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11 Cat safe houseplants you need in your home

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Houseplants can be a great way to add beauty and life to your home, but when you have cats it can be difficult to keep them from chewing on your houseplant babies. Unfortunately there are many plants that are poisonous to our furry friends so we need to be careful which ones we bring into our home. Some plants can be toxic to cats, even if they only ingest a small amount.

person touching brown cat
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may receive a small commission to keep me in the garden.

Cat Safe Houseplants:

  1. Parlor Palm: This plant is a good choice for indoor spaces because it is low-maintenance and does not require a lot of sunlight. It is also non-toxic to cats, so you can be sure that your furry friend is safe if they decide to nibble on it.
  2. ZZ Plant: Another low-maintenance plant that is safe for cats is the ZZ plant. It is also known as the Zanzibar Gem or Eternity Plant and is known for its ability to store water in its thick leaves.
  3. Snake Plant: This plant is also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is prized for its air-purifying abilities. It is also non-toxic to cats, making it a safe choice for homes with feline friends.
  4. Spider Plant: This plant is a popular choice for homes because it is easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions. It is also non-toxic to cats, making it a safe addition to any home.
  5. Fiddle-Leaf Fig: This plant is known for its large, glossy leaves and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It is non-toxic to cats, but the leaves can be sharp, so it is important to keep them out of reach of your furry friend.
  6. Pothos: This plant is also known as Devil’s Ivy and is a popular choice for hanging baskets. It is non-toxic to cats and is also easy to care for.
  7. Rubber Plant: This plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and can grow quite large. It is non-toxic to cats, but the leaves can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
  8. Cast Iron Plant: This plant is known for its ability to survive in low-light conditions and is also non-toxic to cats.
  9. Peace Lily: This plant is known for its white flowers and is also non-toxic to cats. However, the pollen can be irritating to some cats, so it is important to keep the plant out of reach of your furry friend.
  10. Boston Fern: This plant is known for its delicate fronds and is a popular choice for hanging baskets. It is non-toxic to cats, but it is important to keep the plant moist, as it can be sensitive to dry air.
  11. Calathea: Calathea are just as fussy as cats can be but they are so gorgeous and make beautiful houseplants.
selective focus photo of a cute kitten near plants
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Quick tips to keep your cats away from your houseplants:

  • Place plants out of reach. This is the most effective way to keep your cats away from your plants. You can place them on high shelves, in hanging baskets, or in a room that your cats don’t have access to.
  • Use physical barriers. You can use physical barriers to keep your cats away from your plants, such as fences, chicken wire, or plant stands.
  • Sprinkle citrus peels or cayenne pepper around the base of your plants. Cats don’t like the smell of citrus peels or cayenne pepper, so this can help to deter them from chewing on your plants.
  • Use a double-sided tape. Double-sided tape can be an effective way to keep your cats away from your plants. The sticky surface will discourage them from stepping on or near the plants.
  • Spray your plants with a bitterant. There are commercial bitterants available that can be sprayed on your plants to make them taste unpleasant to cats.
  • Teach your cat a “no” command. If your cat does start to chew on your plants, you can teach them a “no” command. This will help them to learn that chewing on plants is not acceptable behavior.
  • Air Cans. Pet Safe Ssscat spray. This can works on sensor and provides a small puff of air when your furry friend comes near an object or area you don’t want them in.

It is important to be patient and consistent when trying to keep your cats away from your houseplants. Cats are quick learners but are more stubborn do not seek to please us. It may take some time and effort, but with a little patience, you can create a safe environment for both your cats and your houseplants.

It is important to note that even though these plants are considered safe for cats, it is always best to supervise your furry friend when they are around any plants. If you notice that your cat is chewing on a plant, it is best to remove the plant from their reach. Providing distractions such as toys and safe spaces to climb can help keep your cats and houseplants happy.

Happy Gardening!

How to Grow Poinsettia

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how to grow poinsettia

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may receive a small commission to fund my gardening addiction.

The poinsettia is a popular plant to display during the Christmas season. Poinsettia is native to Mexico and Central America. This plant is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett brought cuttings of the plant back to the United States in 1828, it quickly became a popular holiday decoration in many households.

The poinsettia’s scientific name is Euphorbia pulcherrima. It is a member of the spurge family, which also includes poinsettias and other plants such as the rubber tree. The poinsettia is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The leaves are green and oval-shaped, and the flowers are small and yellow. The showy, colorful part of the poinsettia is not a flower, but a modified leaf called a bract. The bracts are red, pink, white, or yellow, and they surround the small yellow flowers. The bracts change color in response to the length of day and night very much like a Christmas Cactus needing darkness to bloom.

