Indoor plants bring a warmth and natural atmosphere to the home or office and can be a great decorating tool to compliment your furnishings and architecture. Choose your color, size, leaf design and maintenance requirements from a bevy of indoor beauties to call your own, many of which only ask for an occasional drink and pruning. Indoor plants bring a warmth and natural atmosphere to the home or office and can be a great decorating tool to compliment your furnishings and architecture. Choose your color, size, leaf design and maintenance requirements from a bevy of indoor beauties to call your own, many of which only ask for an occasional drink and pruning.

Plants Toxic to Animals.

According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are over 700 harmful and sometimes deadly plants that can poison our pets and should never be grown inside or outside on your property. Cats in particular will nibble the leaves and seeds unaware of the adverse reaction to follow which, in many cases, is fatal. Check with HumaneSociety.Org for a comprehensive list of deadly houseplants that can harm your beloved pet. Cardiac arrest, kidney failure, neurological disorders and gastrointestinal disruptions are the most common symptoms from plant toxins and must be treated immediately.

Bonsai Trees.

The bonsai tree makes an excellent house guest with minimal maintenance and a lot of style. These miniature trees come with traditional green foliage or colorful buds, strutting their stuff in full animation designs. The bonsai plant does well in almost any kind of potting, from glass terrarium containers to simple shallow pans. Use richly textured color gravel to fit your creative space or design your own world with miniature ceramics and garden accessories. Larger bonsai, such as the Golf Ball Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai tree will require a heavy cast planting pot, but most of the unique bonsai species will thrive with minimal planting space. Use the bonsai for your kitchen countertop, wall niche or that perfect centerpiece for the dining room table. Most bonsai enthusiasts are ardent indoor plant collectors, where the first little tree is merely the flash point for a lifetime of bonsai appreciation. Buy a bonsai and join the club.

Helpful Hints.

Your bonsai plant may be moved outdoors in the spring and summertime, however, they do not thrive well when the temperatures drop below 40 F. In addition, all types of indoor plants may be temporarily moved to a protected patio when you are on vacation. Just be sure that you keep a cardboard or canvas barrier over the plants to shield them from intense direct sunlight or wind conditions. Plant sitters are available in the phone book, but if you are not comfortable giving them the key to your home, send your indoor foliage to the back porch for two weeks and all will be well when you return.

Pots and Containers.

Part of the decorating fun is finding the perfect plant container to mix and match with your interior color schemes. The best pots and containers for your indoor plant to thrive should have drainage holes and plenty of room for your plant to grow its roots. Small terra cotta pots are often used as a transport vehicle from the store or greenhouse to the home, but are insufficient to sustain a healthy plant life. Ceramic and clay pots remain the number one choice of indoor plant enthusiasts, however, lightweight plastic and fiberglass containers will work just as well. Larger plants may be complimented with bold brass and copper pots, available in sweet petite to astronomical sizes.