If you have furry friends scampering around in your home, then you probably want to keep them protected and healthy. A common concern for plant owners is whether or not their succulents are safe for pets. If you decide to bring new greenery into your living spaces, then you want to make sure your home-bound animals will be okay with this choice too.
Are succulents safe for cats or dogs? Some succulent plants are toxic or harmful when eaten. These should be kept out of reach of your four-legged pals. Although some succulent types can be poisonous if ingested, this doesn’t mean that all succulents are bad for pets. Luckily, with so many different succulent types, there are many that are non-toxic and completely safe.
These pet-friendly succulent varieties won’t hurt your cat or dog, which means you don’t have to make the hard choice between houseplants or house pets. Although these types of succulents are non-toxic, it’s still not recommended to consume them, so be sure to keep an eye on your furry companions when they’re near your houseplants.
Below are some of the best non-toxic succulents to keep indoors—so you don’t have to worry about putting your cat, dog, or pets at any risk.
Burro’s Tail
Burro’s tail, also known as Sedum Burrito, is a type of succulent with round, plump leaves bundled together on stems. This succulent is native to Mexico and can bloom flowers that are red, white, or yellow.
Burro’s tail needs bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. As this plant grows larger, it drapes over the soil, making it an ideal plant for hanging pots. You can also place the plant on top of shelves. This succulent is known for being very attractive and delicate. If you brush against this plant, its leaves will fall off, so avoid handling the plant too roughly.
Zebra Haworthia
Zebra Haworthia is a cute, pet-safe succulent to keep indoors. It is commonly mistaken for a type of aloe, but it’s actually in the Haworthia family. With tiny specks that resemble zebra stripes, this plant has an attractive, quirky flair. It is one of the more popular Haworthia types. Zebra Haworthia grows slowly and maintains a small size.
This low-maintenance succulent type is ideal for beginners. Zebra Haworthia should be placed in a spot where they can get enough light. You can decorate your desk with this small plant, or keep it by a window where it can soak in sunshine.
Sempervivum
Sempervivum succulents, also called hens and chicks, bring a charming look to indoor spaces. They are also extremely hardy and resilient, surviving in a variety of different conditions. These plants range in color, and some can even change hues throughout the seasons. You can find these appealing succulents with shades of red, blue, purple, and bronze.
Sempervivum can withstand incredibly cold environments, making them an ideal choice for those who live in chillier, northern climates. They are also easy to care for—no green thumb required.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cacti bloom once a year during the winter, and the segments of this plant can grow surprisingly long—up to three feet in length. Their flowers range in color—red, white, yellow, pink, or purple. Although most succulents enjoy dry, desert-like environments, this succulent plant prefers more humid conditions.
Christmas cacti make a great indoor plant and their vibrant blooms can help brighten your home during the holiday season. This plant prefers temperatures between 15 to 21℃. Christmas cacti propagate easily and make an excellent gift for your friends and family.
Echeveria
Echeveria plants are ideal for beginners. This plant has no problem tolerating neglect and does not need to be watered often. Echeveria plants have thick leaves that form rosettes, and they come in a variety of colors.
Echeverias require bright, direct light daily. If you’re keeping Echeverias indoors, place them by a window where they’ll get enough sunshine. Echeverias are safe for pets and humans. In fact, this plant can even be found on wedding cakes as decorations! Although this plant is non-toxic, it’s still not recommended to consume. Pets should still be supervised when near this succulent.
Ghost Plant
Ghost plants are a popular choice for houseplant owners. They have thick leaves that store moisture. Similar to most succulents, they don’t need to be watered frequently. The leaves can range in color from silvery gray to blue-green, and they are clustered together, forming attractive rosettes.
Graptopetalum ghost plants love full sun, so be sure to place them in a bright spot. Ghost plants are non-toxic and safe for your home, so you can use this succulent to decorate your indoor spaces worry-free.
