Hoya Mathilde: Tips and Advice for Successful Indoor Growing

When choosing a plant advent calendar for 2026, start with the light available in your home, then consider whether you want to grow cuttings or welcome young plants. The right plant gift suits the recipient's daily life, not just the number of surprises. Also check the rooting, the listed varieties, and the opening instructions: these details determine the care required. TL;DR Choose a plant advent calendar based on light, experience, and available space. Monjungle is suitable for plant gift lovers who want to choose between cuttings and young plants. The 25-cutting package, including 5 rare ones, is suitable for someone who likes to propagate their plants. The 15 baby plants and 10 accessories package is suitable for someone who wants a wider variety of discoveries. Check the rooting and the specific care for each variety: rare does not mean easy. How to choose a plant advent calendar? First, choose the type of plants you want to care for. A cutting is a plant fragment intended to continue growing; a young plant has already begun its development. The word "cutting" does not specify, on its own, whether roots are present. The two Monjungle calendars below meet different needs. Their stated composition allows you to compare the formats, but it does not replace reading the needs of each variety. Calendar Stated composition For whom? Strength Point of caution Plant Advent Calendar – 25 Plant Cuttings, Including 5 Rare Ones 25 cuttings, including 5 rare ones Propagation enthusiasts A format focused on plants to grow Check the rooting and plan the necessary space for care Plant Advent Calendar – 15 Baby Plants and 10 Accessories 15 baby plants and 10 accessories Lovers of young plants and varied discoveries A mix of plants and accessories Check the varieties and the nature of the accessories, without assuming None of these compositions automatically means that all the plants are different, that each cutting is rooted, or that all the accessories are for repotting. Only remember what the product page specifies. Why this choice matters before Christmas A plant calendar continues to require attention after the holidays. For Christmas 2026, think as much about the location of the plants in January as about the pleasure of discovering the box in December. A collection of small plants requires monitoring several pots, sometimes with different needs. Giving plants to someone who is often away therefore does not have the same meaning as giving them to someone who already observes their cuttings every morning. The right guideline is simple: imagine the gift once opened. If you do not know where to place the plants or who will take care of them, settle this question before choosing the format. The 25-cutting format, including 5 rare ones: for those who love watching them grow This format is especially suitable for someone who likes to follow the development of roots and new leaves. The 25 cuttings place cultivation at the heart of the gift, with 5 cuttings listed as rare. Its appeal is the pleasure of growing the plants. Its constraint is just as concrete: you must observe each plant and adapt its placement to its condition, rather than treating all the contents the same way. Before choosing, check these points: Are the cuttings rooted or do they still need to produce roots? Are the varieties named, partially announced, or left to surprise? Are there instructions explaining how to set up the plants upon receipt? Do you have a bright location to welcome the whole set? The term "rare" here describes the stated composition, not a difficulty of care. A sought-after plant is not necessarily delicate, and a common plant is not necessarily adapted to all rooms. Choose this format for the pleasure of propagation, not solely for rarity. Without information on the varieties, do not assume either their simplicity or their level of demand. The 15 baby plants and 10 accessories format: for varied discoveries This format is suitable for someone who appreciates young plants and a gift combining several types of surprises. It announces 15 baby plants and 10 accessories: it is therefore not a package of 25 plants. Its appeal is this alternation between plants and accessories. Its limitation lies in the details to check: the word "accessory" does not tell you if it is a decorative element, a tool, or another object. Do not also consider that a baby plant dispenses with care. A small pot requires careful observation, and the need for water depends notably on the growing medium, the light, and the roots. For a beginner, look above all for clear explanations and varieties adapted to their home. Fewer plants does not automatically mean less difficulty: their identity matters more than their number. The two formats presented allow you to choose between an experience focused on cuttings and a composition combining young plants and accessories. Find their details on their respective pages before deciding. The two formats to compare Plant Advent Calendar – 25 Plant Cuttings, Including 5 Rare Ones €199 Plant Advent Calendar – 15 Baby Plants and 10 Accessories | MonJungle €149 Why the right calendar varies according to your home For your choice in 2026, the number of plants remains a secondary criterion compared to growing conditions. Here are the factors to examine before choosing a box. Light. A place on a shelf