When working from home, watching Netflix or simply scrolling TikTok on your phone, you’ll know how frustrating it is when your Wifi is particularly slow or ceases to work altogether. But could houseplants be the cause? A new study has revealed that your household plants can slow down your WiFi by a whopping 40%.
However, experts have revealed that placement is key, as positioning your houseplants in the wrong area can actually disrupt your WiFi connection and slow it down. Here’s everything you need to know.
What did the study find?
Researchers at Broadband Genie found that moving your router away from your houseplants could increase your broadband speeds by 36%. This was particularly true for small flats and rooms that had large amounts of houseplants near the router.
(Image credit: Future PLC / David Giles)
‘Our researcher ran 5 speed tests with 4 large houseplants placed in their normal positions in relation to both the router and the device on which speed tests were being carried out,’ explains Peter Ames, Broadband Expert at Broadband Genie.
‘These plants were then removed, and 5 speed tests were carried out once again. The results are the average download speeds from those tests.’
The results found that the average download speed with the router placed near plants was 84Mbps, whereas the average download speed with the router placed away from plants was 114Mbps.
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How do houseplants slow WiFi down?
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)
Peter points out that the idea of plants affecting WiFi speeds has been considered within tech circles for a while; however, the researchers were not expecting to see such a huge difference after moving the router away from the plants. But why is this?
‘WiFi is essentially radio waves. When these radio waves are obstructed by large obstacles such as plants with pots filled with densely-packed soil, they are at risk of being obstructed,’ says Peter,
‘This means that houseplants can weaken the signal if placed between your router and the device on which you are trying to use the internet.’
Where should you put your houseplants?
The moist soils and dense foliage of houseplants can absorb and deflect WiFi signals, and this is why your houseplants may interfere with your WiFi speeds.
But instead of getting rid of your pretty plants, you need to think more carefully about where to put them.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
‘Physical obstacles like walls, doors and furniture can weaken the radio signal. Even items like fish tanks can weaken the signal, and the same logic also applies to the largest plants and pots,’ says Tom Heywood, broadband expert at Community Fibre.
‘For the best results, we recommend placing your router in a central, elevated position with as few obstacles around it as possible. Try and position it to avoid the signal getting blocked by large physical objects or thick walls.’
‘If you love your houseplants, don’t worry, you can still enjoy them throughout your home. Just try not to gather them around too many large plants around your router, as this could affect connectivity.’
However, Peter says: ‘even a cluster of small potted plants around the router or directly in the path you want the WiFi to take from router to device could cause issues.’ So, if you’ve been having connectivity issues, it’s best to keep the area around your router completely clear.
If you struggle to get WiFi in every room, a WiFi extender can really help. This one has great reviews which say it is easy to set up, with excellent signal strength.
I for one, had no idea my houseplants could interfere with my WiFi, and I will be putting this research to the test in my own home. How about you?
These pet-safe indoor plants will let you enjoy the beauty of nature indoors without worrying about an emergency vet visit.
Creating a lush, green sanctuary in your home shouldn’t come with the constant worry of a pet emergency. If you’re a cat parent who loves indoor plants, you’ve probably faced this dilemma: many of the most popular houseplants—including lilies, pothos, and philodendrons—are actually toxic to our feline friends. Even small nibbles can lead to serious health issues like vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
But here’s the good news… you don’t have to choose between beautiful greenery and your pet’s safety. Since our curious cats often view houseplants as their personal salad bar, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to non-toxic houseplants that are safe for both cats and dogs.
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Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor garden journey, these pet-friendly plants offer something for every home, lighting condition, and experience level.
Hardy & Beginner-Friendly Plants
Perfect for new plant parents or anyone who wants low-maintenance, cat-safe options.
1. Spider Plant — A Hardy and Cat Friendly Option
Spider Plants are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add greenery to their home without putting their feline friends at risk. Not only is this popular houseplant non-toxic to cats, but they also thrive in a variety of conditions, making them an ideal pick for both seasoned plant lovers and beginners alike.
The Spider Plant stands out for its air-purifying abilities, removing toxins and creating a healthier environment for you and your cat. It’s very hardy, recovering easily from neglect.
Care Tips: Spider Plants thrive in indirect sunlight, making them suitable for bright spots without direct sunlight. Place them near windows with sheer curtains or in rooms with filtered sunlight. If the leaf tips turn brown, this may indicate that the plant is receiving too much direct light or that it needs more humidity.
