Air Plant vs String of Pearls
Tillandsia ionantha vs Curio rowleyanus
Two unusual non-traditional houseplants — one is pet-safe and grows without soil, the other is toxic and demands a hanging pot.
Air Plant (Tillandsia ionantha) and String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) appeal to the same kind of buyer — someone who wants something different from typical pothos-and-philodendron decor. Air Plants are epiphytes that grow without soil at all (mount them on bark, suspend in glass globes, or display unmounted). String of Pearls trails in a hanging pot full of well-draining cactus mix. Air Plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA; String of Pearls is toxic.
Quick verdict
| Use case | Winner |
|---|---|
| For pet households | Air Plant |
| For first-time plant owners | Either works |
| For low-light rooms | Either works |
| For drought / forgetful watering | String of Pearls |
| For small spaces | Air Plant |
Side-by-side details
| Trait | Air Plant | String of Pearls |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water frequency | Every 5–10 days | Every 14–21 days |
| Humidity needs | 50–70% | 30–50% |
| Drought-tolerant | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Mature height | 15 cm | 5 cm |
| Growth pattern | rosette | trailing |
| Pet safety | Pet-safe | Toxic to cats and dogs |
Pet safety side-by-side
Air Plant
Pet-safe
Non-toxic to both cats and dogs per the ASPCA. Safe to grow with pets in the room.
String of Pearls
Toxic to cats and dogs
Cats: moderate severity
Dogs: moderate severity
Our take
Pick Air Plant if you want a low-footprint, soil-free, pet-safe novelty — perfect for renters who can't commit to soil-and-pot setups. Pick String of Pearls for a vivid trailing aesthetic in a sunny window of a pet-free home, accepting the higher kill risk if your light or watering is off.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to care for, Air Plant or String of Pearls?
Air Plant (moderate) and String of Pearls (moderate) are similar in difficulty.
Is Air Plant or String of Pearls safer around cats and dogs?
Air Plant. Air Plant: Pet-safe. String of Pearls: Toxic to cats and dogs. Pet safety data is sourced from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Can Air Plant or String of Pearls handle low light?
Both handle low light. Air Plant prefers bright indirect. String of Pearls prefers bright indirect.
How often should I water Air Plant compared to String of Pearls?
Air Plant: every 5-10 days. String of Pearls: every 14-21 days. String of Pearls is more drought-tolerant if you forget waterings.