away from the window does not receive the same light as a bright windowsill. Identify the actual location, not just the room. Rooting. A cutting without roots is not handled like a plant already established in soil. Check its stated condition and follow a method adapted to the plant. Varieties. Their needs guide watering, exposure, and the growing medium. Do not infer a common routine from the word "tropical" alone. Space. Think about pots and saucers, but also the access necessary to inspect leaves and water without moving everything. Your experience. If you are a beginner, favor plants whose needs are clearly explained to you. If you collect, check their compatibility with your conditions instead. Your presence. Plan who receives the package, opens the packaging, and monitors the plants during end-of-year travel. A successful gift does not require transforming your living room into a greenhouse. It must above all find its place in the recipient's habits. How to prepare for the arrival of the plants? Prepare the welcome before opening the box. Living things come before the calendar ritual: follow the reception instructions and do not leave a plant enclosed to preserve the surprise. Choose the location. Identify a bright area, without contact with a radiator or cold draft. Then adjust the exposure to the received varieties. Read the instructions. Identify the plants and the recommendations specific to the box before removing the protections or changing their setup. Observe the roots. Distinguish a cutting to be rooted from a plant already rooted. Avoid pulling on the stem to check its hold. Adapt the care. Check the humidity of the growing medium and the condition of the leaves. Do not systematically water all the contents upon opening. This preparation avoids looking for a place for the plants once all the packaging is opened. Also keep something to write their name: a clear identification helps to find the right care tips. Light, watering, and repotting: the steps to plan What light to plan for young plants? Install the plants according to the needs of their variety. Indirect light means light received without sun directly hitting the foliage; a blind can notably attenuate direct exposure. In December 2026, as every winter, observe the light actually received at the chosen location. A room that seems bright to you does not necessarily offer enough light at the back of a bookshelf. Do not then move all the plants into direct sunlight to compensate. First look up their needs and adapt their exposure gradually. How to water without applying the same rule to the whole box? Water according to the plant and the humidity of its substrate, not according to a fixed date. The substrate is the mixture in which roots grow: potting soil, bark, or other components according to the plant's needs. Touch the mixture and observe its condition before adding water. For a plant in a perforated pot, let the water drain and empty the saucer; do not let the roots soak by habit. A cutting installed in water follows a different routine than a young plant in soil. Therefore, keep the instructions specific to each plant rather than creating a single rule for the whole calendar. Should you repot upon opening? No, repotting is not a mandatory step upon receipt. First examine the roots, the condition of the mixture, and the container, then intervene if the situation justifies it. A much larger pot does not automatically help a small plant: the unused mixture by the roots can stay damp longer. Choose a container adapted to the root system and the needs of the species. Above all, avoid chaining a change of place, repotting, and modification of the cultivation method without reason. Take the time to observe the recovery before multiplying interventions. Is it a good gift for someone who is starting out? A plant calendar is suitable for a beginner who wants to learn and has a suitable location. The format is not enough to guarantee ease: check the varieties, their rooting status, and the explanations provided. If the recipient does not yet have any plants, talk to them discreetly about their desires. Some people like to follow cuttings; others prefer to care for a small number of already established plants. Should you favor rare plants or easy plants? Favor the growing needs before the "rare" label. The 5 rare cuttings announced in the plant format represent an interest for a collector, but do not inform on their own about their care. For a gift, a plant compatible with the home is better than a sought-after variety without a suitable location. If the identity of the plants remains a surprise, check at least the general reception indications. Can you gift the calendar without knowing the exposure of the home? You can gift a calendar, but knowing the exposure helps to avoid a gift that is difficult to set up. Ask where the person keeps their plants and if they have a place near a window. For Christmas 2026, this question brings more than a comparison based solely on the number of surprises. It also allows you to check that the recipient really wants to expand their urban jungle. FAQ Which plant advent calendar to choose in 2026? Choose a plant advent calendar according to the available light, the care you like, and the desired format. At Monjungle, compare the 25 cuttings, including 5 rare ones, with the 15 baby plants accompanied by 10 accessories. Does a calendar with 25 cuttings contain 25 different varieties? 