until I know how yours is.

Unknown Plant – Friendly Visitor or Deadly Foe?

Ask the Expert: Now growing in my backyard

About 2ft tallPossible Jimson Weed

James,

I believe you have a Datura stramonium also known as Angel’s trumpet, Jimson weed, Thorn apple. Datuar stramonium seems to be native in all of the continental US states expect Wyoming. The large trupet shaped flowers are pretty and later it will develop a spiny fruit. Certain Native American tribe used this plant as an herb. However, all parts of this plant are toxic and should not be ingested.