Complete Gardening
When you first venture into the world of plants, succulents are hard to ignore. They come in all shapes and sizes, offer unique designs, and, best of all, they’re low maintenance.
But if you’re both a plant lover and a pet owner, it’s crucial to ask a less glamorous, but very important question: Are these trendy plants safe for your furry friends?
Here’s the deal. While succulents can be a delightful addition to your home, not all of them play nice with pets. Some varieties are toxic, and if your cat or dog decides to take a nibble, you could be in for an emergency trip to the vet.
But don’t worry. In this post, we’ll explore the world of pet-friendly succulents—those safe for your cats and dogs. We’ll also talk about some toxic varieties you need to steer clear of. After all, your pet’s health is paramount.
Why Pets and Plants Don’t Always Mix
First, let’s talk about why this is such a big deal. Pets are curious creatures. They’ll explore anything new, and that includes your beloved succulents.
Dogs, in particular, tend to chew on things they shouldn’t, and cats… well, they’ll knock things over just for fun. Whether it’s out of boredom or curiosity, your plants are often the first casualty of this playful behavior.
Succulents, with their thick, juicy leaves, are even more enticing because they look edible.
That juicy texture can be especially attractive to pets. However, some of those “juicy” plants are packed with toxins.
These toxins serve as a natural defense mechanism in plants to ward off predators, but they can make your pets sick if ingested.
Now, not all succulents are dangerous, which is why we’re here to help you figure out which ones are safe and which ones aren’t.
Pet-Safe Succulents to Add to Your Collection
1. Haworthia
Haworthia is a great option for pet owners. It’s small, easy to care for, and most importantly, non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
These little succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that come in a variety of patterns, making them visually appealing without posing a risk to your pets.
What’s even better is that they thrive in low light, so if you’re living in an apartment or a house with limited natural light, Haworthia is your go-to.
They don’t need much water either, so they’re perfect for those of us who might forget to water our plants now and then.
2. Echeveria
Another pet-safe succulent is Echeveria. These are the ones that look like roses, with rosettes of plump leaves. They’re popular for a reason—they’re beautiful and come in many different colors, from pale green to deep purple.
Echeverias are non-toxic to pets, so if your cat happens to take a bite, there’s no need to panic. Like Haworthia, they don’t require a ton of attention, making them perfect for beginner plant parents.
3. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Burro’s Tail, or Sedum morganianum, is a trailing succulent that looks like long, hanging bunches of grapes. It’s completely safe for pets and easy to care for.
The fleshy leaves are easy to break off, though, so if you have a particularly rambunctious pet, you might want to hang this one out of reach.
This plant loves bright, indirect sunlight and a well-draining soil. If you live in a home with lots of windows, Burro’s Tail can make a great addition to your space while keeping your pets safe.
4. Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis)
Zebra plants, also known as Haworthiopsis, are cousins of the Haworthia mentioned earlier. They get their name from the striking white stripes on their dark green leaves, which gives them a unique, eye-catching look.
They’re non-toxic to pets and incredibly resilient, so if you forget to water them for a week (or two), they’ll still be going strong.
Place them in a sunny spot and enjoy a low-maintenance, pet-friendly succulent that makes your living room look like a desert oasis.
5. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm isn’t actually a palm—it’s a succulent! This quirky plant, with its long, curly leaves, is safe for both cats and dogs. In fact, many pets love batting at its long, draping leaves.
The Ponytail Palm thrives on neglect (in the best way possible). It stores water in its thick trunk, so you don’t need to water it often. Plus, it grows slowly, making it a great long-term plant friend.
Toxic Succulents to Avoid if You Have Pets
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most popular succulents for its medicinal properties. People use it to treat burns, wounds, and skin irritations, but what’s good for humans isn’t always good for animals.
Aloe contains saponins and anthraquinones, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets.
Even though it’s a fantastic plant for skincare, if you have a pet that likes to chew on leaves, you might want to keep this one out of reach or opt for a safer plant.
2. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant, with its thick, oval leaves and woody stems, is a classic indoor plant. It’s low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and can live for years.
However, it’s highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingesting Jade can lead to vomiting, depression, and lack of coordination in pets.
While it’s a stunning plant to have around, it’s not worth the risk if you have curious animals roaming the house.
3. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants are beautiful, with vibrant flowers that come in a variety of colors. But this beauty comes at a cost.
Kalanchoe contains toxins called bufadienolides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even abnormal heart rhythms in pets.
While they may add a splash of color to your home, Kalanchoes are best avoided if you’re also trying to keep your pets safe.
4. Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)
The Pencil Cactus isn’t a true cactus, but rather a succulent that grows long, thin branches resembling—you guessed it—pencils.
While it’s a striking addition to any plant collection, it’s toxic to pets. The sap can cause skin irritation, and if ingested, it can lead to vomiting and mouth irritation in both cats and dogs.
Because of its toxicity, the Pencil Cactus is best avoided if you share your home with pets, or at least placed in a spot where your pets can’t reach it.
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Plants are incredibly popular due to their ability to thrive in low light and their air-purifying qualities. However, they contain saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets if ingested.
If you’re set on a Snake Plant, make sure it’s well out of reach of your pets. Or, if you’re concerned about the risk, there are plenty of safer alternatives.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Succulents
Even with the right plants, there’s still the chance that your pet could get into trouble. Here are a few tips to help keep both your plants and pets safe:
Place plants out of reach – Consider hanging your succulents in baskets or placing them on high shelves where curious cats and dogs can’t reach them.
Create a pet-friendly zone – Designate certain areas of your home as pet-free zones. For example, you can keep plants in rooms your pets don’t have access to.
Use deterrents – Pet-safe sprays can help deter pets from chewing on plants. These sprays are harmless to animals but make the plants less appealing to chew.
Provide alternatives – If your pet seems interested in chewing plants, consider providing them with pet-safe grass or toys to divert their attention.
Succulents can add a lot to your home, from enhancing your décor to purifying the air. But if you’re a pet owner, it’s important to ensure that the plants you choose won’t harm your furry friends.
Luckily, there are plenty of pet-safe succulents, like Haworthia, Echeveria, and Ponytail Palms, that you can enjoy without worrying about your pets.
On the other hand, toxic plants like Aloe Vera, Jade, and Kalanchoe should be avoided if you want to create a safe environment for your pets.
Remember, a little bit of research can go a long way in preventing an unwanted trip to the vet. By choosing pet-safe succulents, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—healthy plants and happy pets.
