3 Pet-Friendly Alternatives to Sago Palm Plants

by Rosemary Allison 12/25/2022

Palms are an excellent way to bring the tropics home. With many varieties to choose from, it's important to know which will work best for your household and everyone in it. Unlike the highly toxic sago palm, there are plenty of palm plants perfectly safe for pets and humans. Here are some suggestions to inspire you:

Parlor Palm

Parlor palms are a favorite indoor plant all over the world. In addition to being non-toxic, parlor palms can adapt well to low-light environments and cooler temperatures. With a parlor palm, less is more: they are sensitive both to sunburn and overwatering. They are a great beginner plant due to their low-maintenance care and are completely safe in case curious pets want to take a bite of its long fronds.

Areca Palm

Areca palms are another popular palm variety, also safe for animals. Unlike parlor palms, areca palms need bright, indirect light for as much of the day as possible to thrive. Placing your areca palm near a South-facing window will ensure it gets exactly the right amount of light. These palms like to keep their soil moist but are easy to overwater if you're not careful. To avoid this, let the soil dry out a bit between waterings, and try to use distilled water or rainwater to prevent browning of the leaves.

Ponytail Palm

Ponytail palms are a whimsical looking type of palm requiring minimal attention and maintenance. Incredibly drought-tolerant, the ponytail palm can go longer without watering than some other palms. It's also forgiving in less-than-ideal lighting situations, though it prefers bright, indirect light as much as possible. This plant loves to be outdoors during the summer months, but be sure to protect it from colder temperatures and drafts from air conditioner vents or windows when indoors.

All of these are excellent options for pet owners who want to bring a palm tree home. Remember these varieties when considering your next addition to your plant collection.

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Rosemary Allison

Rosemary Allison Simply the Best! Rosemary Allison is #1 in Real Estate Sales Power When it comes to Ventura County Real Estate, why settle for LESS when you can hire the BEST? Advertising is what keeps a realtor on the forefront of his or her market. Moreover, having a budget for advertising, shows they are producing and are true career real estate professionals. If you are selling your home, you need an agent who believes in marketing and exposure. As one of the country’s most successful Realtors, Rosemary has set the standard for excellence throughout her career and is