10 Stylish Houseplants That Are Totally Safe for Cats

Alright, plant lovers, after the grandeur of the Boston Fern, let’s zoom in on some smaller treasures that are absolutely brimming with personality! If you’re like me and can’t resist a plant that’s a little bit different, a little bit quirky, and totally collectible, then you are going to fall head over heels for the Peperomia family.

6. Peperomia (e.g., Watermelon Peperomia, Ripple Peperomia) – The Quirky & Compact Collectible

I swear, once you discover Peperomias, often called Radiator Plants, you’ll want to collect them all! I started with one – I think it was a cute little Peperomia obtusifolia, the Baby Rubber Plant – and now, well, let’s just say my shelves have a significant Peperomia population. They’re just so darn charming and come in such an incredible array of styles. And the best part? They don’t take up a ton of space!

Why Peperomias are a Plant Collector’s Dream (and So Stylish!)

The sheer variety in leaf shape, color, and texture within the Peperomia genus is mind-blowing. Seriously, there’s a Peperomia out there for every mood and every decor style! You’ve got the iconic Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia), with its stunning silver stripes that look exactly like a tiny watermelon rind – how fun is that? Then there’s the Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata), which has these deeply corrugated, heart-shaped leaves in shades of green or even deep reddish-purple.¹ It’s like touching velvet!

And that’s just scratching the surface. There are Peperomias with fuzzy leaves, smooth and shiny leaves, trailing varieties like the adorable String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata), and ones with coin-shaped leaves.² They are generally compact growers, which means you can fit a delightful collection on a windowsill, a desk, or a bookshelf without needing a whole jungle. Each one has so much personality packed into a small package!

Good News for Cat Parents: The Whole Peperomia Gang is Safe!

Here’s the news that makes us all do a little happy dance: the entire Peperomia genus is considered non-toxic to cats! Yes, you read that right! From the Watermelon to the Ripple to all their quirky cousins, these beauties are A-Okay for your feline friends. This is such a relief because, with so many varieties, you can indulge your collecting habit without constantly worrying, “Is this one safe?”

Finding such a diverse and fascinating cat-safe plant family feels like hitting the jackpot. You can create these amazing, textured displays and know that your curious kitty can sniff around or even accidentally brush up against them without any harm. It makes plant shopping so much more fun and carefree!

Peperomia Care: My Secrets to Happy, Thriving “Peps”

So, you’re captivated by their charm – but are they fussy? Generally, Peperomia care is pretty straightforward, which adds to their appeal! They prefer medium to bright indirect light. I’ve found they do really well a few feet away from a sunny window, or even right on the sill of a window that doesn’t get too much harsh, direct afternoon sun. Some of the varieties with more variegation or color might appreciate a bit more brightness to keep their patterns vibrant.

Watering is where you need to pay a little attention. Most Peperomias have somewhat succulent-like leaves, meaning they store water.³ So, you’ll want to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and definitely avoid overwatering. Overwatering is probably the quickest way to make a Peperomia unhappy, trust me on this one! I usually stick my finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, I wait a few more days. A well-draining potting mix is also their friend.

They’re generally adaptable to average household humidity, but like most tropical plants, they won’t complain about a bit of extra moisture in the air, especially the more delicate-leafed varieties.⁴

Decorating with Peperomias: Tiny Treasures, Big Style!

This is where the fun really begins! Because they’re so compact and diverse, Peperomias are a dream for decorating with small plants. One of my favorite ways to display them is to group a few different Peperomia varieties together on a shelf. The contrasting leaf shapes, colors, and textures create such an eclectic and visually interesting display.

Their smaller size also makes them great for terrariums! Imagine a little enclosed world with a few tiny Peperomias creating a miniature landscape – it’s adorable and a super fun DIY plant project. They’re also perfect as individual desk plants, adding a pop of green to your workspace, or you can tuck them into small, cute pots on windowsills or in little nooks that need a touch of life. They prove that you don’t need big plants to make a big style statement!

Seriously, if you haven’t explored the world of Peperomias yet, you’re in for a treat! They’re fun, fashionable, and wonderfully feline-friendly. Up next, we’re going to talk about a plant that’s said to bring good fortune and looks pretty amazing doing it!

Click the “Next” button below to discover a braided beauty that’s safe for your cats!