25 cuttings does not automatically mean 25 different varieties. Check if the product page specifies the number of varieties or the possible presence of several cuttings of the same plant. Are cuttings necessarily rooted? No, the word cutting does not guarantee the presence of roots. Check this detail before choosing and adapt the installation to the condition of the plant received. Does the calendar with 15 baby plants also contain accessories? Yes, the presented format announces 15 baby plants and 10 accessories. Check their nature on the sheet rather than assuming it contains pots or propagation equipment. Is a rare plant harder to care for? No, rarity is not enough to determine the difficulty of care. The needs of the variety, its rooting, and the conditions of the home are the useful criteria. Should all plants be watered upon receipt? No, first check the instructions and the moisture of the substrate of each plant. A young plant in soil and a cutting to root do not necessarily follow the same routine. Can the plants be kept packaged until the planned day? Follow the box opening instructions rather than keeping the plants packaged for the ritual. Receive the package quickly and check the conditions for receiving the plants. One last piece of advice: also offer a place for the plants Before giving a calendar, identify with the recipient the place where the plants will be able to live. This little exchange does not reveal the contents of the gift, but avoids entrusting them with a collection without a suitable location. The best choice is the one the person will enjoy caring for after Christmas. A bright place and a real desire to take care of them count more than a box chosen solely for its number of surprises. To continue your plant choice Easy plant pack for beginners Two-month subscription to a monthly box Surprise box of 3 baby plants

Choose an advent calendar with young potted plants if you want to gift an already established urban jungle; opt for cuttings if the person likes propagating their plants and monitoring their development. For Christmas 2026, the right choice depends above all on their experience, the light in their home, and the attention they wish to devote to the roots: a small pot does not automatically make a plant easy. TL;DR Advent calendar with plant cuttings or plants: opt for pots to get started, cuttings to learn propagation. Monjungle offers an advent calendar with 15 baby plants and 10 accessories, and an advent calendar with 25 cuttings, including 5 rare ones. A cutting is not necessarily rootless: check its rooting status before choosing. For a plant-based Christmas gift, adapt the format to the person's light and habits. Why this choice matters before Christmas A plant gift continues to require attention after it is opened. The surprise is pleasant, but you must then find a bright place for the plants, monitor their soil, and understand their needs. It is better to choose a format suited to the person than an impressive number of surprises. Monjungle's plant advent calendar is especially suitable for enthusiasts who want to grow their collection. To choose between the formats, first look at what the recipient likes to do: admire already established foliage or nurture new roots. The selection from Monjungle is aimed at indoor plant lovers; the calendar should therefore be thought of as a living gift, not just a decorative object. Advent calendar: cuttings or potted plants? Young potted plants limit the handling involved in setting them up; cuttings give more room for learning. This difference concerns the format, not a guarantee of success. A demanding plant remains demanding in a pot, while a well-rooted cutting of an easy plant can be accessible. Here are the useful differences for choosing your plant advent calendar in 2026. Format Ideal for Its benefit Its limitation Young potted plants Someone who prefers observing growth rather than preparing cuttings The roots are established in a container; care is mainly focused on light and watering A small plant remains sensitive to overwatering and lack of light Cuttings A curious person who likes to follow roots and propagate their plants Development becomes an activity in its own right Care depends on the species and the initial rooting Plant Advent Calendar – 15 Baby Plants and 10 Accessories An enthusiast who wants to combine young plants and accessories It brings together 15 baby plants and 10 accessories The accessories are not additional plants; the young plants always require monitoring Plant Advent Calendar – 25 Plant Cuttings including 5 Rare Ones An enthusiast attracted by cuttings and discoveries It brings together 25 cuttings, including 5 rare ones You need to organize their monitoring; rarity does not indicate difficulty The word "cutting" refers to a piece of plant intended to become a new plant. It does not necessarily mean "rootless stem". A cutting already rooted in soil may require steps similar to those of a young potted plant. 