Avoiding Epipremnum Aureum: Pet-Safe Trailing Plants for Your Houseplant Collection

by Ann Hayward 06/02/2025

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

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]