Pet Safe Succulents

As far as succulents are concerned, it’s usually easier to evaluate the safety of whole genera, rather than specific species (although there are certainly exceptions like Crassula and Senecio where some species are toxic and others are not). This list tends to be dominated by plants from a few genera and it’s good to know these in case you encounter them in a local garden store and are wondering about their safety to your pet.

Haworthia are a classic pet safe plant. These plants are native to South Africa where they grow in tight clusters among rocks and up cliffs. They tend to be a beautiful emerald green color and tend to have leaf windows. These “windows” are translucent parts of the plant’s skin that allow it to take light deep into their tissues. They are also completely safe for pets.

Echeveria are beautiful rosette plants that come in all different leaf shapes and colors. Some very popular plants are in this genus including Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg' and Echeveria 'Ana Lu'. These plants are also totally safe for pets.

Sempervivum are not only safe for pets but, unlike the two genera prior, these are also hardy to at least -20°F! They look similar to Echeveria but tend to have thinner leaves with ciliated margins. They produce many offsets but individual rosettes that flower die shortly afterwards, leaving the offsets to fend for themselves.

If you believe your pet has consumed a toxic plant, please contact animal poison control. For more info on pet safe plants, click here.