With curious and nosy pet birds in your house, you need to be careful about the types of plants you keep. Some houseplants are not safe for birds and must be avoided, as ingesting them can be toxic.
However, fortunately, there are a variety of plants that not only elevate your space but also have many benefits for your feathered companion. Here are 15 beautiful plants that are safe for birds:
Quick Navigation
Bird Safe Plants
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has many health benefits for pet birds and medicinal properties that can be used to treat certain conditions. It provides relief from itching and dry skin and works as a natural moisturizer, especially in dry or hot climates.
Aloe vera is one of the easier plants to grow, indoors or outdoors, but if you’re keeping it inside, make sure it gets enough sunlight. It’s a perfect choice for both indoor houseplants and outdoor aviaries.
Eucalyptus
Although eucalyptus is a challenging plant to grow, it is worth the effort because of its many benefits for pet birds. Organic Eucalyptus is a foraging treat for birds, providing them with stimulation for hours as well as something nutritious to chew on.
Eucalyptus needs ample sunlight and regular watering, so make sure you place it in a spot that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours. It can also be grown outdoors as plants or as tall trees.
Mint
If your bird has a smelly breath, mint can be especially helpful to remedy that. Pet birds and parrots can benefit from a variety of healthy herbs including mint. Mint is known for its refreshing aroma and numerous health benefits.
You can hang mint plants inside your bird’s cage to improve its fragrance and ambiance. placing a small amount of fresh mint in their drinking water can also help with digestive health and promote good oral hygiene.
Mint requires regular watering to keep the soil moist and a location that receives direct sunlight. It is suitable for indoors as well as for bird aviaries.
Bamboo
Aesthetically pleasing, the bamboo plant adds a hint of nature’s beauty to homes. All types of bamboo plants are safe for birds and are even used to make perches. Birds often like to chew on bamboo, which keeps them busy and their beaks trimmed.
While bamboo is not particularly difficult to care for, it does require ample sunlight and humidity. Ideally, it should be kept near a window so it can get direct sunlight for a good part of the day. Bamboo does not need a lot of water to survive and can tolerate some drought.
Jade Or Money Plant
The money plant is one of the most popular houseplants and there are numerous reasons for it. As its name suggests, the money plant is believed to bring abundant wealth and good luck. It is also completely safe and non-toxic to birds and also has the ability to purify indoor air by removing toxins.
It thrives in indoor environments, adding a touch of greenery to any space without requiring too much maintenance. It has an adaptable nature and can do with minimal sunlight, which means you can place it anywhere in your living space, whether on a desk, shelf, windowsill, or outside your bird’s cage.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is an easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its air-purifying properties and spider-like foliage. The spider plant has trailing stems that cascade down gracefully, making it ideal for hanging baskets.
Once it is set in place, the plant requires minimal care and maintenance. The fleshy roots of the spider plant allow it to retain water for longer, which means it can survive inconsistent watering. It is non-toxic to birds and a versatile option for various indoor spaces.
African Violet
African violets are popular plants that do best indoors in moderate sunlight. They are non-toxic to birds and are commonly seen in terrariums and other indoor arrangements. African violets are easy to grow and bloom several times a year.
They have hairs on their leaves, which help them absorb water and also protect against direct sunlight. This makes African violet a hardy plant.
Orchids
Orchids are one of the most diverse plant species, making them a favorite among plant enthusiasts. They are beautiful, exquisite, and sweet-smelling, spreading fragrance and elegance indoors.
Orchids typically prefer bright, indirect light and bloom for up to 4 months. They can also be used for outdoor aviaries but place them in a spot that’s protected from the sun.
Areca Palm
Areca palms, also known as golden cane palms or yellow palms are tropical plants with exceptional air-purifying ability. It has long feather-like leaves that grow upwards.
Areca palm can do well in both indoor and outdoor environments when positioned in the right places. It needs 5-6 hours of sunlight, but can also tolerate some shade. It is fairly a low-maintenance plant outside of occasional pruning for removing brown and yellow fronds.
Dogwood
Flowering dogwood plants do not contain any toxic compounds and are safe for pet birds. Dogwood is a group of versatile shrubs or small trees that are prized for their ornamental value. These include beautiful flowers, colorful foliage, and attractive berries. This makes flowering dogwood plants an ideal choice for bordering or landscaping around aviaries.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are known for their lush, feathery fronds and air-purifying qualities. These versatile ferns can be displayed in hanging baskets, on shelves, or as part of a mixed container arrangement. Boston ferns thrive in high humidity and partial sunlight and can be grown indoors year-round.
Birds love to play with the leaves of Boston ferns, especially when they’re in a hanging container. These plants are safe for birds and parrots and provide opportunities for new kinds of enrichment.
Hen and Chicks
The unusual name of this plant comes from the vegetative offsets that surround the mature Echeveria plant. The mature plant produces many offsets, which are called chicks. It is a good plant for beginner gardeners and is also bird-friendly.
Because they are succulent plants, hens and chicks adapt well to different environments. Their fleshy roots, leaves, and stems allow them to thrive with minimal water. They need a good amount of sunlight throughout the day and the ideal growing temperature is around 65–70°F.
Baby’s Tears
Baby’s tears are creeping plants with small, gentle, and round-shaped leaves. This plant grows very quickly and needs to be repotted regularly. So it should be grown in a large container to avoid switching from time to time. It is also a great plant for outdoors as it can freely grow and its foliage can spread and cover the garden.
Christmas Cactus
As its name suggests, the Christmas cactus blooms around the time of Christmas, specifically from mid to late winter, or from November to January.
It is a succulent plant with colorful flowers that come in a range of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and purple. It is a perfect addition to your home or bird aviary for the festive season.
While it is a safe plant for birds, ingesting too much may cause stomach discomfort. Caring for a Christmas cactus is fairly easy as it needs moderate sunlight and watering, well-draining soil, and high humidity.
References And Further Readings
https://nilesanimalhospital.com/files/2012/05/Non-Toxic-Houseplants-for-Pet-Birds.pdf
