How to Keep a Potted Plant Away from Pets

If you are a pet owner and love to grow indoor plants, then there is a good chance that your beloved furry friends and your plants won't get along very well. Your pets may be curious and playful, and while that is adorable, it can also be dangerous for your plants. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can keep your potted plants away from your pets.

Choose Wisely: Pets-Friendly Plants

The first step in keeping your plants safe from pets is by choosing plants that are pets-friendly. This means plants that are non-toxic to pets and won't cause any harm if ingested or touched by them. Some of the pet-friendly plants that you can go for include spider plants, Boston ferns, African violets, and succulents. You can also do a quick search on the internet for a list of plants that are safe for your pets.

Keep Them at an Elevated Level

A simple way to ensure your pets don't reach your plants is by keeping them at an elevated level. For instance, you can use a plant stand, hanging baskets, or shelves to keep your plants out of reach. This way, the plants are in a safe and secure location, and your pets won't be able to nibble or scratch the leaves. Remember to keep the plants away from any furniture that your pets can use to climb up and reach the plants.

Train Your Pets

Training your pets is essential in keeping your plants safe. Teach your pets from a young age not to touch or eat the plants, and reward them for good behavior. If you have cats, you can use a spray bottle to spray them with water every time they try to scratch or chew on the plants. After doing this for some time, your pets will understand that chewing or scratching on the plants isn't okay, and they'll stop doing it.

Observe Your Pets

It's essential to observe your pets to know what they're up to when you're not around. Sometimes your pets can surprise you by using a new method to reach your plants, and in such cases, you'll need to be vigilant. If you notice your pets are making attempts to reach your plants, consider moving them to a safer location or using a repellent spray. Be sure to test the spray on a small part of the plant first to make sure that it won't harm the plant.

Conclusion

Keeping your potted plants safe from pets requires some effort and planning, but it's worth it. The tips shared above will help you keep your plants healthy, and your pets safe. Always remember to choose pets-friendly plants, keep them at an elevated level, train your pets, and observe their behavior. Follow these steps, and you won't have to worry about your pets damaging your plants or ingesting toxic substances from them.