If you’ve ever dreamt of turning your home into a leafy green oasis but worry about low-light, curious kids, or mischievous pets, we’ve got you covered! Not all houseplants require bright sunlight or a green thumb, and many are perfectly safe for the whole family (fur babies included!). In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite easy-care, low-light plants that are both beautiful and non-toxic, so you can (literally and figuratively) breathe easier.
Spider Plant
Water: Once a week
The spider plant’s adaptability makes it super easy to grow and, therefore, one of the most popular houseplants. Place your spider plant in moderate to bright light in a room that’s a comfortable temperature for everyone, including you. Any temperature that feels too hot or too cold could lead to an early death for your spider plant. Be sure to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. Bonus tip: mist the leaves now and then to keep them extra happy!
Bromedliad
Water: When the soil is dry, or about once a week
This low-light indoor plant can actually survive on fluorescent light alone and thrives in humid locations, like bathrooms. That’s not why we love bromeliads, though. It’s colorful, fun, and pet-safe, plus it can grow on rocks or even other plants. Basically, they’re the life of the indoor plant party!
Prayer Plant
Water: Every two weeks or when the top quarter of soil is dry
Available in a variety of sizes, the prayer plant is named for its leaves that open and close as the sun rises and sets. While the changing leaves may seem finicky, this resilient, low-light houseplant is surprisingly easy to care for. It purifies the air and adds a calming, botanical touch to your home without demanding too much attention!
Wax Plant
Water: Once a week
Hoyas, also known as wax plants, are not picky low-light indoor plants. They’ll thrive in bright light but do just fine in lower light conditions, too. They’re also super low maintenance and can bounce back if you forget to water them for a little while. One word of advice: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Soil that’s too wet will cause the leaves to drop.
Calathea
Water: Every two to three days
With bold patterns, the colorful calathea adds an extra punch to your indoor plant collection. It likes bright light but it’s perfectly happy in the shade too. Pet-safe and eye-catching, this one adds a little visual drama to your décor.
Baby Rubber Plant
Water: Every one to two weeks
Peperomia Obtusifolia, also known as baby rubber plant, boasts thick, spoon-shaped leaves and is both pet-friendly and shade-loving. In fact, too much intense sunlight can hurt the waxy leaves. Just remember to give it a quick dusting every week so it stays shiny and show-ready.
Bird’s Nest Fern
Water: Every one to two weeks; more if in brighter light
With ripple-edged leaves and a love for humidity, the bird’s nest fern brings texture and charm. Its also a pet-friendly plant that thrives in indirect light. As is the case with similar low-light indoor plants, it won’t grow nearly as fast in a darker room, but it won’t be any less healthy, especially if it’s getting the right amount of water.
Ponytail Palm
Water: Once every two weeks
Quirky and cute, the ponytail palm (aka Dr. Seuss tree) is one of the easiest plants to keep alive. It handles low light like a champ, prefers dry soil, and is totally safe for pets. Keep it small on a shelf or let it grow into a full-size floor plant. They’re an easy choice for anyone looking to add a touch of greenery to their space.
Want to go full plant parent mode? Group a few of these leafy friends together for a low-maintenance indoor garden that’s as safe as it is stunning!
