Thejoyofplants.co.uk has selected five pet-friendly plants for October especially for the owners of dogs, cats, rabbits and birds who sometimes fancy a little nibble on something green. 

Chlorophytum (spider plant), Cyperus (umbrella plant), Hordeum (cat grass), Beaucarnea (elephant’s foot) or Bambusa (bamboo) are all attractive to look at - including for those who don’t have pets - and safe for our furry and feathered friends. 

What to look for when buying Pet-friendly plants 

• The pot size, structure and volume of spider plant, umbrella plant, elephant's foot, bamboo and cat grass must be in proportion. 
• Particularly look at the leaf tips: they should not be brown or damaged. 
• Pet-friendly plants must be offered with damp soil. 
• The plant must be free of pests and diseases. 

Range 

• Cyperus: the variety 'alternifolius' is very well known, but the cultivar 'Zumula' is also very suitable as a pet-friendly plant. 
• Beaucarnea has a sturdy stem with leaves that attractively bends backwards. The young variety that only has a tuber, is called Nolina. The trunk and tuber can cope with cats that think it’s a very fine scratching post. Felines often find the leaves irresistible.  
• Chlorophytum comosum with its variegated fronds has a few cultivars which differ somewhat in terms of the leaf colouring. The most common is ‘Variegatum’. Comosum means ‘crested’ and refers to the crests which are found on the plant’s runners.  
• Bamboo in the living room is usually Bambusa vulgare, with sturdy yellow canes on which the bamboo leaves grow.
• Hordeum (cat grass) is a mini field of barley in a pot, container or bowl. It grows upwards in a compact way, provides (house) cats with folic acid and looks like a comical dark green tall lawn. 

Care tips for customers 

• All Pet-friendly plants like a position between light and partial shade without direct sunlight. 
• The plants need a lot of water. The soil should not be allowed to dry out.
• A bit of plant food safe to use on edible plants, once a month keeps the plant strong and healthy. 
• If a cat or dog has got a little over-playful with the plant, damaged leaves can be cut off. The plant will produce new ones. 
• In the News: Pet-friendly plants

World Animal Day (4 October) is an excellent opportunity to highlight Pet-friendly plants, but since people will be spending more time indoors as the temperatures drop, this is a lovely range of plants for pet owners to consider. 

Thejoyofplants.co.uk is an initiative of The Flower Council of Holland and lets consumers experience that you feel better with plants around you.