Non-Toxic Houseplants That Are Safe for Animals

Non-toxic Houseplants That Are Safe for Animals

4/6/2023

Trivia time! What did Neville Longbottom’s great-uncle Algie give him for his fifteenth birthday? The answer: a Mimbulus mimbletonia plant!

Though Neville often lost his toad companion, Trevor, we have no doubt that Neville cared about him. One thing he made sure of before embarking on the Hogwarts Express was to check that his new plant wasn’t toxic for toads or any other animals his classmates would bring with them. The Mimbulus mimbletonia’s defence mechanism is to release Stinksap when prodded. Stinksap is a dark green liquid that smells like rancid manure. Surprisingly enough, it's non-toxic for humans and animals.

Follow Nevile’s example by ensuring that your furry and leafy companions pair well together!

To our knowledge, there’s no spell capable of telling us if a plant is toxic. So what can we do? Research! Luckily for you, you won’t have to, as The Protego Foundation has plenty of Ravenclaws who love to dive into research tasks! We’ve pulled a Hermione by hitting the Hogwarts library and finishing the homework for you. We’ll go over which plants to check out as well as which ones to avoid.

We also thought it would be fun to sort the plants according to which is most suitable for each Hogwarts House! No matter what House you're in, there’s a plant that will be happy to live alongside you and your animal friends.

Slytherin: Dark & Ambitious

Toxic Plant to Avoid:

You’ve been sorted into Slytherin and you’re feeling the House pride. You want to decorate your dormitory and figure that nothing could be better than a plant named after your House emblem. Besides, you’ve seen these plants all over your relatives’ manors. Be warned! The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is dangerous for both cats and dogs.

This indoor plant is deceivingly popular, as it requires minimal light and watering. It’s so easy to care for that some say it’s unkillable. The snake plant has a defense mechanism: saponins, which are naturally occurring chemicals that protect the plant from insects, microbes, and fungi. These chemicals are what make this plant bad news for our furry friends.

Great Non-Toxic Options:

To better represent Slytherin (without potentially harming your animal companion), opt for a rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia or Goeppertia insignis). While this plant isn’t the easiest to look after, it’s worth the extra care to provide a safe environment for your furry friend. Channel your ambitious side and challenge yourself to get this dark green plant to thrive in the dungeons.

Rattlesnake Plant Requirements:

Light: This plant will thrive in bright indirect light. Avoid the harsh afternoon light.
Soil: Keep it moist but not soggy. Choose a well-draining soil.
Water: In summer, water regularly to keep the soil moist. In winter, wait for the top layer to dry before watering again. Mist frequently or keep the plant somewhere humid, like a bathroom or kitchen.

Alternatively, you could go for a gasteria. With its dark tones and rough texture, this aloe-like succulent has all the characteristics a Slytherin might look for in a houseplant. The rough texture of the long leaves earned this plant the nicknames of “ox tongue” and “cow's tongue” (though both are less frequently used).

Gasteria Requirements:

Light: This plant will do fine in light and shade. Settle for a happy medium by placing it in moderate indirect light.
Soil: Keep the soil dry.
Water: It doesn’t need much water. As a general rule, water once a week in spring and summer, and once every two weeks in autumn and winter.

Ravenclaw: Airy & Unique

Toxic Plants to Avoid:

The raven ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) plant is unlike any other. Its ever-changing leaves transform from dark green, to purple, to black hues, making it fascinating and distinguishable. Alas, this plant has a downside. If directly ingested, it is mildly poisonous to cats, dogs, and humans. And if you’re tempted to pick a bird of paradise (Strelitzia), remember to use your logic! Contrary to this plant’s name, Ravenclaw Tower won’t feel like a paradise if you find your best friend suffering there.

Great Non-Toxic Options:

A safe and reliable plant companion is the simple fern. If you want to really represent Ravenclaw, go for a bird's nest (Asplenium) or a blue star (Phlebodium aureum) variety. They're both easy to care for, which will give you plenty of time to study, stargaze, or decipher the Common Room password.

Fern Plant Requirements:

Light: While they can tolerate light shade, ferns will be happier in bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil: It’s best to keep the soil a little dry (top two inches) to avoid it being waterlogged.
Water: Water when the topsoil is dry and around the center to avoid causing root rot. The plants will like a humid spot but can also do well if misted frequently.

