Hanging and wall mounted plants bring life and greenery to small apartments without taking up floor space. They create a fresh and lively atmosphere and have beautiful décor. For pet owners, especially those with curious cats and dogs, pet safe plants are a must to ensure a safe and happy home.
Why Hanging and Wall-Mounted Plants?
Hanging and wall mounted plants save floor and surface space, perfect for small living areas. Some plants are better for homes with pets because they’re non-toxic and safe, so they’re great for pet owners. By elevating plants, you keep them out of reach of your fur babies, reducing the risk of chewing or ingestion. Plus, vertical greenery adds texture and color to your walls and turns your apartment into a jungle.
What Makes a Plant Pet-Safe?
A pet-safe plant, also described as safe for pets, is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Before bringing any plant into your home, check trusted resources like the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants to confirm its safety. Remember, even pet-safe plants can cause mild stomach upset if pets eat too much, so always supervise. If you’re still choosing which plants to bring home, air purifying plants safe for cats expands the list with pet-friendly options.
Best Pet Safe Hanging Wall Mounted for Small Apartments
Boston Fern: Classic Pet-Safe Hanging Plant
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) has luscious, feathery foliage and loves humid environments. Pet friendly, non-toxic to pets. Boston ferns prefer high humidity and indirect light, no direct sunlight, and temperatures above 60°F. Adjust watering during the growing season for best results.
Note: Some plants commonly called ferns, such as asparagus fern, actually belong to the lily family and are not true ferns. These may not be safe for pets.
Spider Plant: Easy Care and Air-Purifying
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is known for its air purifying qualities, is, easy to care for, and grows in hanging baskets. Tolerates bright and indirect light, grows indoors, is pet-friendly, and is safe for cats and dogs. Native to southern Africa, low maintenance, pet friendly for beginners.
Most cats either ignore or are attracted to spider plants, so monitor your pet’s behavior.
Baby Rubber Plant: Durable and Stylish Indoor Plant
Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) has dark green leaves and is perfect for small apartments. Tolerates low light and is a pet-friendly adding a modern look to your indoor garden.
Air Plants: Versatile and Soil-Free Options
Air plants (Tillandsia) don’t need soil, making them versatile for wall or hanging displays. They are commonly grown indoors due to their adaptability and minimal care requirements. Thrives in bright, indirect light and is non-toxic. Low-maintenance, pet-friendly plants should be misted regularly, especially during the growing season.
Goldfish Plant: Vibrant and Pet-Safe Hanging Choice
Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) is a flowering houseplant with bright orange blooms that resemble goldfish. Pet-friendly plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and adds color to hanging baskets.
Burro’s Tail: Trailing Succulent for Small Spaces
Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) is a trailing succulent with thick, fleshy stems perfect for hanging baskets. Pet-safe plant that prefers bright indirect light and minimal watering.
Areca Palm: Tropical Vibe with Pet Safety
Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) brings a pet-safe vibe with its feathery fronds. Native to Southeast Asia, this palm thrives in warm, humid conditions, making it adaptable and ideal for indoor environments. Tolerates low light and is a pet-friendly plant for indoor spaces.
Baby Tears: Delicate and Moss-Like Ground Cover
Baby tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a popular pet-safe indoor plant with a delicate, moss-like appearance. Thrives in moist soil and indirect light, perfect for terrariums and mini gardens.
Chamaedorea elegans (Parlor Palm): Low Light Tolerant Palm
Parlor palm is low maintenance, pet-friendly plant that thrives in low light and is perfect for apartments. Prefers indirect light and above the minimum temperature.
Hoya carnosa: Waxy Leaves and Trailing Habit
Hoya carnosa has variegated, curly leaves and a trailing/climbing habit. It is well-suited to being grown indoors, making it a great choice for apartment dwellers. Pet-friendly, low-maintenanceWall-Mounted plant that loves bright indirect light and more watering during growing season.
Wall-Mounted Plant Ideas
Use wall planters, mounted pots, or vertical garden frames to display trailing or compact pet-safe plants. For a dramatic effect, consider training a climbing vine like jasmine on wall-mounted trellises to cover walls with delicate, fragrant blooms. Place them above eye level, in corners, or create “living art” installations. Choose easy-care varieties like air plants or hoyas for busy apartment lifestyles.
Installation and Safety Tips
Hook, bracketa , or wall mount your plants to prevent accidents. Planters should be secure and out of reach of your pets, but still accessible for watering and maintenance. Don’t use toxic plants even if they’re high up, as fallen leaves or vines can still be a risk. For a broader pet-care context beyond plant placement, advanced veterinary medicinepet-safe is a helpful reference.
Care and Maintenance in Small Spaces
Most pet-safe hanging plants like bright indirect light and moderate humidity. Some like Calathea prefer partial shade and should be placed away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry and adjust watering frequency based on your apartment’s light and humidity. For low light, choose low light-tolerant plants like spider plants and Boston ferns and consider supplemental lighting if needed.
Quick Reference: Pet Safe Hanging & Wall-Mounted Plants Table
| Plant Name | Hanging/Wall Use | Light Needs | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Fern | Hanging | Indirect, humid | Lush, classic, safe |
| Spider Plant | Hanging | Bright/indirect | Hardy, air-purifying |
| Watermelon Peperomia | Hanging/Wall | Moderate | Compact, easy care |
| Polka Dot Plant | Hanging/Wall | Bright/indirect | Colorful, pet-safe |
| Air Plant | Wall/Hanging | Bright/indirect | No soil, versatile |
| String of Hearts | Hanging/Wall | Bright/indirect | Trailing, delicate |
| Lipstick Plant | Hanging | Bright/indirect | Flowers, non-toxic |
| Hoya | Hanging/Wall | Bright/indirect | Waxy, trailing, safe |
| African Violets | Wall | Low to moderate | Colorful blooms, pet-safe, easy care |
| Cast Iron Plant | Wall | Low | Resilient, beginner-friendly |
| Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) | Wall | Bright/indirect | Good luck, braided trunk |
| Ponytail Palm | Wall | Bright/indirect | Drought-tolerant, unique trunk |
| Prayer Plant | Wall | Low to moderate | Leaf movement, attractive foliage |
| Rattlesnake Plant | Wall | Low to moderate | Patterned leaves, easy care |
| Staghorn Fern | Wall/Hanging | Bright/indirect | Mounted display, decorative |
Wall-mounted plants also work well in cleaner interiors, which is why modern home styles fit naturally here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any hanging plant if it’s out of reach?
Even if a plant is out of reach, don’t use toxic plants. Use pet-safe plants.
What if my pet chews on a plant?
Watch for signs of distress like vomiting or lethargy. Call your vet if you see unusual symptoms.
How do I water wall mounted plants in a small apartment?
Use a watering can with a small spout or a spray bottle to water carefully, no spills. Remove excess water to prevent wall damage.
Conclusion
Pet safe hanging and wall mounted plants are a great way to add some style to small apartments and keep your furry friends safe. Always check plant safety before bringing new plants home, and enjoy the beauty and health benefits of a pet-friendly space.
