Popular Succulents That Are Toxic To Pets And Safer Alternatives To Grow

There's a lot to love about succulents. Low-maintenance and beautiful, they appeal to new plant owners and experienced green thumbs alike. However they can also appeal to curious four-legged friends, and unfortunately, some can pose a health threat. While many succulents are safe, there are a few popular varieties that are toxic to pets. They can cause anything from an upset stomach to severe side effects. To prevent any accidents, it's worthwhile for every plant-loving animal owner to know which succulents to avoid. If you absolutely adore how some of these plants look, we've also included some non-toxic alternatives that are just as beautiful, but safe too.

The list ahead is not comprehensive and only includes some of the most common succulents. It also only focuses on cats and dogs, not other pets. When shopping for plants, it is always important to check the label and research the specific options from reliable sources like the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant list. Common plant names can include a range of species or cultivars. Varieties might look or sound similar, but some might be toxic, while others are safe. We've used some common and genus names ahead because most of the plants under their umbrella are toxic (or non-toxic, respectively). However, before buying a specific plant, it's prudent to use the full scientific name when researching its safety. Here are some popular succulents that are toxic to pets, and similar-looking houseplants that are pet-safe. 

There are a few reasons to think twice before planting aloe vera in your garden or keeping it in pots in your home. One drawback is that it's listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline. If they ingest the plant, pets can experience vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, depression, and tremors. 

Aloe vera is perhaps the most commonly known, but it's just one plant in the Aloe genus. According to the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, plants in the Aloe genus (there are over 500 species) can cause problems for cats and dogs. Depending on the plant and concentration, it can be poisonous to humans too. Most Aloe species have thick and fleshy leaves with serrated edges. The leaves are often green or bluish-green and sit in a rosette formation. However, species of aloe can look different, so always pay attention to the name tag inside the plant.

If you're seeking a similar look, the ASPCA lists the Haworthias as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Cultivars can look very different, but some have thick and fleshy leaves in a rosette pattern that can resemble aloe. One such example is the Haworthiopsis fasciata (previously known as Haworthia fasciata and more commonly called the zebra Haworthia). This species is listed as pet-safe by the ASPCA and has a similar long and triangular leaf shape as aloe without the risk to your furry roommates.

Kalanchoe is a genus that encompasses over 150 species of plants, many of them toxic to animals, including cats, dogs, and even birds, according to the ASPCA. These plants are sometimes called mother-of-millions, devil's backbone, or mother-in-law-plant, amongst many more common names depending on the species. In cats and dogs, signs of ingestion include salivation, depression, and gastrointestinal distress (vomiting and diarrhea), and if enough is ingested, it can cause heart failure. So, this is definitely a plant to avoid keeping in homes with pets.

Kalanchoe leaves have a fleshy and flattened appearance, may be toothed, and are usually attached to branched stems. Many Kalanchoe varieties bloom with clusters of small, bright flowers, which is one major draw for plant lovers. However, don't depend on the flowers to identify this plant. Kalanchoe varieties can vary widely in appearance, so make sure to read the plant label. Plants in this genus can range from the ornate and fully green leaves of Kalanchoe laetivirens to the colorful flowers of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. 

For a safe way to enjoy pretty blooms without the potentially fatal side effects, look for Schlumbergera russelliana, another flowering succulent that's safe for dogs and cats according to the ASPCA . Sometimes called Christmas cactus or Easter cactus, the flowers on this plant are delicate and come in many similar bright red, white, orange, and pink hues like some Kalanchoe plants. When not in bloom, the Christmas cactus also has a flattened but fleshy leaf shape, similar to some Kalanchoe species.

There are over 200 species under the Agave genus umbrella. These plants range in size and can look quite different from each other. You might find them outdoors in a garden (some can grow as large as 15 feet wide and 10 feet tall). Or, smaller varieties might live in pots indoors as decorative houseplants. Agave is often recognized because of its thick, fleshy, pointed leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. 

