Pet-friendly houseplants
I get a lot of questions from customers about the types of houseplants that are safe for pets. While I personally have a wide variety of houseplants inside my house and have never had to worry about my animals or children eating them, it can be a concern for some.
Here are my top five favorite pet-friendly houseplants.
String of turtles
Who doesn’t love baby turtles? The string of turtles, like it’s cousin, string of hearts, is an easy-to take care of vining plant whose leaves look like the shells of sea turtles.
Water once a week or when the top half of your soil is dry.
Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
May benefit from a few days of bright light occasionally
String of Hearts (variegated and regular)
These beautiful plants are easy to take care of and only need watering every few weeks. Did you know that if you take really good care of your string of hearts, they will form little balls on the stems, which you can propagate into new plants?
Water once a week or when the top half of your soil is dry.
Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
May benefit from a few days of bright light occasionally
Peperomia Obtusifolia (variegated and regular)
Peperomia obtusifolia, commonly known as the Baby Rubber Plant, is a compact and low-maintenance houseplant appreciated for its glossy, succulent-like leaves and adaptability to various indoor conditions. I’ve had really great success with these plants at my booth and they have survived days of low light and inconsistent watering. Peperomias can grow up to 2 feet tall and produces white flowers .
Water when soil dries out (1-2 weeks)
Light: medium to bright light
Fertilize 2-4x a month
Prefers temperatures between 65-75 degrees
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese money plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides, is a popular indoor plant characterized by its round, flat, coin-shaped leaves that grow on long, slender stems. Originating from China, it has gained widespread attention for its unique appearance and easy care requirements, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. The plant's distinct appearance and symbolism of good luck have contributed to its popularity as a decorative houseplant.
Water every 1-2 weeks when soil is completely dry
Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Feed once a month in spring and summer.
Ric Rac Cactus
The ric rac cactus, also called Zigzag Cactus or Fishbone Cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus), is a striking epiphytic cactus known for its distinctive zigzag-shaped stems with serrated edges resembling a fishbone or ric rac trim. Native to Mexico, it thrives as a hanging or trailing plant, producing intricate and beautiful pink or white flowers that bloom during the nighttime. Due to its unique growth pattern and appealing aesthetics, the ric rac cactus has become a sought-after choice for indoor gardening and succulent enthusiasts.
Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Spring/Summer: Fertilize once a week; Winter: Fertilize once a month
Light: Bright/warm but no direct sunlight
Best hung or placed on the edge of a shelf.
