Pet-Safe Trailing Plants for Shelves & Hanging Baskets

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Trailing plants spilling off a shelf or hanging basket = instant cozy jungle energy. The problem: the most popular trailers — pothos, philodendron, string of pearls — are all toxic to pets, and dangling vines are basically a cat toy. Here are the trailing plants that are actually ASPCA non-toxic, so your cascade stays cute and safe.

Best pet-safe trailing plants

• Spider plant — the OG pet-safe trailer; sends out dangling baby “spiderettes.”
• Boston fern — full, cascading fronds that look amazing in a hanging basket.
• Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) — chunky trailing succulent, ASPCA non-toxic.
• String of hearts — dainty heart-shaped trailing vine; check the tag (Ceropegia is non-toxic).
• Prayer plant (Maranta) — trails a little and folds its leaves at night; pet-safe.

All ASPCA non-toxic — confirm the botanical name on the ASPCA database first.

Top pick: Boston fern

For maximum cascade, the Boston fern is unbeatable — lush, overflowing, and gorgeous in a hanging basket or on a high shelf. And it’s ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. Bonus: it’s a natural humidifier, so a bathroom hanger is a dream spot.

Kijani Paws pick

Live Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

A cascading, pet-safe classic for hanging baskets — full and dramatic, and ASPCA non-toxic. Give it humidity and indirect light. Full care guide.

Check price on Amazon →

Hanging & shelf care tips

Hang trailers high enough that a jumping cat can’t bat the vines (or just accept some supervised chaos). Trailing plants near a bright window dry out faster, so check moisture more often. And keep the vines trimmed if your cat treats them as dental floss — even pet-safe plants don’t love being shredded. More ideas: pet-safe hanging plants.

Trailers to avoid

The toxic trailing crew: pothos (devil’s ivy), all philodendrons, string of pearls, and English ivy. See our pothos guide and toxic succulents for the safe swaps.

FAQ

What’s the best pet-safe trailing plant for beginners?
Spider plant — it trails, makes babies, and survives almost anything. Boston fern is best for a full cascade.

Is string of pearls safe for cats?
No — it’s toxic. String of hearts (Ceropegia) is a pet-safe look-alike, but always check the tag.

How do I keep my cat off hanging plants?
Hang them out of jumping range, trim dangling vines, and give your cat a cat grass tray to redirect the chewing.

Are trailing plants safe if a vine falls and my pet chews it?
With the plants on this list, yes — all are ASPCA non-toxic. Just sweep up trimmings.

The bottom line

Get the cascading-vine aesthetic with pet-safe trailers — spider plant, Boston fern, burro’s tail, string of hearts, and prayer plant are all ASPCA non-toxic. Hang them high, trim the vines, and skip toxic pothos and string of pearls.

More: pet-safe plants for small apartments and colorful pet-safe plants.

Sources

• ASPCA — Boston Fern (non-toxic)
• ASPCA — Spider Plant (non-toxic)
• ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database

Written by Mo Ruman, a self-taught plant parent who cross-checks every plant against the ASPCA database. Not a vet — when in doubt, call yours. More about Kijani Paws · Ask me about a plant. As an Amazon Associate, Kijani Paws earns from qualifying purchases; this never affects our safety info.