House plants and pets
Sharon Jacobson, Pipestone County Master Gardener
Pipestone, Minn. (12/8/2025)
As our fall turned into winter, many of us are focusing on our house plants or indoor herb pots. Plants and pets in the same home are sometimes challenging. Cats like to nipple on the leaves and occasionally dig into the pots. Putting a screen or foil with a few holes in over the soil may deter the cats from digging into the pots. However the sampling of the greens may bring health concerns to your pets.
Plants you should avoid or at least place out of the pets reach by hanging the pots are:
- Aloe
- Azalea
- Chrysanthemum
- Lily
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettia
- Rhododendron
- Tulip
- Holly
Plants and herbs that are safe around pets include:
- Spider Plants
- Bamboo palm
- Christmas cactus
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Lemon Balm
- Swedish Ivy
- Succulents
- Boston Fern
- Orchids
- Violets
Keep in mind, east light exposure is the best for household plants, followed by southern exposure. Select plants with requirements that match the light environment of your space. The area on the window sill may provide the best light, but may be too cool for the plant.
There are many resources available through the University of Minnesota Extension website extension.umn.edu
Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Applications for 2027 will be available August 1, 2026 and the deadline for applying is October 1, 2026. The course is self-paced and online. More information is on the U of M Extension website listed above or contact one of Pipestone County Master Gardeners at 507 825 1190.