In the fall and winter, when the days are shorter, the bracts turn red. Poinsettias are not poisonous, but the milky white sap that they produce can irritate the skin and eyes. If you are allergic to latex, you should avoid touching poinsettias and if you have pets that like to chew plants keep this plant out of reach.

How to Grow Poinsettia

  • Water: Water your poinsettia when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch, or the pot feels lightweight when lifted. Never allow the plant to get so dry that it wilts.
  • Light: Poinsettias need bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
  • Temperature: Poinsettias prefer warm temperatures, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the plant may drop its leaves.
  • Humidity: Poinsettias appreciate high humidity levels. If you live in a dry climate, you can place your poinsettia near a humidifier or place it on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
  • Fertilizer: Feed your poinsettia a diluted balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing while our poinsettia is in bloom.
  • Pests and diseases: Poinsettias are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, such as mealybugs, scale, and root rot. If you notice any problems, isolate the plant and treat it with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.

With proper care, your poinsettia should thrive for many months. If you live in a warm climate you may even be able to plant your Poinsettia in your garden.

Here are some additional tips to help you with poinsettia care:

  • Repot your poinsettia in the spring: Poinsettias tend to outgrow their pots quickly. Repot your plant in the spring into a pot that is one size larger.
  • Prune your poinsettia: In the spring, you can prune your poinsettia to encourage new growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves.
  • Overwinter your poinsettia: If you live in a cold climate, you may want to overwinter your poinsettia indoors. Place the plant in a cool, dark location and water it sparingly. In the spring, you can bring the plant back out into the light and resume regular care.

Following these tips will help you keep your poinsettia healthy and beautiful for many months to come.

How to get your Poinsettia Plant to turn red

Poinsettias produce red bracts in response to the length of day and night. In order to get poinsettia leaves to turn red, you need to give the plant 14 hours of darkness each day for about 8 weeks before you want it to bloom.

Here are tips on how to get poinsettia leaves to turn red:

  1. Start the process 8 weeks before you want the poinsettia to bloom.
  2. Place the poinsettia in a room that receives bright, indirect sunlight during the day.
  3. At night, move the poinsettia to a dark closet or cover it with a cardboard box.
  4. Continue this process for 8 weeks.
  5. After 8 weeks, the poinsettia’s bracts should start to turn red.

Here are some additional tips for getting poinsettia leaves to turn red:

  • The poinsettia should be kept at a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
  • The poinsettia should be watered regularly, but not too much. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.
  • The poinsettia should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

If you follow these tips, your poinsettia’s bracts should turn red in time for the holidays.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

  • If you live in a warm climate, you may need to move the poinsettia to a cooler location at night.
  • If you cannot give the poinsettia 14 hours of darkness each day, you can still get it to bloom, but the bracts may not be as red.
  • If you notice any problems with your poinsettia, such as yellow leaves or dropping leaves, adjust your care accordingly.

With proper care, your poinsettia should bloom beautifully for the holiday season.

Happy Gardening!

How to get a Christmas Cactus to Bloom

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Christmas cacti are known for beautiful flowers that bloom during the holiday season. However, getting your Christmas cactus to bloom at the right time can be a bit tricky. Learn what to do to see blooms during the holiday season.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from these links I may receive a small commision to fund my gardening addiction.

how to get your christmas cactus to bloom

How to get a Christmas Cactus to bloom

  • Provide the right conditions. Christmas cacti need bright, indirect light and cool temperatures to bloom. They should be kept in a location where the temperature stays between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
  • Reduce watering in the fall. As fall approaches, you should start to reduce the amount of water you give your Christmas cactus. This will help to induce the plant to go into dormancy, which is necessary for flowering.
  • Provide Darkness. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, you should provide your Christmas cactus with 12-14 hours of darkness each day. This can be done by moving the plant to a dark closet or room for a few hours each night.
  • Fertilize. Once your Christmas cactus has finished blooming, you can start to fertilize it again. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, and fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the spring and summer months.
  • Epsom Salts. Epsom Salt has been known to be a great fertilizer for plants. Use one tablespoon per gallon of water. You can water or spray your plants with the mixture. Make sure to stop fertilizing mid fall to allow the plant to go dormant.