Watering is simple: allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure proper drainage and avoid allowing the roots to sit in water.
Pro Tip: Spider Plants produce “babies” or offshoots that can be easily propagated. Snip them off and place them in water or soil to grow new plants to use around your home or share. Consider hanging these in baskets where curious cats can admire but not easily reach them.
2. Cast Iron Plant — Tough, Stylish, and Pet-Safe
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is incredibly hardy and almost indestructible. It can tolerate low light, dry air, and irregular watering, making it ideal for forgetful plant owners or dimly lit spaces.
The broad, dark green leaves grow slowly but steadily, adding a sleek and sturdy aesthetic to any room. This plant also purifies the air and requires minimal maintenance.
The Cast Iron Plant is safe for cats, so you won’t need to worry about your pet’s safety as they explore your green space.
3. Ponytail Palm — The Playful, Low-Maintenance Succulent Your Home Needs
The Ponytail Palm is a unique and low-maintenance houseplant that adds a playful touch to your home. Despite its name, it’s not a true palm but a succulent that stores water in its bulbous trunk. This feature allows it to survive longer periods without watering, making it perfect for busy plant parents or beginners.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sunlight. Its slender, curly leaves cascade from the top, resembling a ponytail, which gives it a fun, whimsical look that cats find fascinating to watch but is safe if they decide to investigate.
Humidity Lovers
These indoor plants safe for cats thrive in higher moisture environments and add tropical vibes to your home.
4. Boston Fern — Air-Purifying, and Safe for Your Furry Friends
Boston Ferns bring a lush, feathery texture to your indoor greenery collection, making them a beautiful addition to homes with pets. They thrive best in humid environments with indirect light, making them ideal for bathrooms or kitchens that receive filtered sunlight. The rich green fronds not only add visual interest but also help improve air quality by trapping airborne pollutants.
Care Tips: Keeping Boston Ferns happy requires consistent moisture, so regular watering is necessary to keep their soil damp without becoming too soggy. They also appreciate regular misting to mimic their native humid environments, which helps prevent the fronds from drying out or turning brown.
Pet-Safe Placement: Positioning them in hanging baskets can keep them safely out of your cat’s reach while showcasing their graceful trailing fronds—a win-win for both aesthetics and peace of mind.
5. Calathea — Great for Low Light
Calathea plants are a wonderful choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color and pattern to their home. These beauties are renowned for their stunning foliage, which features intricate designs and vibrant hues ranging from deep greens to rich purples. Even better, they’re completely safe for your feline friends.
One of the standout features of Calatheas is their ability to thrive in low-light conditions. This makes them perfect for those spots in your home that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight. They prefer indirect light, so placing them near a north-facing window or in a room with filtered light works well.
Care Tips: When it comes to watering, Calatheas like to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It’s best to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They’re a bit particular about water quality, so using distilled or rainwater can help prevent leaf browning from mineral buildup.
These plants also appreciate higher humidity levels, so misting their leaves regularly or using a humidifier can keep them happy.
The Prayer Plant, closely related to Calathea, is a stunning addition to any home with its folding leaves and intricate, colorful patterns in shades of green, purple, and pink. The plant gets its name because its leaves fold upward at night as if in prayer, creating a calming, animated display that’s fascinating for cats to observe.
This plant thrives in indirect sunlight and enjoys consistent moisture. It prefers well-draining soil and high humidity, so occasional misting or a pebble tray can keep it healthy. A bathroom is a perfect environment for this pretty plant.
The Prayer Plant is safe for cats, making it a beautiful and worry-free choice for pet owners.
Palm Varieties
These pet-safe indoor plants bring tropical elegance to any space.
7. Areca Palm — Safe and Air-Purifying for Cats
The Areca Palm is a fantastic addition to any home looking to combine lush greenery with a pet-friendly environment. Known for its long, feathery fronds, the Areca Palm can bring a touch of the tropics to your indoor space. Plus, it’s completely safe for cats, so you won’t have to worry about your curious kitty nibbling on its leaves.
One of the standout features of the Areca Palm is its ability to purify the air. This plant can help remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from your indoor environment, creating a healthier space for both you and your pets.
