Pet-Safe Low Light Plants

Pothos and snake plants top every low light list, but both are toxic to cats and dogs. Every plant here handles dim rooms and north-facing windows, and every one is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

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Not sure where to start? Our most-loved low light picks: Parlor Palm, Baby Rubber Plant and Bonnie Curly Spider Plant.

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How to pick a low light plant for a home with pets

"Low light" doesn't mean no light. It means a spot 6 to 10 feet from a window, a north-facing room, or behind sheer curtains. If you can read a book there during the day without a lamp, these plants will be happy.

PlantLowest light it handlesCareBest for
Parlor palmLowEasyFloor plant, dim corners
Baby rubber plantLow to mediumVery easyDesks and shelves
Bird's nest fernLow to mediumEasyBathrooms
Prayer plantLow to mediumEasyTables, low shelves
Rattlesnake calatheaLow to mediumModerateBold pattern in dim rooms
Calathea orbifoliaMediumModerateStatement plant

Want more detail on each plant? Read our guide to the best low light plants for pet owners.

Low light plant questions

What low light plants are safe for cats and dogs?

Calatheas, prayer plants (Maranta), bird's nest ferns, parlor palms and peperomias all handle low light well and are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

Can a pet-safe plant live in a room with no windows?

Not long-term on room lighting alone. Low light plants still need some daylight or a grow light. A good test: if you can comfortably read a book during the day without turning on a lamp, a low light plant will do fine there.

How often should I water a plant in low light?

Less often than you think. Plants in low light use water slowly, so check the top inch of soil and water only when it is dry. Overwatering is the most common way low light plants die.

Are pothos and snake plants safe for pets?

No. The ASPCA lists both pothos and snake plant as toxic to cats and dogs, even though they are the two most recommended low light houseplants.