Extra tips to help your Christmas cactus bloom:

  • Repot your Christmas cactus every 2-3 years. This will help to ensure that the plant has fresh soil and room to grow.
  • Prune your Christmas cactus after it blooms. This will help to remove dead or damaged leaves and encourage new growth. Unless you have dead, damaged or diseased foliage you do not need to prune unless you want to prune for size.
  • Avoid pests and diseases. Christmas cacti are susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. If you see any pests on your plant, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Read our Full Christmas Cactus Growing Guide Here! To Learn how to care for your plant year round!

Try these tips to get your christmas cactus plant to bloom for years to come! You can have beautiful blooms for the holidays!

Happy Gardening

Christmas Cactus Care Guide

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Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera spp.) are popular houseplants that are known for their colorful flowers that bloom during the holiday season. They look so beautiful during the holiday season on display in the dining room or other place of gathering. They are pretty easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know in order to keep your Christmas cactus healthy and blooming year after year. Many people struggle to get them to rebloom after they purchase them in stores.

This post may contain affiliate links. Should you make a purchase we may earn a small commission to fuel our garden addiction.

christmas care

How to grow Christmas Cactus Plants

Light

Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light. If you put them in too much direct sunlight it can scorch their leaves. A north- or east-facing window is ideal, but you can also grow them in a south-facing window as long as you protect them from the afternoon sun. If you live in a sunny climate, you may need to move your Christmas cactus to a shadier location during the summer months. You can also use a sheer curtain to protect your plant from the sun.

During the winter, when your Christmas cactus has gone dormant, you can gradually reduce the amount of light it receives. This will help to encourage it to bloom in the spring. Here are some additional tips for providing your Christmas cactus with the right amount of light:

  • If you are not sure how much light your Christmas cactus needs, it is always better to err on the side of less light.
  • If you notice that the leaves of your Christmas cactus are starting to turn yellow or brown, this may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough light or its getting too much water.
  • If you live in a very dark climate or home, you may need to supplement your Christmas cactuses light with a grow light.

Water

  • Water when the top inch of soil is dry. This is the most important rule to remember when watering Christmas cacti. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of problems with these plants, so it’s important to err on the side of under-watering. You can stick your index finger into the soil to test for dryness or use a moisture meter.
  • Water deeply when you do water. When you do water your Christmas cactus, make sure to water it deeply so that the water reaches the roots. This will help to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Allow the water to come out of the drainage hole.
  • Water less during the dormancy period. During the winter, when your Christmas cactus is dormant, you can water it less often. In fact, you may only need to water it once a month or even less during this time. If you notice that the leaves start to wrinkle give it a drink.

Temperature

Christmas cacti prefer warm temperatures, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate cooler temperatures, but they will not bloom if the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity

Christmas cacti appreciate high humidity. If you live in a dry climate, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or by misting it with water occasionally. Best bet is to get a humidifier to maintain consistent humidity.

Fertilizer

Christmas cacti should be fertilized during the spring and summer months, when they are actively growing. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, or a fertilizer specifically formulated for cacti. To fertilize your Christmas cactus, simply dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label and water your plant with the diluted fertilizer. You can fertilize your Christmas cactus every 6-8 weeks during the spring and summer months. It is important to note that you should not fertilize your Christmas cactus during the winter, when it is dormant. Fertilizing your Christmas cactus during the winter can actually prevent it from blooming.

Here are some additional tips for fertilizing your Christmas cactus:

  • Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Phosphorus is essential for flowering, so it is important to use a fertilizer that contains a good amount of this nutrient.
  • Do not overfertilize your Christmas cactus. Overfertilizing can actually burn the roots of the plant and kill it.
  • If you are not sure how much fertilizer to use, it is always better to dilute your fertilizer.

Repot

Christmas cactuses only need to be repotted every few years, when they outgrow their current pot. You will know when you need to go up a pot size when you begin to see roots growing out of the pot and your plant needs watered more often than usual. When you repot, choose a pot that is one to two sizes larger than its current pot. Use a cactus potting mix or a general-purpose potting mix then add perlite and orchid bark to add drainage.

Pests and Diseases

Christmas cacti are relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. If you see any pests on your plant, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Propagation

Christmas cacti can be propagated from cuttings. To take a cutting, simply cut a healthy segment of stem that is about 4 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and allow it to callous over for a few days. Then, plant the cutting in a pot of cactus potting mix. The cutting should root in about 6 weeks.