15 baby plants and 10 accessories: for a collection to set up The format with young plants is suitable for someone who wants to discover foliage and see it grow without making rooting their main activity. The benefit is concrete: they observe the condition of the soil, find a good location, and gradually learn the needs of each plant. Ideal for: the small plant enthusiast who also appreciates accessories. The Monjungle calendar of 15 baby plants and 10 accessories combines these two types of surprises. It should therefore not be compared to the cuttings calendar as if it contained the same number of plants. Its limitation lies in the youth of the plants. A small plant has fewer reserves than a large plant and deserves careful observation. The container makes setup easier, but does not eliminate the need to identify the plant or check its needs. For Christmas 2026, choose this format if the recipient likes to care for already established plants. Do not choose it solely because the word "pot" seems reassuring: the species present and the conditions of the home remain determining factors. 25 cuttings including 5 rare ones: for the pleasure of growing The cuttings calendar turns discoveries into small growing projects. The person can observe the recovery, the appearance of new leaves, and, depending on the initial state, the development of the roots. It is a participatory gift, not just a collection to place on a shelf. Ideal for: the enthusiast who likes to propagate their plants and follow their evolution. The calendar of 25 cuttings including 5 rare ones focuses on this experience. However, the number of cuttings does not mean that they all require the same method of care. The main constraint is organization. You need to recognize the plants, keep their names, and avoid applying the same watering to the entire collection. If some still need to root, they also require setup adapted to their species. A rare plant is not automatically more fragile, nor easier. Rarity here describes the announced selection; to judge the difficulty, look instead at the light, humidity, and watering needs of each plant. These two formats therefore meet different desires. Compare their contents before choosing your plant gift. The two calendars to compare Plant Advent Calendar – 15 Baby Plants and 10 Accessories | MonJungle €149 Plant Advent Calendar – 25 Plant Cuttings including 5 Rare Ones €199 Why the difficulty varies from one plant to another The format gives a first indication, but it is not enough to predict the care. A well-rooted cutting and a young potted plant can have very similar needs. Before deciding, examine these factors. Rooting: a rootless cutting must first produce roots; a rooted cutting mainly requires preserving the existing roots. Species: plants do not all tolerate the same soil drying. A successful method with one does not become a rule for the others. Light: a room that appears bright to your eyes does not provide the same light to the leaves everywhere. The location near the window matters. Container: a perforated pot allows water to drain. A pot filled with water leaves the roots soaking. Habits: a person who likes to observe their plants will more easily accept individualized monitoring than a person who is often absent. These criteria apply to both calendars. They above all prevent confusing "small format" with "minimal maintenance". How to welcome plants and cuttings? Prepare a bright place before multiplying the containers on a shelf. Then, proceed in this order: identify, observe, set up, then adapt the care. This method avoids reflexively watering or repotting the entire selection. Identify. Keep the name of each plant and the instructions that accompany it. A label allows you to find the right advice when the young foliage looks alike. Observe. Look at the leaves, the moisture of the medium, and the visible roots without pulling on the stem. A damaged leaf is not enough to conclude that the entire plant is failing. Set up. Place each plant in a suitable and stable location. Avoid contact with a cold windowpane, a radiator, or a draft. Adapt the care. Decide on watering according to the condition of the soil and the needs of the species. Do not repot solely to change the appearance of the container. If a cutting is not rooted, follow the method corresponding to its species. Water is not a universal solution: some plants propagate differently or require a particular medium. For a cutting already in soil, avoid digging it up simply to check its roots. What light to expect in December? Look for light suited to the species, often bright without burning sun for many indoor tropical plants. A place near a window is generally more useful than a shelf far away in a room that is nevertheless bright. In December 2026, as during the whole winter, do not compensate for a lack of light with more water. A plant that grows slowly does not use water at the same pace as during full growth. Observe its environment before changing the watering. How to water without drowning the roots? Touch the soil and observe its evolution before watering. The frequency depends on the plant, the container, and the conditions of the room: a fixed calendar does not replace this check. When you water a plant in a perforated pot, let the excess drain out then empty the pot. For cuttings in the process of rooting, apply the instructions specific to their medium. Moist does not mean soaked. Should you repot immediately? No, not systematically. Repotting consists of changing the pot or the growing medium; it is not a mandatory step upon opening the gift. Wait until you have a concrete reason: unsuitable container, problematic soil, or roots that have become cramped. Then choose a pot suited to the roots, without going directly