Air Plants 101: Are They Safe for Your Furry Friends?

Air Plants 101: Are They Safe for Your Furry Friends?

Did your dog find a new chew toy? Are air plants toxic to cats?

Quick answer, your furbaby is most likely fine! We do not want you waiting for the answer!

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and non-toxic houseplant, you might want to consider air plants. These unique plants don’t need soil to thrive, making them easy to care for and less messy than traditional potted plants, especially if your curious creature decides to play with them.

But, can air plants harm animals, such as your beloved pets? Let’s find out!

First off, what are air plants, and are they even real? Yes, air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are real plants that belong to the bromeliad family. They are native to the forests, mountains, and deserts of South and Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States. Unlike other plants, air plants don’t need soil to grow because they absorb nutrients and moisture from the air through their leaves.

Good news, the air plants are generally safe for cats, dogs, and other pets. In fact, they are considered non-toxic and won’t harm your furry friend if ingested. This is because air plants don’t produce any harmful chemicals or toxins that can harm animals.

However, it’s worth noting that while air plants themselves are safe, the decorative accessories that come with them may not be. Some air plant holders, such as those made of metal, may contain toxic substances such as lead or zinc that can be harmful if ingested by pets. Therefore, it’s important to choose non-toxic accessories when displaying your air plants in your home.

In addition to being safe for pets, air plants are also great for those with small children. Since they don’t need soil, there is no mess to clean up, and there’s no risk of children accidentally ingesting soil. Air plants are also safe for babies, as they don’t produce any harmful fumes or toxins. However, it’s still important to choose non-toxic accessories when displaying your air plants in your home or if you use small accessories or stones, they can be choking hazards.

In short, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, non-toxic houseplant that is safe for your pets and children, air plants are a great option. They are easy to care for, don’t require soil, and won’t harm your babies or furbabies if ingested. Just be sure they do not swallow them or decor whole because pups, mini air plants, and accessories can be choking hazards. Also, make sure to choose non-toxic accessories when displaying your air plants, and enjoy the beauty and unique qualities of these fascinating plants.

Air plants are fabulous additions to any home or workspace because you can bring so much detail and life to boring spaces like refrigerators, desks, windows, and more! If you are looking to build your own terrariums or add customizable decor, we have some great options online or you can join us at our next event to create your own style! If you are looking for something in particular, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@themktmade.com or 616-676-7500

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Enjoy!

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