One of the most common agave species is the Agave americana, also called the century plant. This variety is listed as poisonous on the MSD Veterinary Manual website, and the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline lists Agave plants as toxic in general. While these plants are unlikely to cause life-threatening effects, they can trigger a skin reaction. Some have sharp teeth or tips which can cause injury (including when ingested). The plant can also cause gastrointestinal trauma or blockage.

Some Echeveria varieties have the same look as agave and are a safer choice. Echeveria is also a genus, and there are nearly 200 species of this plant type. Generally, they are smaller (up to a foot in width and height), so they can be a comparable alternative to a potted agave. Some varieties have a similar fleshy succulent look with a rosette shape. Echeveria are generally considered pet safe, but with so many species, it makes sense to research the exact one you want to buy. The ASPCA lists several Echeveria species as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The most common include Echeveria glauca (blue echeveria), Echeveria pul-oliver (plush plant), Echeveria elegans (hens and chicks), Echeveria multicaulis (copper rose), and Echeveria derenbergii (maroon chenille plant). So, these are some options to look for if you want guaranteed safety. But if these more petite options don't quite make the cut for an alternative, you can also find a pretty realistic-looking Large Imitation Agave Plant instead.

The jade plant goes by many different names, all likely worth avoiding in homes with pets. The Pet Poison Helpline lists jade plants, under the genus name Crassula, as potentially harmful to pets. With over 200 species in this genus, it's unknown if all of them are harmful. But with any potentially toxic genus, you're best off choosing alternative plants that are proven to be safe.

The ASPCA lists the Crassula ovata (formerly known as Crassula argentea) and Crassula arborescens specifically as being toxic to cats and dogs. They can cause vomiting, incoordination, and tremors. While these symptoms are unlikely to be life-threatening, you don't want to put your furry friend through them. Common names for these species include jade plant, baby jade, jade tree, silver jade, silver dollar, and Chinese or Japanese rubber plant. They tend to have deep green leaves that are thick and fleshy (typical of succulents) that are an ovular shape and attached to stems.

There's an alternative plant option that shows just how important it is to research plant safety using the scientific plant name. The Peperomia obtusifolia is dog- and cat-safe per the ASPCA. But its common name, the American rubber plant, can easily be confused with some jade plant nicknames. Peperomia obtusifolia offers a similar appearance too, with glossy deep green leaves with an oval shape. It's a pet-safe option that has that burst of deep green leaves like a jade plant, but that won't harm cats and dogs.

The North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox and the University of Arizona Campus Arboretum both warn of Curio repens' toxicity to pets. If ingested, this succulent can cause nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Ingesting large amounts can even cause liver disease. So despite how unique and distinctive this plant looks, it's not one to keep around pets. Commonly called blue chalksticks, blue toes, or snake ragwort, it grows up to 8 inches tall. Its fleshy and erect blue-green or silvery protuberances resemble the size and shape of sticks of chalk.

This plant is so distinctive-looking that it's not easy to find an interchangeable alternative, but Burro's Tail comes pretty close. Sedum morganianum, also commonly known as donkey's tail, horse's tail, or lamb's tail, is non-toxic to dogs and cats, according to the ASPCA. Burro's tail has fleshy leaves with a similar color and shape as blue chalksticks. However, burro's tail leaves trail downward and are more suitable for hanging planters. Most importantly, Sedum morganianum is safe for homes with pets.

Desert rose (scientific name Adenium obesum) can be deadly to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. Also known as desert azalea, mock azalea, impala lily, or sabi star, this is a pretty but poisonous plant. When ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea), depression, irregular heartbeat, and even death. So, it's just not worth the risk of having this plant in homes with pets. Desert rose has a tree-like shape, with a thick stem and branches featuring bright green leaves concentrated at the end. Many gardeners are drawn to the flowers that bloom in the summer. They are small and showy, in red, pink, and white hues, with a trumpet-like shape.

A flowering plant that's just as attractive, but pet-safe, is the Hibiscus syriacus. It's one you've probably heard of before, often referred to as hibiscus, rose of China, or rose of Sharon. The ASPCA notes this plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats. It's also popular for its showy flowers, which have a similar brightness and color, delicate-looking petals, and open shape to the toxic desert rose.