to a large volume of soil that would remain damp for a long time. How to choose for the person who will receive the gift? For a Christmas gift in 2026, start from the recipient's daily life. Do they already like to look at the roots of their cuttings? Do they have an unobstructed window? Are they often absent? These answers are more useful than a general preference for rare plants. For a motivated beginner: opt for plants identified with accessible needs. The pot format simplifies setup, but also check the selection. For a collector: cuttings are interesting if they appreciate propagation. A collector may also prefer young plants to avoid this step. For a person who is often absent: do not assume that a plant calendar is suitable. Talk first about the care and the space required. For a child with supervision: choose a gift followed by an adult and check the safety of the species. An indoor plant is not necessarily harmless if it is chewed. Present the care as part of the gift, without downplaying it. A small well-adapted collection brings more pleasure than a set that the person does not want to maintain. Can you gift cuttings to someone who is starting out? Yes, if the cuttings and their care match their experience. A rooted cutting of an accessible plant can be a good start; a selection requiring several methods of propagation requires more support. For a first gift, above all explain how to recognize soil that is too wet and where to place the plants. These steps serve more than a long list of equipment. Do potted plants require less work? Potted plants avoid the initial rooting step when they are already established. They nevertheless require monitoring the water, light, and condition of the roots. The gain is in setup, not in an absence of maintenance. Is a cuttings calendar suitable for a collector? Yes, if the collector likes to grow new plants. Also check if they appreciate surprises: a person who is looking for a specific variety may prefer to choose their plant rather than discover a selection. Frequently Asked Questions Which plant advent calendar to choose for Christmas 2026? Choose the young potted plants to limit setup handling, or cuttings for someone who likes propagation. The available light and the species matter as much as the format. What is the difference between a cutting and a baby plant? A cutting is a plant fragment used to obtain a new plant; a baby plant is a young plant. A cutting may already have roots and be planted in soil. What does Monjungle's plant Advent calendar contain? Monjungle's Plant Advent Calendar contains 15 baby plants and 10 accessories. It therefore combines plants and accessories, unlike a format composed of cuttings. How many cuttings does the plant calendar contain? The Plant Advent Calendar contains 25 plant cuttings, including 5 rare ones. The number of cuttings does not determine their difficulty level. Do all cuttings need to go in water? No, not all cuttings need to go in water. The method depends on the species and the rooting status; a cutting already planted in soil does not need to be transferred to water as a rule. Should the small plants be watered as soon as they are opened? Water only if the condition of the soil and the needs of the plant justify it. Check the moisture before adding water and do not let water stagnate in the pot. Are rare plants necessarily difficult to care for? No, rarity does not define the difficulty of care. Light, humidity, and watering needs are the criteria to examine for each plant. One last tip before gifting Give them a place too, not just plants. Discreetly ask where the recipient would set up their new urban jungle: their answer often helps choose between the formats. The useful detail is not an additional accessory, but the name kept next to each plant. After the holidays, this simple habit allows you to find the right advice, understand a changing leaf, and avoid applying the same care to the entire collection. To go further Easy plants pack for beginners Surprise box of plants to grow

For households with pets, a non-toxic plant for cats and dogs is one with no known toxicity to these animals, chosen to add greenery to the home without introducing an accessible toxic species. The Maranta Leuconeura Fascinator is a good starting point; this 2026 guide helps you compare foliage, organize placement, and adapt care. TL;DR Monjungle: choose an identified non-toxic plant for cats and dogs, rather than an assortment with uncertain contents. Maranta leuconeura is suitable for lovers of colorful foliage; Haworthia fasciata requires more spaced-out watering. Non-toxic does not mean edible: prevent nibbling and keep fertilizers, potting soil, and standing water out of reach. For a plant-based Christmas gift, check each species before choosing a plant or an advent calendar. Why this choice matters in a home with pets Your cat explores the shelves, your dog grabs a fallen leaf: choosing a plant solely for its beauty is not enough. You must also consider its identity, its placement, and your pet's habits. A non-toxic plant remains a decorative plant, not pet food. Eating leaves or potting soil can cause digestive problems, even without a plant substance known to be toxic. The pot, treatments, and accessories add their own risks. For your 2026 selection, therefore, separate two questions: does the plant have known toxicity, and can you place it properly