Calathea 'Freddie' Is Not Toxic To Cats 🐈

Goeppertia coccinna

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 14, 20244 min read

Rest easy knowing your stylish Calathea 'Freddie' poses no threat to curious cats 🐾🌿.

Calathea 'freddie'
  1. 🐾 Calathea 'Freddie' is non-toxic to cats, safe for pet-friendly homes.
  2. 🌿 Thrives in indirect light and high humidity, with consistent watering.
  3. 🌱 Monitor pets and consider safe plant alternatives for variety.

Description and Pet-Friendly Nature of Calathea 'Freddie'

πŸ¦“ The Allure of Calathea 'Freddie'

Calathea 'Freddie', also known as Goeppertia concinna, is a showstopper with its striking foliage. The leaves boast a pattern of light and dark green stripes, reminiscent of a zebra's coat, which has earned it the nickname 'Zebra Plant'. This prayer plant has a rhythmic habit of folding its leaves at dusk, a trait it shares with its relatives in the Marantaceae family.

🌿 Growth Habits and Environment

Thriving in medium to bright indirect light, Calathea 'Freddie' is averse to the harsh rays of direct sunlight. It's a moderate grower, reaching a height and width of over 2 feet, making it a substantial addition to any indoor space. Humidity is this plant's best friend; without it, you'll find the edges of its leaves turning brown and crispy. A kitchen or bathroom, where moisture abounds, is an ideal spot for this tropical beauty.

🐾 Non-Toxic Nature

Pet owners, rejoice! Calathea 'Freddie' is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and even humans. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to greenify their homes without risking the health of their furry friends. No need to panic if your cat decides to take a nibble; Calathea 'Freddie' is as safe as it is stunning.

πŸ’§ Care Tips

When it comes to watering, consistency is key. Let the top inch of soil dry out before giving it a drink, and always use well-draining soil. If you're noticing yellow tips, it might be time to switch to distilled or rainwater. And remember, no leaf shine productsβ€”just a gentle wipe with a damp cloth will do.

🌞 Light and Fertilization

Aim for 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily to keep the Calathea 'Freddie's foliage vibrant. Fertilize with a half-strength complete liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, but give it a rest in winter. This plant isn't just a looker; it's a grower, too.

Calathea 'Freddie' plant in a black pot on a windowsill, appears healthy.

Addressing Toxicity Concerns

🐱 Calathea 'Freddie' and Cats

Non-toxic is the keyword when it comes to Calathea 'Freddie' and cats. Scientific evidence and expert opinions converge on one point: this plant poses no toxic threat to your feline friends. Despite the jungle of misinformation out there, rest assured, your cat's curiosity won't land them in trouble with this striped beauty.

Potential Reactions in Cats

The lack of reported toxicity incidents is telling. Calathea 'Freddie' ingestion doesn't lead to the usual suspects: vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. But let's not tempt fate. If your whiskered pal does decide to sample the foliage, monitor them for any unusual behavior. In the rare event of a reaction, a call to the vet is a good precaution. Remember, peace of mind is just a phone call away with the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Calathea 'Freddie' plant with some browning leaf tips, potted with visible soil.

Pet Safety and Care Tips

🌿 Placing and Monitoring the Plant

While Calathea 'Freddie' is a pet-friendly plant, it's wise to place it thoughtfully in your home. Elevation is key; consider high shelves or plant stands out of your cat's acrobatic reach. Regularly check the plant's position to ensure it hasn't become more accessible due to shifting furniture or new climbing opportunities for your cat.

🐾 General Pet Safety Guidelines

Vigilance is the cornerstone of pet safety with houseplants. Even non-toxic plants like Calathea 'Freddie' can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Keep a watchful eye on your pets and the plant, ensuring they coexist without incident. Remember, a pet's curiosity knows no bounds.

🌱 Safe Plant Alternatives

If variety is the spice of your plant life, consider other safe options like Spider Plant, Boston Fern, or African Violet. These plants add diversity to your collection while maintaining a non-toxic environment for your furry friends.

🌞 General Care Tips for Calathea 'Freddie'

Calathea 'Freddie' thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and keep the temperature between 65Β° to 85Β° degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid tap water to prevent leaf browning. For a lush plant, clean the leaves and prune as necessary, keeping an eye out for pests like spider mites.

Calathea 'Freddie' plant with vibrant green striped leaves, healthy appearance.

Ensure your cats are safe 🐈 and your Calathea 'Freddie' flourishes with Greg's tailored care reminders for a non-toxic, pet-friendly home.



You Might Also Want to Know...

Are prayer plants toxic to pets?

No, prayer plants, including calatheas, are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

What kind of lighting do prayer plants prefer?

Prayer plants prefer bright indirect light and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Do prayer plants require high humidity?

While prayer plants prefer higher humidity, they can tolerate lower humidity levels as well.

How often should I water my prayer plants?

You should water your prayer plants when the top third of the soil is dry.

What type of water should I use to water my prayer plants?

It is best to use filtered or distilled water to avoid any potential issues caused by tap water.

Can prayer plants die back to the soil?

Yes, prayer plants can die back to the soil, especially during the winter or if they go dormant. However, they can still come back.

Do prayer plants require frequent fertilization?

Prayer plants are fast growers and should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. In the winter, fertilization can be reduced for plants that stop growing.

Can prayer plants be grown in low light conditions?

Prayer plants can tolerate lower light conditions, but they prefer bright indirect light.

Is it necessary to group prayer plants together to increase humidity?

Grouping prayer plants together can help increase humidity around the plants, but it is not necessary for their survival.

Do prayer plants require repotting?

Prayer plants may require repotting if they outgrow their current pot or if the soil becomes compacted.