Pet-Friendly Alternatives to Sago Palm

by Maurice Kennedy, ® Realtor 10/23/2022

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.

About the Author
Author

Maurice Kennedy, ® Realtor

Please explore the resources within my website, you will find everything you need to buy or sell a home as well as learn about the market value of homes. You can search for homes with detailed descriptions, photos, community and school information and so much more. I am ready to assist you with all of your real estate needs. My approach is customized for each client; my solutions are never one-size-fits-all! Please view this website as an introduction of my services and capabilities in this local area. Give me a call or send an email when you are ready to visit some homes or to schedule a free home buying or selling consultation. I look forward to working with you!