Try These Trailing Plants for a Pet-Safe Alternative to Epipremnum Aureum - Barry Dunleavy
John R. Wood Properties
Barry Dunleavy, John R. Wood PropertiesPhone: (239) 877-6445
Email: bdunleavy@johnrwood.com

Try These Trailing Plants for a Pet-Safe Alternative to Epipremnum Aureum

by Barry Dunleavy 10/22/2023

For some pet owners, hanging plants in baskets is not always enough to keep animals safe from eating them. Trailing plants such as epipremnum aureum and philodendron are beautiful and easy to care for, but toxic to cats and dogs if their vines hang down to nibbling height. Luckily, there are options for non-toxic trailing plants you can grow at home without worrying about fallen leaves or hanging vines making your animals sick. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Hoya Carnosa

Hoyas are also called wax plants because of their thick, glossy leaves. There are dozens of species of hoya and most of them have trailing or climbing growth patterns. The hoya carnosa is the most commonly grown as a houseplant, both in its regular form and the various multi-colored cultivars. These vines are vigorous growers and well-loved for their ease of care and resistance to pests. They're also completely safe for pets, so you can let them trail from their planters without fear of making your animals sick.

String of Hearts

String of hearts is a unique trailing plant perfect for pet owners. As the name suggests, this plant has heart-shaped leaves growing on delicate vines. While it won't climb on its own, it makes a great plant to train up onto a decorative trellis. Otherwise, the plant grows best when allowed to hang down from its container. String of hearts have care needs similar to succulents: water infrequently and provide plenty of bright light.

Peperomia Hope

The peperomia genus contains a wide variety of favorite houseplants, all of which are safe for pets. While most have an upright or bushy growth habit, the peperomia hope is a vibrant trailing plant you can hang from baskets or allow to cascade over a shelf. Peperomia like moist soil but are very prone to root rot. Therefore, it's essential to water carefully and not plant them in too large a container. Peperomia hope's small, rich green leaves make a cheerful and easy-growing addition to your home without putting your pets at risk.

About the Author
Author

Barry Dunleavy

Over 25 Years in the Real Estate Industry. Former Senior Managing Director with responsibility for oversight of real estate businesses in Canada and Latin America including CEO of Canadian-based bank; prior to that Sr. Managing Director Construction Financing to large residential builders throughout the USA. He has a BA and MBA in Finance. Memberships include the Naples Board of Realtors, Graduate Realtors Institute, Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Florida Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Community activities include New Horizons of Southwest Florida volunteer teaching math and reading to at-risk 3rd to 5th graders while being Chair of their 2016-2018 Golf Event and also involved with the Christian Businessmen's Connection. 2014 Awarded the Distinguished Volunteer for Collier County. He was a former Board of Governors of Hazeltine National Golf Club, host of the upcoming 2016 Ryder Cup Championship.