Houseplants Archives - Botany-World

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp) Care

At a glance What is peace lily? Description Cultivars Care Propagation Pests and diseases Uses

At a glance

Family	Araceae
Botanical name	Spathiphyllum spp.
Common names	Peace lily, White flag, Cupido peace lily, White peace lily, Espatifilo, Mauna Loa, Snowflower
Lifespan	Perennial
Habitat	Tropical rainforests
Growth habit	Clumping
Mature height	30 – 120 cm
Flower colour	White, green
Leaf colour	Green, variegated
Native to	Americas and Southeast Asia
Toxicity	Toxic to pets
Soil	Moisture-retaining
Humidity	High
Propagation	Division
Care level	Easy

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) Care

by Julia Wilson

At a glance What is Boston fern? How to care for Boston fern Propagation Repotting

At a glance

Family	Lomariopsidaceae
Botanical name	Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis‘
Common names	Boston fern, Fishbone fern, Tuber ladder fern
Lifespan	Perennial
Habitat	Coniferous forests
Mature height	50 – 150 cm
Flower colour	–
Leaf colour	Green
Native to	Americas
Toxicity	Pet friendly
Soil	Moisture-retaining
Humidity	High
Propagation	Division
Care level	Easy

Is Christmas Cactus Toxic to Dogs?

by Julia Wilson

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is non-toxic to dogs and can be safely grown in homes with pets, with care.

Is Mistletoe Toxic to Dogs?

by Julia Wilson

Mistletoe (American and European) is toxic to dogs. The toxic properties are viscumin and lectins – (V. album), and toxalbumin, pharatoxin, viscumin – (P. serotinum), which can cause gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure and low heart rate. What is mistletoe? Botanical name Phoradendron serotinum (North American) and Viscum album (European) Common names Mistletoe, English mistletoe, … Read more

Christmas Plants and Their Toxicity to Dogs

by Julia Wilson

Christmas plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs

Christmas plants and pets

During the Christmas period, many homes are decorated with plants. Knowing which ones are safe and which ones are potentially dangerous can save pet owners an emergency trip to the veterinarian. This list includes some of the most common Christmas plants and includes the toxic properties.

Although many of the plants are labelled non-toxic, ingestion of large amounts of any plant matter can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Is Gold Dust Dracaena Toxic to Dogs?

by Julia Wilson

Gold dust dracaena (Dracaena surculosa) is toxic to dogs. The toxic principle is steroidal saponins which cause vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, hypersalivation and incoordination.

Is Philodendron Birkin Toxic to Dogs?

by Julia Wilson

Philodendron birkin is toxic to dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that penetrate the delicate tissues of the mouth and throat causing intense pain and burning.

Is Seasol Toxic to Animals?

by Julia Wilson

Seasol is not toxic to animals and is safe to use on plants in homes with pets as long as care is taken.

Can You Grow a Variegated Monstera From Seed?

by Julia Wilson

Can you grow variegated Monstera from seed?

Variegated Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai constellation’ or ‘Albo‘ are in high demand, and as such, command a hefty price tag starting at $300 for a small plant to over $1000 for a mature specimen. Plant collectors may be tempted to save money and grow variegated Monstera deliciosa from seed, which we look at.

Is Monstera Deliciosa ‘Albo’ Toxic to Dogs?

by Julia Wilson

Monstera deliciosa ‘albo’ is toxic to dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that penetrate the oropharynx causing intense pain, burning and swelling.