Care Tips: When it comes to lighting, the Areca Palm thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate a moderate amount of direct sun, but excessive exposure to bright light can scorch its leaves. Watering the Areca Palm can be a delicate balancing act—it prefers consistently moist soil, but it’s crucial not to let it sit in waterlogged conditions.
8. Parlor Palm — Elegant, Low-Maintenance, and Cat Safe
The Parlor Palm is a classic indoor plant known for its graceful, arching fronds and its ability to thrive in low-light conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for spaces with limited natural light, like offices or apartments. The Parlor Palm tolerates dry indoor air better than many other palms and requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Its slow growth and elegant look add sophistication to any room, and it also acts as a natural air purifier, improving the quality of your indoor environment. Importantly for pet owners, the Parlor Palm is non-toxic to cats, so your feline friends can safely explore around it.
Care Tips: Watering should be done moderately—allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Too much water can lead to root rot, so well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes are key.
Compact & Colorful Options
These smaller non-toxic houseplants pack big personality into small spaces.
9. Peperomia Obtusifolia — The Hardy, Glossy Green That’s Totally Cat-Safe
Peperomia Obtusifolia, commonly called the Baby Rubber Plant, is a hardy, compact houseplant known for its thick, glossy, succulent-like leaves. Its dense foliage adds a splash of deep green to shelves, tabletops, or plant stands. It’s very adaptable to different lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light, making it suitable for many home environments.
This plant doesn’t need frequent watering due to its succulent leaves, which store water efficiently. It prefers the soil to dry out between waterings, so it’s a forgiving choice for those who might forget to water regularly.
Best of all, it’s completely non-toxic to cats, meaning you can confidently display it anywhere without worrying about your pets nibbling on it.
10. Money Tree — Prosperity and Pet Safety in One Plant
The Money Tree, also known as Pachira aquatica, is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. Its braided trunk and bright green leaves make it an attractive and meaningful houseplant. This plant is easy to care for and can adapt to various light conditions, though it prefers bright, indirect light.
The Money Tree prefers moist but well-drained soil, and it is essential to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. It can tolerate occasional periods of dryness.
Non-toxic to cats, it’s a popular choice for homes looking to add a touch of greenery along with a bit of positive symbolism. Its moderate size makes it versatile for use on desks, shelves, or as a floor placement.
11. Friendship Plant — A Stylish, Cat-Friendly Plant for Any Space
The Friendship Plant, scientifically known as Pilea involucrata, is a charming houseplant that features uniquely textured, quilted leaves. These leaves typically display a deep, lush green color, complemented by eye-catching, contrasting veins that add layers of visual interest to any indoor setting.
This hardy plant thrives best in medium to low indirect light, making it an ideal choice for places that may not receive abundant sunlight. To ensure optimal growth, keep the soil evenly moist, but be cautious as overwatering can lead to issues.
One of the many appealing traits of the Friendship Plant is its safety for cats, allowing pet owners to enjoy its beauty without worrying about their furry friends. This plant grows compactly, making it an excellent decorative addition to desks, shelves, or other small spaces.
Flowering & Trailing Varieties
Add color and cascading beauty with these safe options for cats.
12. African Violet — Pet-Safe Blooms That Brighten Any Room
African Violets are beloved for their charming clusters of velvety purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom year-round under the right conditions. Compact and easy to care for, these plants thrive in bright, indirect light and need only moderate watering.
While they’re not technically a leafy plant, their floral display adds a splash of color to any indoor garden or on a shelf to brighten a room. African Violets are non-toxic to cats, making them a pet-safe option for those who want flowering plants in their home.
Placement Tip: Their compact size makes them perfect for windowsills or elevated surfaces where cats are less likely to disturb the delicate blooms.
13. Swedish Ivy — Fast-Growing Greenery That’s Safe for Your Cats
Swedish Ivy is a fast-growing, trailing plant with glossy, scalloped leaves that look great in hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant. It prefers moderate indirect light and consistent moisture, but is quite forgiving if you miss a watering.
It’s non-toxic to cats and grows quickly, making it a good choice to fill empty spots in your plant collection while keeping your pets safe. The trailing nature makes it perfect for hanging baskets—keeping it safely out of reach while creating beautiful cascading greenery.
