Last Updated on May 28, 2022 by Gary Stephen
Our little furry friends, including hamsters, are mostly herbivores. Meaning, these kinds of animals primarily feed on plants. However, you should know that not all plants are safe for our hamsters to live with. Moreso, consume. But, you have succulent plants at home! So, you start wondering if Succulents Safe For Hamsters!
The truth?
If you’re thinking of putting succulents into your hamster’s cage, chances are, they’ll be chewing on it too. Thus, it is important to ensure that whatever it is that you place inside is safe for its well-being in any way.
In this article, we will get to the bottom of whether succulent plants are safe for our little hamsters or not. Which specific types are non-toxic and which are poisonous.
So, without much said let’s begin.
Why you should put live plants into your pet’s home?
Before anything else, you should understand the reasons why pet owners put live plants into their hamster’s cage. 
Well, first of all, it looks nice!
Putting live plants inside your pet’s home makes it look more natural. Doing so somehow recreates its natural green habitat. Rather than just a bare space made of plastics and wire screens.
Another thing that makes it purposeful is that it provides your pets some structure to climb on. Some succulents are sturdy enough to bear the weight of the hamster. Thus, making it a cool framework for its usual activities.
Lastly, live plants are also good snacks. Yes, these little critters love to nibble. Almost always, they will chew on anything. This behavior is pretty normal for them. It keeps their teeth short and healthy, and it also makes them preoccupied. On that note, it is vital to make sure that whatever it is they are trying to chew on is safe and edible. Plus, it makes them feel full too.
Are succulents non-toxic plants and safe for hamsters?
Well, you should acknowledge that there is a wide variety of succulents out there. And with this diversity, you can expect that some species would be safer for pets than others.
Here are some types of succulents that are non-toxic not just for your hamsters, but for any pets in general:
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Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum)
Sempervivum, particularly the hens & chicks variety, is a type of succulent that belongs to the Crassula genus. This plant presents itself as a beautiful rosette in shades of pink, red, and sometimes yellow.
It is being named after hens & chicks because the mother plant (the hen) is attached to multiple baby rosettes (the chicks) by an underground runner. Thus, forming clumps after clumps of star-shaped flowers in various sizes.
This alpine succulent is quite known for being fuss-free. You can grow it anywhere like in a vertical wall, driftwood, or inside your hamster’s cage. It is bound to adapt well in both hot and cold environments. So, no matter where you plant it, you can sure bet it will thrive.
Get your Hens & Chicks Succulent here.
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Echeveria Succulents
The echeverias are actually a large genus of succulents from the Crassulaceae family. These popular flowering succulents feature a thick and fleshy rosette with waxy exteriors. Its rosettes look similar to that of Sempervivums. Echeverias though have thicker and wider leaves that are green, gray, or bluish in color.
Echeverias, in general, are very easy to grow. It is a fast-grower that prefers a warm and rather sunny disposition. Caring for it is fool-proof making this plant perfect for beginners and even for your hamsters too.
The only thing you should focus on is watering. Like any succulents, echeverias do best with the soak and dry method. Doing so keeps them moist but also prevents the likelihood of overwatering.
Get your Echeveria Succulents here.
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Burro’s Tail (Sedum Morganianum)
Burro’s tail is a succulent, not a cactus. Nevertheless, it shares the same characteristics as a cactus. This plant is both heat and drought tolerant. So, it suitably thrives in warm to temperate climates.
This plant features a thick trailing stem with seemingly interwoven fleshy leaves. It can grow to as long as 4 to 6 inches. Thus, it ends up looking literally like an animal’s tail.
Burro’s tail is also easy to care for. Although, its stems are very sensitive in the sense that it can fall right off even with the slightest movement. Good thing though you can still make use of these fallen stems for propagation.
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Zebra Plant (Haworthia Fasciata)
The zebra plant is a small and slow-growing succulent from the Asphodelaceae family. They actually belong to the same group as aloe plants. That is also the reason why they look very similar. However, the haworthia fasciata features strips of white wart-like tubercles on its leaves. Thus, closely resembling a zebra pattern.
This haworthia plant calls for the same care needs of a typical succulent. It doesn’t require watering too often. But, when it does, it prefers the soak and dry technique. So, that means you should allow its potting medium to dry out between watering sessions.
Zebra plants do well in partial shade. Moreover, it is also not cold tolerant. Thus, it makes it a perfect candidate for an indoor plant. Even more, a good live plant to accompany your hamsters.
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Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera Truncata)
The Christmas cactus is a long-lasting succulent plant. It appears as flat and serrated leaf segments with pink, red, peach, purple, or white flowers onto its tips. It blooms just in time for the holiday season from November to December. Thus, it is being coined as the Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus.
Like most succulents, the Christmas cactus is also not difficult to take care of. It prefers to be placed in partial shade with warm and cozy temperatures. It is not cold-hardy thus it works well as an indoor plant. Or, as you a nice addition to your hamster’s cage.
Get your Christmas Cactus here.
Which succulents are toxic and which are safe for your hamsters?
Of course, there are also succulents that are toxic or poisonous for your hamsters or any pets in general. Although, most of them are not likely to cause serious ailments. Then again, we wouldn’t wish our pets to feel any discomfort.
On that note, make sure to never let your pets come near any of the following types of succulents:
- Aloe (Aloe Vera)
- Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
- Silver Jade Plant (Crassula Arborescens)
- String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
- Snake Plant (Sanseviera Trifasciata)
- Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia Milii)
- Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia Tiriacalli)
- Panda Plant (Kalanchoe Tomentosa)
- Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe Daigremontiana)
- Mother of Millons (Kalanchoe Delagoensis)
Wrapping Up about Whether Succulents safe for hamsters or not?
The answer is both yes and no.
The majority of succulents are non-toxic and safe for your hamsters. But, you should also know that there are some varieties that can be quite poisonous especially when ingested. So, it is our primary responsibility as pet owners to determine which of these live plants can provide a safe sanctuary for our beloved furry friends.
