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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (July 11, 2018)
Page 8 The Skanner July 11, 2018 News The Skanner Report is 10 Indoor Plants Every Pet Lover Must Have By Jasmine Streeter, DVM Special to The Skanner News I ndoor gar- dening with Dr. Jasmine my pets Shanelle gives me Streeter respite from Veterinarian the stressors of life. Before beginning my indoor plant journey two years ago, I never would have imagined that pets and plants enjoyed each other. Watching these beautiful creatures flourish together in my personal enchanted garden brings me joy and peace. Below I’ve listed Sheba and Soleil’s top 10 foliage favorites for you and your fur babies to enjoy. 10. The Purple Wandering Jew Dr. Jasmine’s dog Sheba sits among some of her favorite indoor plants (Tradescantia zebrine) is a gem for any indoor gardener. Soleil loves sit- Succulents are a fun and artistic way of deco- ting next to this plant during dinner. High light pro- rating a pet bedroom or play space. These plants duces shimmering green and white leaves on top and purple leaves on the underside, giving the appear- have thick, waxy leaves and require little water, mak- ance of a royal carpet. This plant makes a wonderful ing them perfect for a sunny windowsill or high shelf. hanging basket and is easy to propagate in water. The Japanese Fatsia is a tolerant shrubby house- plant that can grow to six feet high. With bold Ficus (Figs) are easy going plants that come in coarse leaves that can survive a sliding door or busy a variety of species. Cats and dogs love taking hallway, this plant is perfect for the active pet owner. shade under the big leaves of the India Rubber Tree 7. 9. or beloved Weeping Fig. For a smaller space, try the Creeping Fig as a unique topiary. 8. Ferns make an enchanting and refreshing ad- dition to any pet-friendly home. These humid- ity-loving plants make exceptional air purifiers and require medium to bright filtered light. Ferns can be kept in a secret terrarium away from boisterous pup- pies or allowed to stretch their bird-like fronds in magnificent glory. 6. 5. The goldfish plant (Columnea) is a tropical plant with brilliantly colored orange flowers that re- semble goldfish. I have one in my home that my pets adore. This plant allows me to fulfill my goldfish and plant dreams all in one. 4. Dracaena is an extremely popular low-light plant that makes an excellent air purifier. They are low-maintenance and perfect for the busy pet owner. My Madagascar Dragontree thrives even though Soleil bites its leaves to get my attention when I’m ignoring her. 3. Chosen Headlines from community newspapers throughout the U.S. a service of NEWS Grasses make ex- cellent indoor plants and are entertain- ing enrichment for pets. Some grasses are edible, while others grow to ex- ceptional height making them perfect for pets stalking stuffed toys in the jungle. 2. The Ponytail Palm is a must have suc- culent for the neglectful gardener. The curly thin leaves give the appear- ance of a bouncy green afro and make wonderful enrichment for lounging under, walking around or swatting. 1. The Monstera De- liciosa or Swiss- Cheese Plant makes a dramatic statement with its majestic foliage. This queen of the rainforest has large split leaves and can grow to 15 feet high. Sheba takes great pleasure slowly circling through her foliage for hours. Hopefully your pets enjoy your plants as much as mine. Happy Gardening! You can ask Dr. Jasmine your pet question or email your pet photo to drjas- mine@theskanner.com. Your topic may be dis- cussed in a future column!
