I'm a huge fan of elephant ear plants, as they remind me of my grandmother's garden and provide a perfect escape from the summer rains with their giant leaves. However, I recently learned that they can be toxic to pets, and since I have both cats and dogs, I want to ensure whatever plants I choose are completely safe for them. With a move to our forever home on the horizon, I'm eager to get some giant plants both indoors and outdoors (mostly indoors for now). What are your recommendations for really big plants that won't harm my furry friends?
3 Answers
Elephant ears are amazing! There are actually two types: Colocasia and Alocasia. Colocasia have droopy leaves, while Alocasia's are more upright. The Esauleanta Giganta can grow up to 9 feet tall with leaves that are about 5 feet across, so you definitely need to give them a lot of room! Just be aware that they can spread quite a bit, so keep that in mind while planning your garden. Some other large plants you might consider are Monsteras and Fiddle Leaf Figs; both can really make a statement!
You might want to check out Areca Palms and Cat Palms, too. They’re non-toxic and can grow quite large! Just be careful not to get a sago palm since they’re super toxic. A lot of tropical plants can cause mild irritation if ingested but usually aren't dangerous. I’ve got a bunch of these plants, and my pets don't bother them much because I've got cat grass for them to nibble on instead. Just make sure to stay clear of truly toxic ones like sago palms or true lilies!
I highly recommend Ponytail Palms—they're super easy to care for and non-toxic for pets! They can grow about 6 feet indoors, and they thrive on very little attention. Just give them plenty of light and water them about four to five times a year. Just keep in mind that their leaves can be sharp, so supervise your pets around them. They’re a great option for a big plant without the fear of harm!
Totally agree! Tropical plants can be tricky, but as long as you avoid the really toxic ones, you should be okay. Keeping some safe chew options around, like cat grass, helps too!