Pet-Safe Plants for Beginners

Most "easy plant" lists start with pothos, snake plants and ZZ plants, and all three are toxic to cats and dogs. These plants are just as forgiving of missed waterings and so-so light, and every one is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

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3 rules that keep a first plant alive

1. Water when it's dry

Push a finger into the soil. If the top inch or two is dry, water until it drains out the bottom. If it's damp, wait.

2. Bright, not direct

Near a window but out of harsh afternoon sun is right for almost every plant here.

3. Use a drainage hole

Water that can't escape rots roots. Keep the nursery pot inside a decorative one and empty the saucer.

Which easy plant is right for you?

PlantForgives missed wateringsLightBest for
Spider plantVeryLow to brightHanging baskets, shelves
Baby rubber plantVeryMedium to brightDesks and windowsills
Ponytail palmExtremelyBrightForgetful waterers
Money treeYesMedium to brightA small indoor tree
Parlor palmYesLow to mediumDim rooms, floor plant
Zebra haworthiaExtremelyBrightSmall sunny spots

Working with a dark room? Start with our pet-safe low light plants instead.

Beginner plant questions

What is the easiest houseplant that is safe for cats and dogs?

A spider plant or a baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia). Both bounce back from missed waterings, handle average indoor light, and are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

What kills most beginner houseplants?

Overwatering. Roots sitting in wet soil rot. Water only when the top inch or two of soil is dry, use a pot with a drainage hole, and empty the saucer after watering.

Which easy houseplants are toxic to pets?

Pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, jade plant, aloe vera and peace lily are all popular beginner plants, and all are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

Should I repot my plant as soon as it arrives?

No. Give it one to two weeks to settle into its new light and temperature first. Plants ship in their nursery pot, which you can set inside a decorative pot in the meantime.

Do I need a humidifier for beginner plants?

Not for the plants in this collection. Spider plants, peperomias, money trees, parlor palms and ponytail palms all do fine in normal household humidity.