Cactaceae
6 species in this database
All 6 Cactaceae species in this database are listed non-toxic to cats and dogs. They water every 7 to 35 days.
| Plant | Light | Water | Pet safe | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunny ears cactusOpuntia microdasys | Direct | 18–35d | Yes | Easy |
| Christmas cactusSchlumbergera truncata | Medium | 7–14d | Yes | Easy |
| Fishbone cactusSelenicereus anthonyanus | Medium | 7–14d | Yes | Easy |
| Golden barrel cactusEchinocactus grusonii | Direct | 18–35d | Yes | Easy |
| Ladyfinger cactusMammillaria elongata | Bright indirect | 14–30d | Yes | Easy |
| Mistletoe cactusRhipsalis baccifera | Medium | 7–14d | Yes | Easy |
What these share
Derived from the 6 entries above, not asserted about the family at large.
| Watering range across the family | Every 7 to 35 days for a 6-inch pot indoors |
|---|---|
| Native habitat recorded | arid, canopy epiphyte |
| Toxic to cats and dogs | 0 of 6 |
| Least demanding here | Golden barrel cactus, Easy. Scores 1 of 5: water it monthly in summer and barely at all in winter, and it will outlive you. Overwatering in a cold room is the only thing that kills it. |
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 6 of 6 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 Cactaceae beyond the plants in this database.