Yes it is a real thing! This day was created to not only spread awareness of the benefits of houseplants in the home but as well as something to combat the post holiday blues. Most of us have put our holiday decorations away and if it’s winter time where you are reading this, there is a lack of plants and colors outside and things have lost that cozy holiday feeling. So why not bring the outside indoors with plants?

So what are the benefits of houseplants? Houseplants improve the air quality of your home. They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen for us humans and animals to breathe. They also release moisture into the air that not only adds humidity to the air (which hopefully will prevent you getting shocked on things in the dry winter air) but the added moisture can also make your home feel cooler (which is always good to lower the A/C bill in the summer). Houseplants, depending on the kind you get, are relatively easy to care for. All they mainly require is water, sunlight and maybe some nutrients here and there.

If you are a pet owner, you do need to be mindful of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats as well as humans. The ASPCA has created a very detailed list of all of the plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats that are linked at the end of this blog post but I’ll still list a few that are safe and others to avoid.

Of course though, use your best judgement based on the temperament and tendencies of your pet to determine if the plant and your pet could co exist peacefully in your home. If there is even the slightest doubt that they wouldn’t get along, it’s best to choose another plant.

Some plants that are toxic:

Fiddle Leaf Fig: Toxic to dogs if ingested and can cause skin and gastrointestinal irritation.
Philodendron: Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested and can cause oral irritation, swelling, vomiting, trouble breathing and excessive drooling.
ZZ Plant: Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested and can cause vomiting and diarrhea
Aloe Vera: toxic to dogs if ingested and can cause lethargy, vomiting and gastrointestinal issues.
Birds of Paradise: toxic to dogs if ingested (especially the flower part being it is the most toxic) and can cause gastrointestinal irritation (nausea/vomiting) and drowsiness. If vet care is sought in time, a full recovery can be made.
Dumb Cane: toxic to dogs and cats if ingested and can cause oral irritation and swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty breathing.
Sago Palm: EXTREMELY TOXIC to humans, dogs and cats if ingested and can cause liver failure and death. Early poisoning signs include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
Peace Lily: toxic to dogs and cats-especially the “mauna loa” variety and can cause irritation around contacted area and can induce vomiting in cats and dogs if ingested.
Alocasia: toxic to dogs, cats and humans if ingested and can cause oral irritation, burning of lips and mouth, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing and swallowing.

Some plants that are safe:

Areca Palm
African Violet
Cape Marigold
Boston Fern
Cast Iron Plant
Spider Plant
Orchid
Bromeliad
Polka Dot Plant

This is an excellent source from the ASPCA showing pictures of each plant that is toxic or safe for cats and dogs as well as a printer friendly version.