Troubleshooting

If your Christmas cactus is not blooming, it may be because it is not getting enough light, water, or fertilizer. It may also be because the temperature is too low or the plant is not getting enough rest. Trouble shoot to figure out what’s wrong by trying different ways to care for your plant.

Christmas cacti are beautiful and easy-to-care-for plants that can add a touch of holiday cheer to your home. By following these simple care tips, you can keep your Christmas cactus healthy and blooming for many years to come.

Happy Gardening!

How to Properly water your indoor plants

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Houseplants are so beautiful and add such beauty to the home. Watering indoor plants is one of the more difficult tasks many people get wrong. It’s not complicated but watering properly is the best way to get the best out of your indoor plants. Before we begin it’s important to know that while you can water on a schedule not every plant needs watered at the same time. Watering needs are based on type of plant, soil, light and environment. Knowing what kind of plants you have is the first step in proper watering.

Here are some great tips on how to properly water your houseplants:

water indoor plants
  • Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. This is the best way to ensure that your plants are getting enough water often without over watering them. If your plant is in a tiny pot then water when the pot is half way dry. Watering Based on soil is a great way to water.
  • Water deeply. When you do water your plants, make sure to water them deeply so that the water reaches the roots. Having a drainage hole in the pot is very important for watering deeply.
  • Water from the bottom. Bottom watering can help with keeping the leaves dry on fuzzy leaf plants
  • Avoid using tap water. Tap water can contain chemicals that can be harmful to plants. If you must use tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours before watering your plants.
  • Harvest Water. You can collect rainwater or use the water from a dehumidifier to water your plants

Here are some additional tips:

  • Place your plants in the right light. Plants grown in high light will need watered more often than plants in lower lighting.
  • Use the right potting mix. The potting mix you use will affect the health of your plants. Choose a potting mix that is specifically designed for your indoor plants. Plants in more well draining soil will dry much faster than plants planted in moisture retentive soil mixes.
  • Cacti/ Succulents. These plants can go quite a while between watering’s.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when watering your houseplants:

  • Overwatering. This is the most common mistake that people make when watering their houseplants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill your plants.
  • Underwatering. Underwatering can also be a problem, but it is not as common as overwatering. Underwatered plants will start to wilt and their leaves will turn yellow.
  • Watering with cold water. Cold water can shock your plants and cause them to wilt. It is best to use lukewarm or room temperature water when watering your plants.
  • Watering at the wrong time of day. It is best to water your plants in the morning. Doing this allows your plants to soak up the moisture while they are also receiving light.

I hope these tips help you to water your houseplants and keep them healthy and thriving.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

Common Amaryllis Plant Problems and how to fix them

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Amaryllis are relatively easy to care for, but they can be susceptible to a few problems. Some issues are easily treatable and some require a little bit more effort.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may receive a small commision to fund my garden habit.

Amaryllis plant problems

Common amaryllis plant problems:

  • Overwatering: This is the most common problem with amaryllis. If you overwater your amaryllis, the bulb will rot and the plant will die. To prevent overwatering, water your amaryllis only when the soil is dry 1-2 inches down.
  • Underwatering: If you underwater your amaryllis, the leaves will wilt and the plant may not bloom. To prevent underwatering, water your amaryllis regularly, but do not overwater.
  • Not enough light: Amaryllis need bright, indirect light to bloom. If your amaryllis is not getting enough light, the leaves will be pale and the plant may not bloom. To give your amaryllis more light, move it to a brighter location to keep it happy.
  • Not enough fertilizer: Amaryllis need fertilizer to bloom. If your amaryllis is not getting enough fertilizer the plant may not bloom. To fertilize your amaryllis, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks until bloom. After your plant blooms you can fertilize monthly
  • Diseases: Amaryllis can be susceptible to a few diseases, such as red blotch and botrytis. If your amaryllis is infected with a disease, the leaves may develop spots or lesions. To treat certain diseases, you may need to use a fungicide. If you are unsure if your plant has a disease or not the quickest place to find answers is google.

FULL Amaryllis growing guide here!

Here are some tips to help you prevent amaryllis problems:

  • Choose a healthy bulb when you purchase it.
  • Plant the bulb in a pot that is the correct size.
  • Use a well-draining potting soil.
  • Water your amaryllis regularly, but do not overwater.
  • Fertilize your amaryllis every 2-3 weeks.
  • Give your amaryllis bright, indirect light.
  • Inspect your amaryllis regularly for signs of problems.

With a little care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful amaryllis blooms issue free!

Happy Gardening!

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