14. Baby’s Tears — Delicate, Lush, and Pet-Friendly
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a charming and delicate ground cover that is renowned for its tiny, vibrant green leaves. These leaves cluster together to create a lush, soft texture reminiscent of a verdant moss carpet, making it an ideal choice for adding a touch of nature’s beauty to indoor spaces.
This versatile plant thrives in bright, indirect light conditions and prefers consistent moisture in the soil. Moreover, this delightful plant is non-toxic to cats, making it safe for households with furry friends. Its enchanting foliage enhances terrariums and elevates the aesthetics of tabletops and various plant arrangements.
15. Partridge Berry — Glossy Green Trails with a Pop of Red
Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) is a captivating, low-growing, trailing plant that brings both beauty and functionality to various settings. It features vibrant glossy green leaves and produces small, striking red berries that add a splash of color.
This hardy plant naturally thrives in shaded areas, making it an excellent choice for indoor environments that lack abundant sunlight. While not commonly found as a houseplant, it serves as a wonderful option for terrariums or as attractive ground cover in larger pots.
Safety Note: While Partridge Berry is safe for cats, monitor the consumption of its berries by pets, as ingestion in large amounts should be avoided to prevent potential digestive upset.
Important Cat and Plant Safety Guidelines
While these plants are all non-toxic to cats, remember that “pet-safe” doesn’t mean “good snack.” Even cat-friendly plants can cause mild stomach upset if your curious kitty decides to have a feast. Here are some practical tips to keep both your plants and pets happy:
Smart Placement Strategies:
Use hanging baskets for trailing plants like Boston Ferns and Swedish Ivy
Place smaller plants on high shelves or plant stands
Consider decorative plant cages for floor plants
Create a dedicated plant corner with barriers if needed
General Plant Safety:
Always verify plant safety before bringing new greenery home
Keep the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center number handy: (888) 426-4435
Watch for any unusual behavior after plant introduction
Provide alternative grass or catnip for cats who love to nibble
Plants to Absolutely Avoid
While we’re focusing on safe options, it’s crucial to know which common houseplants pose serious risks to your feline friends:
Highly Toxic Plants:
Lilies (all varieties): Can cause kidney failure even from small amounts
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): Causes oral irritation and difficulty swallowing
Philodendron: Contains crystals that cause painful swelling
Sago Palm: Extremely toxic and potentially fatal
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Causes severe oral irritation
Oleander: Can cause serious cardiac issues
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Can cause cardiovascular collapse
Creating Your Cat-Safe Indoor Garden
With these 15 beautiful, non-toxic houseplants, you can confidently create the lush, green sanctuary you’ve always wanted. From the virtually indestructible Cast Iron Plant to the colorful, prayer-like movements of the Calathea, there’s a perfect cat-safe option for every room, lighting condition, and experience level.
Remember, choosing pet-safe indoor plants means you can enjoy the beauty of greenery without the constant worry of a pet emergency. Your home can be both Instagram-worthy and pet-friendly—no compromises needed.
Ready to start your cat-safe plant collection? Check out the ASPCA’s complete list of pet-safe plants for even more options, and don’t forget to share your beautiful cat-safe plant setups with us in the comments below or tag us on social media!
Good luck, happy planting, and give your kitty a gentle pat from me! 🌿
The design of the Westland Watering Indicator is really simple – it’s a green plastic stick with an indicator window on the end. You just need to push the tip of the green stick into the soil, near the rootball, so that the indicator (and part of the stick) is visible above the surface. The instructions warn against twisting or pulling the stick out once it’s in place so that you don’t disrupt the results.
Straight out of the packet, the watering indicator is red, and that’s the colour it stays whenever your plant needs watering. Sure enough, when I first put the indicator in my monstera’s soil, it stayed red, so I knew it was time to water it.
It’s important to wait two hours after you first insert the indicator, though, because that’s how long it takes for the indicator to turn blue – and you don’t want to jump the gun and end up learning how to save an overwatered plant!
(Image credit: Future PLC / Sophie King)
Once I’d watered my monstera, it took a couple of hours for the indicator to turn blue. To begin with, a blue line appeared along the middle of the red, and I think that reflects some of the more sceptical reviews that the indicator is unreliable or misleading. After a few hours, though, the indicator was almost entirely blue, and by the following morning, any remaining red had disappeared.
