Holidays are a great time of the year and a Holiday Plant is a wonderful gift however it is important to keep your kids and animals safe around them.
Taking a walk in the neighborhood or in a garden center you can enjoy the fresh scent of pines, and all the beautiful holiday plants. These Yuletide Camellias pack a real punch of festive color and are the perfect addition to a container in the shade.
Although it is in the article attached, I want to give you easy access to plants you might have in your home that are toxic to pets:
- Amaryllis
- Cyclamen
- Kalanchoe
- Mistletoe
- Paper White Bulbs
- Poinsettia
- Flower arrangements that contain Lilies, Holly, most Ferns, Baby’s Breath, and Bird of Paradise to name a few.
- Items ON your Christmas tree such as tinsel, garlands, and small ornaments… including their hangers.
You should also be wary of foods, here is a list of foods that could harm your pets.
- Hanukkah Gelt (chocolate coins)
- Garlic (especially dried)
- Onion (ditto)
- Raisins, currants, raisins… think fruitcake
- Boxes of chocolate candy left on dog face level tables
- Coffee (chocolate covered espresso beans are especially lovely)
- Nicotine — cigarettes and cigarette butts
- Sugarless gum or mints (xylitol)
There are a lot of things to think about during the holidays, it is nice to learn a little about holiday plants so that you can have one less thing to think about during your gatherings.
Here is an article that I wrote a few years ago to give you all the tips that you need to keep those kitties and pups safe! It also includes a link to a more comprehensive list of toxins from the Pet Poison Helpline.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season, enjoy your holiday plants and of course your friends and family!
