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!