My last trip to a garden center was quick because of COVID, but I still walked out with a couple new houseplants. Not just any houseplants, but ones that I literally never see in any other store. This list has five pet safe, unique, really nice little plants to join your houseplant family, which I can only assume is continuing to grow in quarantine.
So here we go:

Breynia Snowbush

Scientific Name: Breynia nivosa
This little pink, green and white plant is normally seen in large shrub form, but I found this mini Snowbush. It’s delicate leaves are super cute and it’s crazy pretty. Breynia nivosa is non toxic and follows care similar to Calathea – keep moist and in medium (not harsh) light.

String of Hearts

Scientific Name: Ceropegia woodii
This bebe is a trailer, also with delicate little leaves. More like a succulent, String of Hearts prefers bright light and to be watered only when dry. I don’t know about you, but I love any pet friendly training plant with plump little leaves.

Fishbone Cactus

Scientific Name: Disocactus anguliger
The pet safe Fishbone cactus, also called the ric rac cactus, orchid cactus, and formally known as Epiphyllum anguliger until recently, is neat. What’s not neat, their tiny spikey thorns, which are super annoying. I suggest keeping this hanging somewhere where it won’t continuously stab your cat’s face or get tangled in your hair (not that I know from experience). Care is easy – treat like a cactus. This means only water when dry, plant in Cactus soil, and place in a sunny spot.

Chenille Plant

Scientific Name: Acalypha hispida
Is it weird that I like this plant because it looks like a bunch of reject arms from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop? Nah. The Chenille plant is so cool though and completely non toxic. Despite them being fuzzy, they like full sun and to be kept slightly moist. These guys grow fast and appreciate bi-weekly fertilizer to keep pumping out those fuzzy flowers.

False Aralia

Scientific Name: Dizygotheca elegantissima
For some reason, False aralia and Schefflera get put in the same pool. They are very different houseplants, with the first being pet safe and harder to find and the latter not safe and more common in garden centers. Dizygotheca elegantissima is the name you want to look for – these plants have skinny leaves that look like fingers and come in small 6″ plants or 6′ trees. Care is also similar to Calathea, they like medium light, lots of humidity and to be kept moist.

Be sure to check out my other pet safe houseplant lists, too:
Five Stylish Pet Safe Houseplants
Five Minimalist Pet Safe Houseplants
Five Pretty Plants Safe for Cats