My mom took my siblings and me to see Disney’s Pete’s Dragon when I was a kid. It was a musical fantasy movie with a big green dragon named Elliott who could disappear. I fell in love with Elliott’s expressive face, floppy ears and pink tuft of hair. After many years, I was looking through a flower shop in San Francisco when I saw an orchid that looked exactly like his face. It was a slipper orchid, a pouch-shaped flower that other people have also called “Pete’s Dragon Flower” because it looks so much like the animated character.
Strangely, the slipper orchid is not the only type of flora that resembles an animal, fictional or otherwise. For some flowers, it’s a type of mimicry—an evolutionary process that helps them to survive. For others, their resemblance to a certain fauna is simply a coincidence. However, the bulk of these impersonating plants happens to be orchids, which is an oddity all its own. In fact, Nat Hab’s Natural Jewels of Costa Rica 10-day trip, which includes a stop at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, which has the world’s largest variety of orchids, gives travelers the chance to see some of these unusual species up close.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most interesting plants and flowers that look like animals so you know what to look for. From the forests of northeastern India to the wilds of southern Australia, these 11 plants look like something else. ”.
As a cat lover and gardener, I’m always on the lookout for plants that resemble our furry feline friends. There’s something charming about foliage and flowers that mimic the ears, face, and body of a cat. Beyond being cute novelty plants, many of these cat-like species also offer uniquetextures, colors, and heights to add visual interest to garden beds and containers.
In this article we’ll highlight some of the best cat lookalike plants for gardens and take a closer look at how to care for them. Read on to learn more about these purrfect plants!
Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
With long, curving foliage that resembles a cat’s tail, the rattlesnake plant is a striking tropical perennial Its elongated leaves have dark green bands on a lighter green background, mimicking a rattlesnake’s markings (hence the name). When new leaves emerge, they roll up into a tight spiral that slowly unfurls over time
While not a true cat plant, the rattlesnake calathea’s arched leaves and striping make it look like a lazy cat relaxing in the sun. It thrives indoors in bright, indirect light and moderately warm temperatures. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Sedum Morganianum (Donkey Tail)
Also called burro’s tail, this succulent is perfect for spilling over containers and hanging baskets. Its trailing stems are lined with thick, rounded blue-green leaves. When allowed to cascade, the stems take on the look of a cat’s tail. The donkey tail plant prefers hot, sunny spots and fast-draining soil. Avoid overwatering.
Anthurium Crystallinum (Velvet cardboard anthurium)
Known for its unique velvety leaves, Anthurium crystallinum has foliage that resembles a curled up cat laying its head down for a nap. New leaves emerge in a rolled tube shape, eventually opening to reveal bright green, heart-shaped leaves with pretty white veining. Give this tropical plant bright, filtered light and keep the soil consistently moist. Mist regularly.
Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
The adorable penny-shaped leaves on this popular houseplant look like a string of jumping cats. Also called UFO plant, the trailing stems and round foliage make it perfect for hanging planters. Pilea peperomioides thrives in a spot with medium to bright, indirect sunlight. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Calathea Roseopicta (Medallion Calathea)
Medallion calathea is loved for its colorful patterned leaves resembling painted cat faces. The oval-shaped foliage has streaks of pink, white, and green that vary from plant to plant. Give this tropical plant medium to bright, indirect light. Water thoroughly and allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. High humidity is also essential.
Echeveria Painted Lady
The plump, rounded foliage on this succulent forms gorgeous rosettes resembling a cat relaxing in the sun. The leaves are green with pink edges, looking as if they were outlined with makeup. Painted lady echeveria does best in a sunny spot with fast-draining soil. Avoid overwatering which can lead to rot.
Sempervivum Arachnoideum (Cobweb Houseleek)
Also called spider web hens and chicks, this succulent forms tight rosettes of leaves covered in fine white hairs, resembling a cat’s fur. Offsets fill in around the mother plant, looking like a litter of kittens. Grow sempervivum arachnoideum in full sun with very well-draining soil. Allow the soil to fully dry out between waterings. Hardy to zone 3, it’s perfect for rock gardens.
Haworthia Fasciata (Zebra Plant)
The striking vertical stripes on its leaves make zebra plant look like a miniature cat hiding in the garden. This succulent forms a tight rosette shape, with pointy leaves that have bands of white alternating with dark green. Haworthia fasciata likes bright, indirect light and sandy soil that drains well. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings.
Cryptanthus Fosterianus (Earth Star Bromeliad)
Sometimes called cat grass or cat’s claw, this bromeliad has long, spiky foliage that resembles a stretching cat. The green leaves have silver stripes running their length, adding to the dramatic look. Give cryptanthus bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not soaked. The unique shape and striping make it an eye-catching accent plant.
Cymbidium Orchid (Boat Orchid)
Boat orchids produce large sprays of flowers that can resemble cats sitting side by side. Cymbidium orchids have tall, arching green foliage (like sitting cats) topped with abundant blooms. Flower color ranges from white to pink, purple, red, yellow, or green. Grow cymbidiums in a spot with bright, filtered sunlight. Water frequently while actively growing.
So if you love cats and plants, try adding a few of these fun options that combine the two passions! Their whimsical forms and carefree growth will be a delightful addition to gardens and containers. Just be sure to give them the proper care they need to thrive.
Rabbit Succulents (Monilaria obconica)
These adorable little succulents, native to South Africa, sprout two little stems that look exactly like bunny ears. Over time, the ears get longer, but this plant grows very slowly.
Flying Duck Orchids (Caleana major)
The flying duck is a small orchid that grows wild in eastern and southern Australia, mostly in eucalyptus woodland and swampy areas. Its flowers are red, purple, and green. Flowers that look like tiny-billed waterfowl in flight have changed over time to attract male sawflies. They trap these pollinators in their “beaks” and trick them into fertilization. The first-ever large duck orchid was found at the site of the Sydney Opera House.
10 unique flowers that look like human or animal faces & body parts
FAQ
Is cat’s eye dazzle a real plant?
What is the name of the flower that looks like a cat’s face?
What is the plant that looks like an animal?
What flowers look like a cat?
In general, Cat’s Whiskers, Pampas Grass, Pussy Willow are some of the plants with a flower that looks like a Cat face or Cat tails. These plants are easy to care for and produce elegant enticing Cat-like flowers. Read on to find out all of the flowering plants which produce a flower that looks like a Cat. Is There a Flower That Looks Like a Cat?
What flower resembles a cat ear?
The Calochortus Tolmiei flower resembles a Cat ear rather than a Cat face or tail. It is also known as the Tomie Star Tulip and produces bell-shaped blossoms with delicate hairs similar to cat ears. Interestingly, it is also known as Pussy ears flower due to its similarity to a Cats ear. Because of the likeness, it is one of the white cat flowers.
What flowers look like animals?
Other Flowers That Look Like Animals! Besides the flower that looks like Cat aka white cat flowers, there are other plants like Dracula simia, aka Monkey Orchid, a String of Dolphins that resemble the face of a monkey, and the shape of a Dolphin, respectively.
Why do flowers look like cats?
The tactile experience of touching these flowers might remind one of petting a soft, furry feline. The way the flower blooms, or its orientation on the stem, can also add to its cat-like appearance. For instance, flowers that hang down or face forward can resemble a cat in a poised or pouncing position.