Interview Series with WYLDBNCH Plants
Do’s and Don’ts of Dogs and Plants
Plants give so much life to a space. Some plants even have psychological and physical benefits to humans. It’s important to understand the plants you own and how to care for them. Whether you enjoy plants for their benefits or just for aesthetics. Especially if you are a dog parent. There are many plants that are safe for dogs and can make a great addition to your home. There are also plants that are toxic to dogs and should be kept out of their reach.
We partnered with Wyldbnch, a creative plant shop based in Los Angeles, to bring dog parents the do’s and don’ts of plants and pets. We asked Pop, Wyldbnch Founder, and Sian, Wyldbnch Manager, to share their expert tips on plants to help dog parents make safer decisions when it comes to their furry friends. Learn about Wyldbnch plants and what they do while learning ways that you can enjoy the benefits of plants to humans and care for your dog at the same time.
Why did you decide to start a plant business?
Pop: Wyldbnch organically came to fruition in 2017 when my love for plants turned into an obsession. Plants brought new meaning to happiness and interior design. I’ve always found pleasure in creating a space with all the five senses in mind. That’s when I realized that I wanted nothing more than to share this experience with others. I was excited to be able to curate indoor plants and help people select plants that would elevate their spaces.
What started off as a passion project has turned into a shop space now slowly evolving into a mini interior/exterior plantscape company. This is something I used to only envision doing before Wyldbnch was even a thing. Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to flow from space to space creating different “vibes” if you will. The two keywords that are consistent in our motto have always been to continue evolving and that’s what we continue to do today.
What kind of services does Wyldbnch offer?
In Store Plant Services
Custom Arrangements
Personalized living plant arrangement
Plant check up and treatment
Bring your plants in for a general plant health inspection and treatment.
Potting Services
Plant Re-pot and Soil Rejuvenation
Customized Soil Blends
Every plant has its own preference when it comes to soil. Wyldbnch customizes the perfect soil blend for your plants
Other Plant Services
Indoor “Plantstyling”
Outdoor Landscaping
At Home Plant Care & Site Maintenance
What are the biggest do’s and don’ts when it comes to dogs and plants?
The Do's
Do your research! It doesn't hurt to familiarize oneself with what may or may not harm their pet when it comes to plants.
Be observant of your dog’s general nature when it comes to introducing plants into your space. All dogs have different personalities and some may be more curious when it comes to new additions in their environment. It would be wise to keep an eye on your dog if they have a curious appetite for plants.
Be patient.Sometimes it takes time to figure out the right plants for you and your pet.
Use pet safeplant products when caring for indoor and outdoor plants.
The Don'ts
Don’t rush into purchasing whatever plant you like.
Don’t place toxic plants in easy to reach areas.
Don’t allow your dog to eat plants you are not familiar with.
What plants are toxic to pets?
What plants are non-toxic to pets?
Toxic Indoor Plants
Non-toxic Indoor Plants
Asparagus Fern
Alocasia
Aloe
Syngonium
Schefflera
Begonia
English Ivy
Rubber Tree
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Ficus
Philodendron
Epipremnum “Devils Ivy”
Aglaonema “Chinese Evergreen”
Peace Lily
Calla Lily
Zz Plant
Dieffenbachia
Monstera
Dracaena
Caladium
Anthurium
Sansevieria “Snake Plant”
Schefflera
Calathea
Maranta
Pilea
Peperomia
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Polkadot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Nerve Plant(Fittonia)
Spider Plant
Sword Fern
Boston Fern
Parlor Palm
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Areca Palm
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
African Violet
Echeveria (MOST species)
Burro’s Tail
Cast Iron Plant
Christmas Cactus
Haworthia
Holly Fern
Goldfish Plant
Jewel Orchid
Hoya
Kentia Palm
Lady Palm
Lithops
Staghorn Fern
Money Tree
Bromeliad
Neanthe Bella Palm
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Zebra Plant
Venus Flytrap
Toxic Outdoor Plants
Non-toxic Outdoor Plants
Stone Fruit Trees (peach, cherry, apricot, etc.)
Citrus Trees
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)
Borage
Boxwood
Brunfelsia
Eucalyptus
Podocarpus macrophylla
Lily of the Valley
Lantana
Sago Palm
Cycad
Zamia
Kalanchoe
Chamomile
Crassula
Chives
Desert Rose
Gardenia
Geranium
Lavender
Lemongrass
Morning Glory
Euphorbia
Iris
Banana Tree (Musa)
Basil
Camelia
Dragon Fruit Cactus
Bottle Brush
Canna Lily
Crape Myrtle
Pygmy Date Palm
Lemon Balm
Madagascar Jasmine
Star Jasmine
Pampas Grass
Salvia
Garden Sage
What pet-friendly plants do you recommend for dog parents?
Pop: I love a good sturdy staghorn fern for a handful of reasons. These plants are structurally pleasing to the eye and they are versatile in the way you can style them in your home. Staghorn Fern can be hung in a basket or mounted on a wall and it can also be potted. A very pet safe plant and easy to care for, all you need is humidity or watering every 1-3 weeks.
Another great option would be a spider plant AKA Chlorophytum. They are beautiful in stature and are very non-toxic plants for dogs. Spider plants can withstand a wide range of light, moisture and soil conditions.
Sian: I recommend something hardy when it comes to introducing plants to pets, so the Ponytail Palm would be the go-to dog safe plant to bring in first. It is an easy to care for, low maintenance plant and definitely hardy. They are usually available with a thick stump, so even if your dog knocks over the Ponytail Palm plant, it will most likely survive.
My dog won’t stop eating/tearing my plants, what should I do?
Pet-friendly Plant Deterrents
We recommend introducing your furry friend to dog-friendly plant deterrents that may help keep your curious pup from messing with your plants. This includes citrus juices and chili/pepper powder. Feel free to spray lemon or any other citrus juice around the soil and even the planter if you are comfortable. Sprinkle spicy chili/pepper powder around soil and on leaves to help keep your dog away from your plants. Alternatively, try using a decorative preserved moss for plants.
Soil Cover
Spreading lava rock or other similar rocks/stones can help keep your dog from digging through your pots.
Plant placement
Elevating or placing plants away from easy to reach areas will help keep your plants safe from your curious pup.
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of dogs and plants, we hope you will make buying decisions with a better understanding the next time you are shopping for a plant. It is definitely possible to be both a dog parent and a plant parent. Just remember to do your research, be observant and patient and you will find the perfect plant that your space and your furry friend will love. Be sure to explore Wyldbnch's services for all of your plant needs and visit their store located in Los Angeles Art District!