If you’d like a bit more color while still feeling the House pride, opt for a furry feather (Calathea rufibarba). You’ll be captivated by this plant’s deep purple undersides and velvety, fur-like feel.

Furry Feather Requirements:

Light: This plant tolerates a low light but will do better in bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil: Keep it moist but not soggy. Allow good drainage.
Water: Water when the top half inch of the soil is dry. Water less frequently in winter.

Gryffindor: Vibrant & Resiliant

Toxic Plant to Avoid:

With its gorgeous orange flowers, lion's ear, also called lion’s tail (Leonotis leonurus), would please any home gardener – but not their animal companions. You guessed it: it’s poisonous! The same goes for the croton (Codiaeum variegatum), a house plant whose bold foliage is an ode to the Gryffindor House colors.

Great Non-Toxic Options:

A flaming sword (Vriesea orange) is a bromeliad plant that would make a striking addition to your dormitory. This plant is easy to care for and suitable for beginners (or students who would rather be practicing their Quidditch moves). A good spot for this plant would be near a window with a perfect view of the Forbidden Forest.

Flaming Sword Requirements:

Light: Though they can tolerate light shade, bright, indirect light is needed to thrive.
Soil: Keep it moist, not soggy.
Water: Water from the center using filtered water. Mist regularly or place in a humid spot.

A firecracker flower (Crossandra infundibuliformis) is another safe bet. The radiant orange blooms will fit perfectly in the common room for a lively and cosy feel. Don’t be alarmed if you hear a popping sound: this is how the firecracker flower got its name. The dried seed pods explode when wet, either under the rain or in conditions of high humidity.

Firecracker Flower Requirements:

Light: Bright, indirect light works best.
Soil: Good drainage is key. Avoid the soil completely drying out.
Water: Use lukewarm water. Water frequently in summer and less often in winter.

Hufflepuff: Reliable & Thriving

Toxic Plant to Avoid:

Loyal and just, it is said that Hufflepuffs wear their hearts on their sleeves. The heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) would be the obvious choice for a plant parent wannabe…if it weren’t toxic to both human and non-human animals.

Great Non-Toxic Options:

Don’t fret, as you’ve got other options! With its cute leaves, what better than the string of heart (Ceropegia) to represent Hufflepuff with pride? It’s easy to care for and safe for our furry friends. A good thing, too, because this plant likes to grow very long. Pop it on a bookshelf and wait for it to reach the ground!

String of Heart Requirements:

Light: This plant can manage in light shade but will be happier in bright, indirect light.
Soil: Sogging roots won’t do this plant good. Let the soil dry out. Ensure well-drained soil.
Water: Drought tolerant, it will forgive a forgetful parent. However, it does need more frequent watering than other succulents.

Another safe choice is a friendship plant (Pilea involucrata). The name stems from its fast growth and easy propagation. You can divide it and replant, then give the new ones to friends! Now, if that doesn’t scream Hufflepuff, we don’t know what does.

Friendship Plant Requirements:

Light: This plant will be fine in both light and shade. Ideally, opt for moderate, indirect light.
Soil: Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering and ensure proper drainage.
Water: Water regularly in spring and summer, less in winter.

What If?

What if I’m unsure if my plants are toxic or not?
Research! Start by asking the shop you got your plants from. Another great ressource is the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List.

What if I am planning to adopt an animal companion and can’t bear to part with my plants, some of which are toxic?

Out of sight, out of mind. See if you can dedicate a space in your home to which your animal companions won’t have access. That can be on top of your bookshelf, a high windowsill, or in another room entirely. Ultimately, you are responsible for your animal companion’s safety. Depending on your plant’s toxicity level, consequences of ingesting the leaves could range from upsetting your animal friend’s stomach to causing their death. You might consider rehoming your leafy friends if you can’t tame your companion’s curiosity. You could bring your plant to your workplace, organize a plant swap with friends, or gift them to your family.

What if my animal companion has eaten a toxic plant?

Symptoms may vary depending on how much of a plant an animal has eaten. If any unusual symptoms occur, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, immediately bring them to your local emergency vet or Magizoologist.

Are you ready to take a leaf out of Neville’s book and check the toxicity of every plant before bringing them home? Let us know which plant from our list strikes your fancy!

Written by Assya Ahouandjinou

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