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So, maybe it doesn’t always live up to the two-hour update mentioned on the instructions – but for £3 and a few extra hours of waiting, I think it’s still a pretty good investment. Sure enough, after a week of the hot weather we’ve been experiencing recently, the indicator began to turn red again.
I want to give it a few more cycles to really make sure it’s reliable long-term – Westland recommends replacing the stick every 12 to 18 months, so it should have a fair length of service ahead – but so far, I’m impressed.
If you’re looking for more specialised care, it’s worth going for a smart houseplant monitor like the Elho Smart Pebble, which I reviewed earlier this year. It uses a database containing information about virtually every type of houseplant out there, providing watering, feeding, light and temperature suggestions based on the variety you have.
Elho Smart Pebble
That said, Westland’s watering indicator offers brilliant bang-for-buck for the majority of houseplants, and at just £3, it’s a lot cheaper than a smart monitor!
You can use it all year round, but it’s worth the investment tenfold right now, with the hot weather leaving our plants thirstier than ever. It’ll make watering during the winter months easier, too, because over- and under-watering are among the most common winter houseplant problems.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to take the guesswork out of watering, Westland’s watering indicator is worth a shot. It’s simple, cheap, and does what it says on the tin.
Taking a vacation should be all about relaxation, not worrying about your plants. But if you are a plant lover, leaving behind your glorious greenery can indeed be a bit stressful. Let’s talk about how to keep your plants alive so vacation is enjoyable and your plants survive your absence.
The key challenge here is making sure your plants stay hydrated and healthy while you’re away. From lush gardens to cherished houseplants, they all need consistent care.
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Some plants thrive on a regular watering schedule, while others, like succulents, prefer less frequent watering. Understanding your plants’ needs is the first step in keeping them happy in your absence.
Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions, both high-tech and DIY, to make sure your greenery stays in top shape while you enjoy time away.
Keeping Outdoor Plants Alive With Automatic Watering Systems
Automatic sprinklers are also a great option for outdoor gardens, allowing for covering large areas.
These systems are a great way to keep your plants hydrated without much hassle.
Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses, for example, deliver water directly to the plant’s soil, ensuring even distribution and minimizing waste.
By pairing a self-watering system with timers, you can customize when and how much water your plants receive. This is particularly useful for maintaining the perfect moisture level.
These systems can be adjusted to suit your garden’s specific needs, ensuring that your plants stay well-watered, whether you’re away for a weekend or a couple of weeks.
DIY Solutions for Plant Hydration and Keeping Indoor Plants Alive
When it comes to keeping your plants hydrated on a budget, DIY methods can be both effective and simple.
Water globes, for instance, gradually release water into the plant’s soil, ensuring consistent moisture levels.
Another handy trick is using a water bottle. Just fill the plastic bottle, make a small hole in the cap, and place the bottle upside down into the plant’s pot. This creates a slow-release watering system that can keep your plants happy for days. If you prefer to use a glass bottle, a wine bottle also works great.
For a more crafty approach, try a wick system using a towel, cotton rope, or twine. Place one end in a bucket of water and the other in the plant’s soil. The towel will wick water from the water container into the plant. This method allows for gradual water absorption, keeping your plants hydrated with minimal fuss.
These easy DIY solutions will keep your plant roots watered while protecting them from the root rot that can result from overwatering.
Mulching and Soil Moisture Retention Can Help Keep Plants Alive
Mulching is an effective way to help your garden retain moisture while you’re away.
By adding a layer of mulch over the plant’s soil, you can significantly reduce evaporation, which means your plants stay hydrated longer.
There are various mulch options to suit different types of plants. For larger outdoor gardens, wood chips or straw work wonderfully to keep the soil moist.
If you’re caring for succulents or other plants that prefer well-drained soil, fine gravel or small stones are excellent choices.
Mulch not only helps retain moisture in the soil. It also stabilizes the soil temperature for your plants and can even suppress the growth of unwanted weeds. Before you pack your bags, take some time to mulch your garden—your plants will appreciate it!
Using Technology for Monitoring
In today’s digital world, technology makes plant care easier than ever. Smart plant monitors can keep an eye on soil moisture, light levels, and even temperature. This gives real-time updates on your plant’s health.
These handy gadgets sync with apps on your phone, so you can monitor your garden from anywhere. Some advanced systems can even alert you when the soil of the plant is too dry, allowing you to make timely adjustments.
