Safe Succulents For Plant Parents
If you have pets and plants in your home, you'll want to make sure they are compatible. Many plants can be toxic to pets, so it's only natural that you'd need to find some that are safe for your furry friends. Succulents are a great option as they're low maintenance. While some varieties can be toxic to pets, this list includes a number of succulents that are perfectly safe to have around your pets.
Graptosedum varieties
If you're looking for something colorful and easy to propagate, Graptopetalum and Graptosedum varieties will be perfect for you. They're pet friendly and there are quite a few beautiful options to choose from. You will want to keep these near the brightest window of your home and consider giving them a grow light, or keeping them outside in bright, indirect sunlight.
Portulacaria afra
Portulacaria afra, or Elephant Bush, is a great option to grow around pets. It grows easily and will bounce back quickly if your pet decides to take a nibble. This plant is eaten by a number of animals in South Africa where it originates. It can also be eaten by people as well! This classic succulent is a good alternative to the Jade plant which can be toxic to pets.
Echeveria Varieties
Perhaps the most recognizable succulents are Echeveria. Not only do these rosette-shaped succulents come in all colors and sizes, but they're also safe for your furry friends. They'll need quite a bit of light to stay colorful inside but will brighten up your home. Of course, your pet may want to sniff them out and see what they taste like but fortunately won't end up with a stomach ache.
String of Turtles
Plants named after animals are always fun, and String of Turtles is no exception. Plus, it's safe for cats and dogs to be around so they can enjoy this unique specimen with you. If you find your pet is a little too interested in this Peperomia, you can put it in a hanging pot so it's out of reach. It will spill over the edge of the pot and can get quite long if well cared for.
Lithops
If rare and unusual plants are more your style, it's hard to pass up on Lithops. These weird-looking succulents come in all shapes and colors. They're quite slow growing and require very little water. Your pet won't get jealous of you spending too much time caring for these little guys, though you may want to look at them a lot. They're perfectly pet safe too, but you'll probably want to keep them out of reach as they're usually on the more expensive side and won't recover if your furry friend decides to take a bit or scratch them.
Faucaria varieties
Equally unusual but much less expensive are Faucaria succulents. Many of these get the nickname Tiger Jaws, but the teeth on the edge of these leaves are quite soft and not actually intimidating. Your pet may think it's a toothy predator, but it's a safe plant for them to be around.
Adromischus
Adromischus cristatus or "Crinkle Leaf Plant" is another fun option that is safe to keep around your furry friends. It has distinct wavy edges on its leaves and frequently gets brown "whiskers", which are actually aerial roots, around the stem. This plant is fragile so it's probably still best to keep it up on a shelf or out of the way. One paw too many on it and all the leaves could fall off. But if your pet decides to take a bite they're not in danger.
Sempervivum
These stunning rosette-shaped succulents are great plants to grow outside, even if you live in a four-season climate. Sempervivum are pet-safe and snow-safe! They'll come back year after year producing new "chicks" of their own and continuing to show off intense red, purple, and green colors. Many varieties of Sempervivum are prolific and can produce dozens of new rosettes each year. You'll love having these in your garden.
Stop the stretching: How to fix one of the most common succulent problems
If you're growing succulents inside, you might notice they start to lose their color, get more space between their leaves and begin to look more thin and weak. Succulents that start to get tall like this aren't as healthy as they should be and can eventually end up with more problems. Learn how to stop your succulent from stretching so it can grow healthy and strong.
Yes, Your Succulent Is Probably Dying, But Here's What To Do About It
There are a number of reasons your succulent might not be looking great. Find out how to tell what's wrong with your succulent and how you can fix it or prevent it from happening again.
7 Worst Mistakes Beginners Make When Growing Succulents
Many people assume that they can take care of succulent plants however they want -- just treat them like normal house plants. The problem is succulents aren't like most other house plants. They have completely different watering needs and often need more sunlight and airflow than other plants. Find out what the most common succulent mistakes are and how to avoid them.
Don't miss these important tips for planting succulents
After you purchase a new succulent, it's important that you replant it to ensure it stays live in your home. Taking a few minutes to learn how to plant succulents will start your succulent growing journey off on the right foot. You'll want to make sure you have the right supplies, including soil and pottery, to give your succulent (and yourself) the best chance at success.
Are you overlooking this critical part of succulent care?
Many people who struggle to grow succulents think they have a watering problem. As it turns out, most of them have a soil problem. Using the proper succulent soil will make caring for these unique plants so much easier. Find out what type of soil is best for succulents and where to find it.
This article originally appeared on Succulents and Sunshine.