String of pearl plants are popular amongst succulent lovers because of their distinct look. Their scientific name is Curio rowleyanus, but they are more commonly called bead plants, Irish beads, or string of beads, marbles, peas, or pearls. These give some insight into the main characteristic of the plant, which is its small pea-shaped leaves. Often planted in hanging baskets, the leaves grow on downward-trailing stems. The ASPCA notes they are toxic to pets, and can cause stomach upset (vomiting and lethargy) if ingested. The plant's sap can also cause skin irritation to both humans and pets. While these side effects aren't necessarily deadly, you might as well forgo the Curio rowleyanus (it's one of the most overrated houseplants anyways, according to our master gardener) and choose a safer plant to keep around instead.

Peperomia prostrata is a safer alternative to choose. It's also known as string of turtles or trailing peperomia, and has a similar trailing pattern as string of pearls. Its leaves are different; they're round in shape, but they are flat instead of spherical. However, at a quick glance, these plants look quite similar. Plus, peperomia prostrata is deemed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. So, you can take advantage of that pretty cascading vine look, without risking your pet's health.

The snake plant is another popular succulent to keep away from cats and dogs. This plant's scientific name is Dracaena trifasciata (previously Sansevieria trifasciata). Other common names include golden bird's nest, mother-in-law's tongue, and good luck plant. But, pets will feel far from lucky if they eat this one. The ASPCA lists Dracaena trifasciata as a toxic plant that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. This plant is characterized by its erect and flat leaves, measuring up to 4 feet long and 4 inches wide (though much smaller, potted houseplant versions are also common) and decorated with stripes.

The rattlesnake plant has a similar name, but it's safe for pets. Its scientific name is Goeppertia insignis (previously known as Calathea insignis, which is its listed scientific name on the ASPCA website). Other common names for this plant include prayer plant, rattlesnake calathea, and rattlesnake master. This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs (despite its ominous name). It has erect and flat leaves, similar to the snake plant, but they have wavy edges and are dappled with an oval pattern instead of stripes or bands. Goeppertia insignis has a reputation for being slightly finicky, but fixing the prayer plant's most common problems is usually just a matter of ensuring they aren't exposed to drafts, overly dry air, and hardwater.

Euphorbia tirucalli is an interesting-looking plant. More commonly called a pencil cactus, it has thin, pencil-like (in size and shape) green branches that grow outward to create a spindly-looking shrub. The ASPCA notes it is toxic to cats and dogs and can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach, sometimes resulting in vomiting. While it's not deadly, there's an alternative plant that's safer. 

Rhipsalis baccifera looks quite similar to Euphorbia tirucalli. This plant is sometimes called mistletoe or spaghetti cactus, which gives a clue to its appearance. It has trailing thin branches that are also cylindrical in shape, though smaller in diameter than a pencil. The stems are reed-like and tend to hang downwards. It captures a similar spindly look as the pencil cactus but is non-toxic to cats and dogs, per the ASPCA. If this sounds like a great substitute, here's how to grow and care for a mistletoe cactus.

Crown of thorns (scientific name Euphorbia milii) looks pretty but can be majorly irritating to unsuspecting pets that come in contact with the plant. The Pet Poison Helpline lists it as toxic mainly due to its milky sap, which can irritate and affect the skin, eyes, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract. The thorns along the stem are also sharp. While exposure won't be deadly, this plant should be kept well out of reach of kids or pets because of its irritating effects. Even gardeners should wear protective gloves when handling this plant. Plant lovers may find this species appealing due to its oval-shaped bright green leaves and even brighter small flowers with a flattened shape.

A less toxic and irritating alternative is the Hoya carnosa, more commonly called honey plant or porcelain flower. This plant is very pretty and also non-toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA. Like the crown of thorns, it has fairly similar colorful, small, and slightly flat-looking flowers that can grow in bunches. However, Hoya carnosa's flowers cluster in a more distinctive dome-like shape. They're just as pretty and an underrated houseplant to consider, according to our expert. To make yours thrive, here's our complete guide on how to grow and care for Hoya carnosa climbing vines.