Imagine being able to adjust your watering schedule while sipping a drink by the pool—pretty cool, right?
Pairing these monitors with automatic watering systems can be a game-changer. You can set them up to water your plants at the right time, ensuring they stay hydrated without any guesswork.
Whether your plants are in your living room or spread across your backyard, this tech-savvy approach offers peace of mind.
So, if you love your gadgets as much as your greenery, integrating technology into your plant care routine is a smart move. This way, you can focus on enjoying your vacation, knowing that your plants are thriving back home.
Getting Help from Neighbors or Friends
If you’re fortunate enough to have helpful neighbors or friends, consider asking them to water your plants while you’re away.
Leave clear, simple instructions about each plant’s needs.
Be specific about how often to water and how much water to use for each plant. If any plants have unique requirements, like avoiding direct sunlight or checking for dry leaves, make sure to note that as well.
You can even set up a little schedule for your plant sitter to follow. Sometimes, a bit of human touch is just what your garden needs.
By doing this, you can enjoy your time off, knowing your plants are in good hands.
Leaving your plants behind while you enjoy a vacation can be a bit nerve-wracking, but with a little planning, it’s entirely manageable.
Don’t forget the importance of mulching to retain soil moisture, especially for your outdoor garden.
For tech enthusiasts, smart plant monitors and automated systems can offer peace of mind by keeping you informed about your plant’s health in real-time.
Additionally, enlisting the help of a neighbor or friend ensures that your plants get the personal touch they might need.
With all these options at your disposal, you can tailor a watering strategy that fits both your garden’s needs and your vacation plans.
Whether you have indoor plants in a sunny window or a lush garden outdoors, these strategies can help ensure they remain healthy and vibrant. Enjoy your time off, knowing your green friends are well taken care of!
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
The last time I had plants and pets in the same house was when I still lived at home with my parents. Honestly, I thought I was a lost cause as a plant parent because I’ve always struggled with keeping them alive. Once I was out on my own, I had plants before dogs, and didn’t think it would be an issue when the dogs didn’t seem interested in them at all. However, after they adjusted to their new home, the plants were suddenly fair game. I’d leave the room for less than five minutes only to return to green, leafy shreds on my living room carpet. Needless to say, I moved the plants.
At the time, the best spot was the dining table, but it came with a cost: My apartment doesn’t get the best light as is, and the table is nowhere close to a window. They stayed alive, but I could tell they weren’t thriving. I needed something to raise the plants from the floor rather than put them on whatever flat surface was available. As soon as I saw Umbra’s Bellwood Planter, I knew I had to give it a try. I wasn’t sure if my plants were going to fit in it, but the dimensions and reviews seemed promising.
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Right away, I loved that the design of the Bellwood Storage Planter was sleek and simple. It’s super lightweight and it’s made with a combination of real wood and powder-coated metal, so it has fashionable clean lines and durable build that can keep your plants and other items safely housed. In the past, I’ve gotten overwhelmed in trying to pick out elevated planters because of the sheer number of styles that are out there. It was hard to choose the one that would be right for my space, especially shopping online. Fortunately, Umbra is a brand that I trust when it comes to organization products, and they have yet to disappoint. The planter from their Bellwood Collection is no exception.
The Bellwood Planter requires assembly upon delivery, but fortunately comes in a slim box that won’t clutter up your space. It’s a little tricky to put together alone because of the order in which you connect the pieces, although it’s totally doable. Once it’s fully assembled, just drop the plastic tray that comes with it into the metal container and you’re ready to start adding plants, decor, and more. My plants are in medium-sized pots that are roughly eight inches, and they fit just fine in the planter along with a spray bottle and watering can. If the plant care supplies weren’t in it, I could easily fit a third plant into the planter bin. I initially worried that the sides of the container would cover the plants, but I was wrong. They’re fully visible and only their pots — as nice as they are — are hidden. Plus, they get a proper amount of sunlight now that they’re back near a window. Best of all — my dogs can no longer reach them.
Even if you won’t be using it for plants, this storage container works in any room. It can hold towels in the bathroom, toys and blankets in a nursery, and even books or supplies in an office. Thanks to handles that are built in by design, it’s not a chore to move around and it’s so much more spacious than it looks online. The pictures really don’t do it justice. If you’re short on space and need to take advantage of vertical storage, this is a piece you need!
