Happy Friday!

Welcome to another edition of the PlantsofK weekly newsletter!

I apologize that you haven’t heard from me in a few weeks. Sometimes life pulls your energy in different directions and I had to take a step back for a few weeks but I am excited to share another issue of the PlantsofK newsletter with you this week!

One of my more exciting life events that happened in my absence is that I adopted a dog! Meet Ralph, who is a sweet senior corgi-dachshund mix who has already stolen my heart and inspired the topic of this week’s newsletter.

If you have already been a subscriber, I am thrilled to have you back. If you are new, I am grateful that you subscribed! Each week, I strive to bring you tips, trends, and insights to ensure your houseplants thrive and bring beauty to your living spaces.

This week’s newsletter will cover:

• Pet-Friendly Houseplants

• Plant Spotlight

• Ask PlantsofK

• As Seen on TikTok

My hope is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to grow your own indoor jungle. As always, I value your feedback and input. If there's a particular topic or question you would like me to address in future editions, please don't hesitate to reach out by responding directly to this email. I am here to support you on your plant care journey, and I am excited to continue growing together.

I would love to grow this letter and reach more people interested in learning more about caring for their houseplants. If you enjoy this newsletter, share it with someone you know and help grow our community of houseplant enthusiasts. Together, we'll create beautiful and healthy indoor spaces!

Sincerely,

Kristen

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support PlantsofK at no additional cost to you and enables me to continue producing valuable content for you.

Pet-Friendly Houseplants

Houseplants not only enhance the aesthetics of our homes but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. However, for pet owners, selecting the right green companions is crucial to ensure the safety of their furry friends.

Non-Toxic Houseplants for Pets:

When it comes to selecting houseplants that won't harm your pets, you have a variety of options to choose from. Some of the best pet-safe houseplants include:

(Click link to see photo)

• Spider Plant: These resilient plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and are perfectly safe for your furry companions.

• Boston Fern: These lush ferns are pet-friendly and thrive in moderate humidity, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms.

• Peperomia: With their pretty foliage and low maintenance requirements, peperomias are a great addition to any pet-friendly household.

• African Violet: These dainty, flowering plants are not only safe for pets but also add a splash of color to your indoor space.

Why Can Some Houseplants Be Dangerous for Pets?

Many common houseplants contain compounds that can be toxic to pets if ingested. These toxins can cause a range of health issues, from mild digestive upset to severe poisoning. Some common toxins found in houseplants include:

• Oxalates: Plants like dieffenbachia and philodendron contain oxalates that can irritate a pet's mouth and digestive tract.

• Soluble Calcium Oxalates: Plants like peace lilies and ZZ plants have crystals that can cause severe irritation and swelling if chewed or ingested.

• Alkaloids: Certain plants, like the popular houseplant, oleander, contain alkaloids that can be highly toxic to pets.

How to Keep Pets Away from Plants:

Preventing your pets from munching on your plants requires some strategic measures:

• Place Plants Out of Reach: Position plants on high shelves, hanging baskets, or use tall plant stands to keep them out of your pet's reach.

• Use Deterrents: Consider using pet-friendly deterrents like bitter sprays or natural repellents around your plants.

• Training: Train your pets to leave your plants alone using positive reinforcement techniques.

What to Do if a Pet Ingests a Toxic Houseplant:

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, it's essential to act quickly:

• Identify the Plant: Try to identify the plant your pet ingested, as this will help your vet determine the appropriate treatment.

• Contact Your Veterinarian: Reach out to your vet immediately or contact a pet poison control hotline for guidance.

• Monitor Your Pet: Keep a close eye on your pet's behavior and symptoms while waiting for professional advice.

Plants That Might Surprise You:

Some common houseplants may not immediately appear harmful to pets, but they can be toxic. These include:

• Pothos: Often mistaken for philodendron, pothos contains oxalates and should be kept out of reach of pets.

• Rubber Plant: While popular, rubber plants contain latex that can be irritating to pets.

• Jade Plant: Despite its lovely appearance, jade plants can cause mild toxicity if ingested by pets.

With the right choices and precautions, you can enjoy your indoor jungle while keeping your pets safe. Opt for non-toxic houseplants, be aware of common toxins, use protective measures, and know how to respond in case of an emergency. By doing so, you can create a beautiful environment where both your plants and pets thrive.

Plant Spotlight

Plant Spotlight highlights a new houseplant and its basic care tips.

This week’s Plant Spotlight is the Maranta.

If you're looking to add a touch of vibrant greenery to your indoor space, the Maranta plant, also known as the "prayer plant," is an great choice! With its striking foliage and unique leaf movements, this tropical plant is sure to be a conversation starter. To ensure your Maranta thrives, here are some basic care tips to keep in mind.

Light Requirements: Maranta plants are native to the rainforests of Brazil, which means they prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate leaves. A spot near a north or east-facing window with filtered light is ideal. If natural light is insufficient, you can supplement it with a grow light.

Temperature and Humidity: Maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is crucial for the well-being of your Maranta. They thrive in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and require a humidity level of around 50% or higher. To boost humidity, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant. Regular misting can also help.

Watering: Marantas prefer consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water your maranta when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. Use room-temperature, filtered water to avoid chlorine and fluoride, which can harm the plant.

Soil and Potting: A well-draining, peat-based potting mix works best for Maranta plants. Repot your Maranta every couple of years or when you notice the roots becoming crowded. Spring is usually a good time for repotting, as it allows the plant to recover and grow in its new home.

Fertilizing: During the growing season (typically spring and summer) feed your Maranta once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down.

Pruning and Maintenance: Regularly inspect your Maranta for dead or yellowing leaves and trim them off to encourage new growth. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's shape and appearance. You can use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to prune your maranta.

Pests and Problems: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. If you notice any infestations, treat your Maranta promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, avoid exposing your plant to drafts or temperature extremes, as this can stress it and lead to leaf curling or browning.

These basic care tips will ensure that your Maranta plant thrives.

Ask PlantsofK

Submit your questions about plant care for a chance to have your question and an answer featured in future PlantsofK newsletters! Simply click ‘respond’ to this email with your question.

As Seen on TikTok

@plantsofk93

I love all the things I got from @Verdant Lyfe Plants! I'm excited and SCARED for my first carnivorous plant 🪴 also excited for my fist ph... See more

I got my first order from Verdant Lyfe a couple weeks ago and I wanted to share with you what I got! I tried two new-to-me plants (a velvet leaf philodendron and a Primrose Butterwort). I’m ashamed to say the Primrose Butterwort is suffering valiantly (I know NOTHING about carnivorous plants), but the velvet leaf philodendron is thriving! I loved the beautiful pot that I received too. I am so excited to share this new find with you!

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support PlantsofK and enables me to continue producing valuable content for you.

I am committed to providing informative and engaging content about houseplant care and community. I carefully select products and resources that I believe will be of interest and benefit to you. The inclusion of affiliate links allows me to earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Please note that my recommendations are based on my own research and experience. I only promote products and services that I have used and found value in myself, and that I think will be valuable to you as well.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these affiliate links or the products I recommend, please feel free to reach out. I appreciate your feedback.

Thank you for being a part of my plant care journey and for supporting my efforts to bring the joy and humor of houseplants to others!