10 Stylish Houseplants That Are Totally Safe for Cats

Okay, here we are at our final plant on this amazing list of stylish and cat-safe beauties! Now, I know what you might be thinking when you see the name of this one, especially since it’s sunny May and the holidays feel like a distant memory (or a far-off dream, depending on how you look at it!). But trust me, this plant is a charmer all year round, not just when the carols are playing.

10. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) – The Festive & Flowering Favorite

The Christmas Cactus! Or, as you might also know its relatives, the Thanksgiving Cactus or even Easter Cactus – they’re all part of the Schlumbergera family and bloom at slightly different times, but their care and style are quite similar.¹ Even though we’re enjoying the warmth of late spring here in beautiful Baja, it’s never a bad time to talk about a plant that brings such vibrant joy, especially one that’s so wonderfully easy to care for and, most importantly, safe for our furry companions. I actually love having these around even when they’re not blooming; their unique structure is interesting all on its own!

More Than Just a Holiday Plant: The Enduring Style of the Christmas Cactus

So, what makes the Christmas Cactus so stylish, even when it’s not “the season”? It’s all about those unique segmented stems, or cladodes, as they’re technically called. They look like flattened, linked chains that arch and trail gracefully, giving the plant a really cool, almost retro vibe. I always think they have a bit of a ’70s macrame hanger feel to them, in the best possible way!

And then, of course, there are the flowers. When it does decide to put on its show – usually around the late fall and winter holidays, as its name suggests – oh my! You get these beautiful tubular flowers in the most vibrant pinks, reds, purples, or whites. They just burst forth from the ends of the stems, creating a stunning display of color when many other plants are dormant. It’s a real mood-lifter.

A Purrfectly Safe Celebration: Festive and Feline-Friendly!

Here’s the best part for all of us who adore our cats: the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is non-toxic to cats! This is such fantastic news because, let’s face it, so many traditional holiday plants can be a bit dodgy for our pets. With this festive favorite, you can enjoy its cheerful blooms without a single worry if your kitty decides to investigate.

It’s always a relief to find a cat-safe holiday plant that’s also this beautiful and easy to grow. It means you can bring that festive spirit into your home without compromising your pet’s safety. And honestly, their trailing stems can be quite intriguing to a playful cat, so knowing they’re safe is extra reassuring!

Christmas Cactus Care: My Year-Round Guide to Happy Blooms

Now, let’s talk Christmas Cactus care. These guys are actually succulents, but they’re a bit different from their desert-dwelling cousins; they’re native to the rainforests of Brazil, so they appreciate a little more moisture and humidity than your typical cactus.

They prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct, harsh sun (especially that intense afternoon sun we get here) can actually scorch their segments.² An east-facing window or a spot that gets good, filtered light throughout the day is usually perfect.

When it comes to watering, aim for moderate watering. You’ll want to water more when it’s actively growing or blooming – keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Then, during its off-season, after it’s finished flowering, you can let it dry out a bit more between waterings. They also appreciate slightly higher humidity when they’re budding up; a little misting now and then can help those buds develop and prevent them from dropping.

If you want to encourage those spectacular holiday blooms, the trick is to give it a period of cooler temperatures (around 50-55°F or 10-13°C) and shorter daylight hours in the fall, for about 6-8 weeks. It’s like giving the plant a little signal that it’s time to get ready for its big show!

Styling Your Christmas Cactus: Festive Flair Any Time of Year!

Even though it’s known as a holiday plant, a Christmas Cactus can add a pop of color and interesting texture to shelves or tabletops all year round. When it is blooming, it’s obviously a star. But even when it’s just its green, segmented self, its arching and trailing nature makes it really attractive.

It looks fantastic in a hanging basket too! This really allows those cascading stems to shine. I’ve seen some ancient ones in hanging baskets that are just magnificent. And speaking of ancient, these plants can live for decades and are often passed down through families. My own grandmother had one that seemed as old as time itself, and it bloomed faithfully every single year! They’re also super easy to propagate from stem cuttings, so you can share the joy with friends and family.

Conclusion

See? Creating a stylish, plant-filled home that’s also a safe haven for your feline companions is totally achievable! With these 10 gorgeous and completely cat-safe houseplants, you can indulge your passion for interior styling and indoor gardening without a shred of worry.

From the easy-going Spider Plant to the elegant Orchid, there’s a perfect, purr-approved plant for every taste and every corner of your home. So go ahead, embrace your inner plant parent and create that beautiful, green sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of.

Which one will you bring home first? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to see how you style your cat-safe greenery!