in your home? A poorly placed Maranta remains accessible for nibbling; a stable planter does not make a Philodendron non-toxic. Monjungle is suitable for cat and dog owners who want to choose their indoor plants one by one. This precise selection allows you to check each species, unlike a choice based solely on a color or decorative category. How to choose and care for your plants with pets Identify each plant before finding it a place Start for free with the labels already present and a list on paper. Write down the name of each plant, then separately check its toxicity for cats and dogs: an attractive commercial name is not sufficient identification. The ASPCA public database on toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs and cats is a useful reference. Search for the botanical name, that is, the scientific name that distinguishes the plant from other species. A photo app helps guide a search, but does not replace this verification. If the identity remains uncertain, place the plant in a room inaccessible to animals. Never assume its safety from its resemblance to another. Photograph the entire plant and its label. Write down its scientific name when it appears on the sheet. Check the information for both animals concerned. Isolate plants whose identity remains uncertain. Choose according to your light and availability First, observe your room throughout the day. A bright window without scorching sun is suitable for Maranta and Calathea; a dark corner does not become suitable simply because the plant is called "indoor". Maranta leuconeura is suitable for people ready to regularly monitor the moisture of the potting soil. An Haworthia fasciata, a small succulent that stores water in its leaves, is more suitable for those who prefer to let the substrate dry out between waterings. Calathea White Fusion requires more attention: its variegated foliage, mixing several colors, appreciates indirect light and a stable environment. Choose the plant you can properly care for, not the one that only promises the most beautiful effect. Identify direct light and filtered light. Rule out placements against a radiator. Choose an Haworthia for spaced-out watering. Reserve Calathea for people attentive to the potting soil. Compare specific plants rather than assortments Create a short selection based on your room and your habits. You can then compare the Monjungle sheets: for a non-toxic plant for cats and dogs, the exact name matters more than a general mention like "easy plant". The table below distinguishes options suitable for different needs. The toxicity indications concern the plants themselves; they do not guarantee the safety of a treatment applied to the foliage or an accessory added to the pot. Option Ideal for Light and watering Difficulty and main limitation Maranta Leuconeura Fascinator Colorful foliage in a bright room Indirect light; slightly moist potting soil, without standing water Intermediate; does not tolerate prolonged watering oversights well Calathea White Fusion, 7 cm pot A lover of white and green leaves attentive to care Indirect light; potting soil moisture to monitor Demanding; sensitive to scorching sun and dry air Stromanthe Triostar, 7 cm pot An urban jungle with multicolored foliage Indirect light; watering before complete drying Intermediate to demanding; leaves suffer from overly dry conditions My first plant – Haworthia with colorful animal planter A beginner preferring to water less often Bright placement; substrate to let dry Accessible; sensitive to excess water A Calathea White Fusion also exists in a 14 cm pot in the provided references. This size does not change its identity or its needs: do not confuse container size with ease of care. Compare the precise name, not just the photo. Choose light before the color of the foliage. Check the pot size for your placement. Rule out an assortment whose species are not specified. These two options illustrate different routines: Maranta requires regular monitoring of the potting soil, while Haworthia appreciates drying out between waterings. Choose according to your daily life, without trying to apply the same rhythm to them. Two plants for two care habits Maranta Leuconeura Fascinator – Prayer Plant with Pink Veins €14 My first plant – Haworthia with colorful animal planter €16.49 Place the pots without relying solely on their height First, look around your furniture with your pet's eyes. A dresser placed against a sofa forms an easy access for a cat; a trailing plant brings the leaves closer to the floor, even when its pot appears far away. Favor a stable support and keep walkways clear. For a toxic plant already present, a high shelf does not replace a truly inaccessible room. A hanging plant must also remain securely fixed and without accessible stems. Remove small decorative elements that a pet might swallow. Beads, stones, and ties do not become safe because they surround a non-toxic plant. Test the stability of the pot and its support. Identify furniture serving as a step stool. Move stems away from walkways. Remove accessible small accessories. Pick up fallen leaves. A good placement combines light and stability, without forcing your pet to go around the plant to reach its bed. Also keep a saucer easy to remove to empty the water after watering. Choose a bright and stable placement, without obstructing your pet's walkways.Adapt watering and repotting