Five Uncommon Pet Safe Houseplants

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.

breynia nivosa : leaf and paw pet safe houseplants

Peperomia Hope


This bebe is a trailer, with delicate little leaves. More like a succulent, Peperomia hope 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.

Fishbone cactus : leaf and paw pet safe houseplants

Echeveria

Echeveria are very common in plant and big box store, but did you know they are also pet safe? Plus they bloom, have pink and blue tints, and are very easy to care for. Set in a sunny window and water only when dry otherwise they’ll become waterlogged and sad.

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.

False aralia : Leaf and Paw pet safe houseplants

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

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2 replies
  1. What a tremendously useful site! And it’s really beautifully laid out too. My three cats and I thank you 🙂

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