Acanthaceae
2 species in this database
All 2 Acanthaceae species in this database are listed non-toxic to cats and dogs. They water every 3 to 7 days.
| Plant | Light | Water | Pet safe | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nerve plantFittonia albivenis | Low | 3–6d | Yes | Moderate |
| Polka dot plantHypoestes phyllostachya | Medium | 4–7d | Yes | Easy |
What these share
Derived from the 2 entries above, not asserted about the family at large.
| Watering range across the family | Every 3 to 7 days for a 6-inch pot indoors |
|---|---|
| Native habitat recorded | tropical understory |
| Toxic to cats and dogs | 0 of 2 |
| Least demanding here | Polka dot plant, Easy. Scores 2 of 5: fast and easy from cuttings, and short-lived by nature. It flowers, sets seed and declines within a year or two, which is normal rather than a failure. |
Family membership is a rough guide to care, not a rule. It predicts toxic principle far better than it predicts watering: species in the same family routinely come from different habitats, and habitat is what sets the interval. Read the individual entry before acting on anything here.
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online — family placement for 2 of 2 species (example)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — toxicity classification, cited per species on each entry
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — poison severity where published
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — pest and disease guidance, cited per species
Compiled and edited by Tony Valcarcel · 2026-09-11
Every figure on this page is computed from the species entries listed above.
Nothing here is a claim about Acanthaceae beyond the plants in this database.