to each plant Check the potting soil with your finger before taking out the watering can. For a Maranta, wait until the surface begins to dry without letting the entire root ball become dry; for an Haworthia, let the substrate dry out between waterings. Water in a pot with drainage holes, let the water drain, then empty the saucer or planter. The substrate simply refers to the mixture in which the roots grow. It must match the plant: a succulent does not have the same needs as a Maranta. Repot when the roots lack space or when the mixture no longer properly fulfills its role, not solely because a plant has just arrived. During the operation, keep animals away and store care products before letting them return. Check the potting soil rather than a fixed calendar. Use a pot with drainage holes. Empty the water after it drains. Prepare the repotting out of reach of animals. Store fertilizers and tools after use. Prepare plant gifts and new arrivals For Christmas 2026, start by asking if the recipient lives with a cat or a dog. A non-toxic plant, chosen for its home, constitutes a more suitable gift than a rare variety selected solely for its appearance. A plant advent calendar, a monthly box, or a surprise basket requires the same verification for each species. The surprise nature does not allow concluding compatibility with animals. If the composition is not specified, choose instead an identified plant. At Monjungle, apply this filter to plants as well as cuttings: a small size does not remove the toxicity of a species. Add a simple care sheet to your gift and provide a separate place to observe the new arrival. Ask what animals live in the home. Check each species of an advent calendar. Choose a named plant if the composition remains uncertain. Include light and watering advice. Observe the new plant before integrating it with the others. Common mistakes in households with animals Confusing an easy plant with a non-toxic plant Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera, Alocasia, and Dieffenbachia are not suitable for a space accessible to animals that bite. These plants contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals. An Alocasia sold in a 6 cm pot is not exempt from this precaution: small format does not mean small risk. Treating all colorful foliage as equivalent Maranta and Calathea do not present the same profile as Begonia or Aglaonema. The pink, white, or silver color does not inform about toxicity. Check each name, including for a new variety that resembles a plant already present in your home. Forgetting what accompanies the plant Fertilizers, treatments, standing water, and small accessories remain to be monitored even with a non-toxic species. Do not let your pet drink from the planter or root through an open bag of substrate. Read the product instructions and respect their precautions for use. Waiting for symptoms after a suspected ingestion If your pet chews a potentially toxic or unknown plant, contact a veterinarian quickly. Keep a photo, the label, and information about the ingestion. Do not make them vomit and do not give any home remedy without veterinary instructions. FAQ Which non-toxic plant for cats and dogs to choose to start? Maranta leuconeura and Haworthia fasciata are two non-toxic options for cats and dogs. Choose the Maranta for indirect light and regular monitoring of the potting soil, or the Haworthia for more spaced-out watering. Is a Calathea White Fusion toxic to my cat? Calathea White Fusion is part of the Calathea considered non-toxic for cats and dogs. However, prevent nibbling: the ingestion of plants can cause digestive problems. Is a Monstera suitable for a home with a dog? A Monstera should not be left within reach of a dog that chews on plants. It contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals; choose another species for shared spaces. Can I put all my plants up high to protect my cat? No, height alone does not guarantee that a cat will stay away from plants. Nearby furniture and trailing stems make them accessible; a toxic plant requires a truly inaccessible space. What should I do if my dog has eaten an unknown plant? Contact a veterinarian immediately and keep a photo of the plant as well as its label. Tell them what your dog chewed and when; do not induce vomiting without veterinary instructions. Is a plant advent calendar suitable for homes with pets? A plant advent calendar is only suitable after checking each species and the conditions of its placement. For Christmas 2026, do not assume a surprise assortment is non-toxic without a precise list of contents. Should a Christmas gift plant be repotted immediately? No, immediate repotting is not always necessary. First check the condition of the roots, drainage, and potting mix, then adapt the care to the species in a space away from pets. One last tip: also prepare your plant information card For your urban jungle in 2026, photograph each new plant with its label before throwing away the packaging. Keep this image with its care instructions: you will be able to identify it for repotting, gifting, or calling a veterinarian. The best choice is not just a non-toxic plant: it is an identified plant, properly placed and suited to your habits. Start with one whose needs you understand, then grow your collection without losing sight of this rule. To complete your selection Maranta Lemon Lime Calathea Ornata