Pet-Friendly Greens: 10 Houseplants That Are Safe for Your Pets
For many homeowners, houseplants are more than just a touch of green; they bring life, beauty, and a sense of tranquility to our living spaces. But when you share your home with pets, choosing the right plants becomes crucial. Some can be toxic to our furry friends, posing risks that range from mild discomfort to severe health issues. Luckily, there’s no need to sacrifice greenery for safety.
At Alex Irish & Associates, we believe in creating harmonious living environments that cater to all family members – including the four-legged ones. As such, we’ve curated a list of ten pet-friendly houseplants that will keep your home lush and your pets safe.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants aren’t just visually appealing with their arching, striped leaves; they’re also one of the safest choices for households with pets. They thrive in a range of conditions and require minimal care, making them perfect for busy homeowners. Bonus: Spider plants also help purify the air!
Spider plants aren’t just visually appealing with their arching, striped leaves; they’re also one of the safest choices for households with pets. They thrive in a range of conditions and require minimal care, making them perfect for busy homeowners. Bonus: Spider plants also help purify the air!
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Known for their feathery fronds, Boston ferns add a touch of elegance to any room. These ferns are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, providing peace of mind while adding lush greenery to your space. Keep them in a cool, humid environment with indirect light to maintain their delicate beauty.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, is a pet-safe tropical plant that brings a hint of the tropics into your home. Its graceful fronds create a dramatic, yet soft presence, perfect for larger spaces. Easy to care for, Areca Palms prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering.
4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are famous for their striking, patterned leaves that can elevate any interior design. These plants are not only visually stunning but also safe for pets. With a variety of species offering different leaf shapes and colors, Calatheas can add a vibrant touch to your home. They thrive in indirect light and high humidity.
5. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
If you’re looking to add some color to your indoor garden, African Violets are a delightful choice. Their small, vibrant blooms come in a variety of colors, and best of all, they’re non-toxic to pets. These compact plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require regular watering to keep their soil moist.
If you’re looking to add some color to your indoor garden, African Violets are a delightful choice. Their small, vibrant blooms come in a variety of colors, and best of all, they’re non-toxic to pets. These compact plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require regular watering to keep their soil moist.
6. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a versatile and resilient houseplant that can adapt to various lighting conditions. Its delicate, feathered leaves are safe for pets, making it an excellent choice for homes with curious cats or dogs. Parlor Palms prefer moderate watering and can tolerate lower light, making them easy to care for.
7. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Famed for their braided trunks and lush, green leaves, Money Trees are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. They are also perfectly safe for your pets. These trees thrive in bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Just be cautious with overwatering, as they don’t like soggy roots.
8. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
The Friendship Plant, with its crinkled leaves and compact growth, is a charming addition to any home. It’s not only easy to care for but also completely safe for pets. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering to keep its soil evenly moist.
9. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
For those who love a bit of floral flair, the Lipstick Plant offers vibrant, tubular flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick. These plants are pet-friendly and thrive in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater, as they prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.
10. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomias come in various shapes and sizes, from trailing vines to upright plants. They are all non-toxic to pets, making them an excellent choice for homes with furry friends. These hardy plants enjoy bright, indirect light and can tolerate lower light conditions. Water them when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Peperomias come in various shapes and sizes, from trailing vines to upright plants. They are all non-toxic to pets, making them an excellent choice for homes with furry friends. These hardy plants enjoy bright, indirect light and can tolerate lower light conditions. Water them when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Creating a Safe, Green Haven
Incorporating houseplants into your home doesn’t have to be a risk to your pets. With these pet-friendly options, you can enjoy the benefits of indoor greenery without worrying about your furry companions’ safety. At Alex Irish & Associates, we understand that creating a beautiful and safe home is about balancing aesthetics with practical choices.
Contact us today to explore our listings or to discuss your real estate needs in Oakville and beyond.
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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.