What bird-safe houseplants would you recommend?

Koni · Nov 24, 2019

I'm researching houseplants that are safe for birds and I don't know what source/website to trust. It's common that the same plant is listed as toxic at one source and non-toxic at another.

So I'm not sure what get. If there's a discrepancy in the toxicity I usually avoid it, if all sources list it as safe then I assume it's safe.

Here's what I have so far (bird safe plants):
- Jade plant
- Sword fern
- Spider plant
- African violets
- Widow's-thrill
- Bamboo
- Peppermint

Any other recommendations?

chris-md · Nov 24, 2019

Orchids. They’re all safe, and there is such an unimaginable variety that you couldn’t get bored of you wanted to.

bug_n_flock · Nov 24, 2019

Aloe is hard to kill and safe for birds, also hybiscus is nice. Bird safe, pretty, and edible. The flowers make a nice tea(that I have heard can be shared with birds and is especially good for laying hens)

gibson2503 · Oct 13, 2020

Koni said:
I'm researching houseplants that are safe for birds and I don't know what source/website to trust. It's common that the same plant is listed as toxic at one source and non-toxic at another.

So I'm not sure what get. If there's a discrepancy in the toxicity I usually avoid it, if all sources list it as safe then I assume it's safe.

Here's what I have so far (bird safe plants):
- Jade plant
- Sword fern
- Spider plant
- African violets
- Widow's-thrill
- Bamboo
- Peppermint

Any other recommendations?

Where did you get your research that these plants are safe for birds? I am just now starting to do research myself and I am looking for good sources of info.

Piasa · Oct 13, 2020

Phoenix Landing has great info on both indoor and outdoor plants, as well as safe soil and pots. I couldn't find it with a quick search, but they also have a very comprehensive list of safe vs poisonous houseplants.

Here are two articles on their blog discussing parrots and plants:
https://blog.phoenixlanding.org/2015/04/29/gardening-for-parrots/
https://abirdsbestlife.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/benefits-of-plants-for-parrots/
(this one was actually from a PL presentation, and this one is on the presenter's blog)

Many (not all though) edible plants for humans are also good for parrots. I regularly feed mine white pine needles, gingko leaves, nasturtiums, and caterpillar fern leaves. Ponytail palms are also safe, and my trees occasionally get nibbled by the birds, but they're not really an appealing texture to eat. Basil and oregano are also great for birds, and have many health benefits as well.

What bird-safe houseplants would you recommend?

Koni

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chris-md

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bug_n_flock

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gibson2503

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Piasa

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Opinions/recommendations on 'beginner' birds

Looking into adopting large parrot...but I have cats.

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