25 Cat-Safe Plants That Grow Well In Low-Light Conditions

These plants thrive indoors and don't pose a safety risk to your feline friend

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

If you share your home with cats and plants, then it's important to choose only cat-safe houseplants for your indoor green space. Cats are notorious for getting into houseplants, whether they like swatting at hanging foliage or nibbling on the leaves. Picking non-toxic, cat-safe plants can eliminate a scary trip to the vet if your cat snacks on your foliage. There are plenty of plants that grow well in low-light conditions that don’t pose a threat to your cats. Take your pick of these 25 non-toxic, low-light houseplants. 

Nerve Plant

Nerve plants (Fittonia albivenis) are best known for their unique foliage. The deep green leaves are covered in white or red thin, branching lines, making it a very eye-catching plant that is also non-toxic to cats. Because it is a tropical plant, it likes warm temperatures and high humidity. These plants are not well-suited for direct light and will do well with medium to low-light conditions.

• Light: Low to medium indirect light.

• Water: Likes moist soil conditions. Water before the soil dries out.

• Mature Size: 3-6 in. tall, 12-18 in. wide
  

Prayer Plant

Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) have striking leaf patterns that include light green, dark green, and red shading. If you want a unique, cat-safe houseplant, this is one to put on your list for its nightly ritual—the leaves of the plant fold at night, appearing like praying hands. It is important to give prayer plants well-draining soil, as soggy soil can cause root rot and plant death.

• Light: Bright, indirect to low light. Never direct sun.

• Water: Consistent watering. Requires that the soil stays moist.

• Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 6–12 in. wide
  

Baby Rubber Plant

Baby rubber plants (Peperomia obtusifolia) have thick, shiny, vibrant green leaves and round, red stems. These eye-catching plants are easy to care for and can handle inconsistent watering. Because it is a tropical plant, it enjoys medium to high humidity levels. As a low-light houseplant, choose a non-variegated cultivar. They do the best with limited light conditions. If possible, provide this plant with some light early in the day. But take note that direct light will cause the plant to burn.

• Light: Adapts to medium or low light conditions (especially non-variegated cultivars).

• Water: Inconsistent watering. Allow the soil to dry out before watering.

• Mature Size: Up to 1 ft. tall
  

19 Tall Low-Light Plants to Grow Indoors

Cast Iron Plant

Cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) make a great option as a large, low-light plant that is safe for cats. These plants can reach up to 3 feet tall, with large leaves that grow about 2 feet long. Cast iron plants need very little care and cannot tolerate being overwatered, making them the perfect option for those who tend to forget about watering.

• Light: Low lighting. Keep out of direct sun.

• Water: Inconsistent. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.

• Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
  

Spider Plant

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are a very popular houseplant choice because of their ease of care and their unique foliage growth. Spider plants create offshoots, or baby spider plants, that hang down from the mother plant, creating dangling spider-like baby plants. These plants do well with some natural light but can grow in low-light conditions, just expect less prolific growth.

• Light: Tolerates low light.

• Water: Moderate watering. Water once the top of the soil begins to feel dry.

• Mature Size: 1–2 ft. tall and wide
  

Zebra Calathea

The zebra calathea (Calathea zebrina) has eye-catching foliage that is striped with bright and dark green. These plants can also be found with white or pink on their leaves. They can reach up to 3 feet tall, making a lovely statement plant in any room. While they prefer bright, indirect filtered light, they can tolerate a shady spot in your home, too. Aim to give this plant as much natural light as possible.

• Light: Bright, indirect, filtered light.

• Water: Consistent watering. Keep soil moist, but never wet.

• Mature Size: 3 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
  

Burro’s Tail

Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) is a trailing succulent plant. Each vine is covered in tiny, fleshy leaves, making each vine look like the tail of a donkey, which is where it got its name. It is important to note that these tiny leaves can easily be knocked off the vine. Therefore, it is best to keep this plant in an area where it will not be disturbed. Burro’s tail plants will grow most vigorously in bright, indirect light but these succulents can adapt to low-light conditions, too. Just expect a slightly leggier appearance as the plant grows.

• Light: Indirect light; adapts to low light conditions. Never place in direct sun.

• Water: Inconsistent watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between watering.

• Mature Size: 1-4 ft. long, 1-2 ft. wide

Boston Fern

Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) are famous for their cascading, textured fronds. These ferns are native to swamps and rainforests, so mimicking the warm, humid conditions of these areas will help your fern thrive. Like other fern varieties, the Boston fern will tolerate low-light conditions well. It’s a good pick for a bedroom or office, without the worries of your cat consuming the fronds.

• Light: Bright, indirect to low light. Keep out of direct sun.

• Water: Consistent watering. Keep soil moist, but never soggy.

• Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall and wide

Bird’s Nest Fern

The bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) produces long, wavy, solid fronds, giving this fern its crinkled, unique look. They thrive in high humidity, so it is ideal to place these plants near sinks or showers, such as in the bathroom or kitchen.

• Light: Bright, indirect to low light.

• Water: Consistent watering. Keep soil moist, but never soggy. Avoid getting the foliage wet.

• Mature Size: 2 ft. tall and wide 
  

Friendship Plant

The friendship plant (Pilea involucrata) has thick, hairy, crinkled leaves, making this plant stand out from the crowd. Its highly textured leaves are bright green with deep brown-red veins, adding to this plant’s eye-catching looks. This is another plant that requires high humidity, so it is recommended to either keep this plant on top of a tray of pebbles and water or near a humidifier. 

While it will gladly accept bright, indirect light, you can keep this plant in moderate-to-low light conditions. Keep in mind that it should never be placed in direct light, which can dry out its thick leaves that are the star of the show.

• Light: Moderate, indirect light.

• Water: Consistent watering. Allow the top of the soil to begin to dry out between waterings.

• Mature Size: 6-12 in. tall and wide

Watermelon Peperomia

The watermelon peperomia’s (Peperomia argyreia) rounded, light, and dark green striped leaves are reminiscent of little watermelons, where it earned its name. These plants require an attentive waterer, as they do not handle overwatering or underwatering. It is best to keep the soil moist, and then allow the top inch or so to dry out before thoroughly watering.

• Light: Bright, indirect to low light.

• Water: Consistent, thorough watering.

• Mature Size: 12 in. tall, 8 in. wide 
  

Haworthia

Haworthia is a small cat-proof succulent plant recognizable for its spiky foliage and raised white stripes or dots. These succulents are known for being easy to care for and can be grown in most indoor conditions. Although many succulents require lots of light, these plants can thrive in medium to low-light conditions.

• Light: Bright, indirect to low light.

• Water: Inconsistent watering. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

• Mature Size: 3–5 in. tall and wide; some species can reach 20 in. tall
  

Chinese Money Plant

Known for its rounded shape and almost perfectly rounded leaves, the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is famous for its unique shape and growing habits. As the plant grows, it produces offshoots that can be transplanted to grow your cat-safe houseplant collection. 

While it benefits from bright, indirect light it can adapt to low-light conditions. Expect fewer offshoots and slightly smaller leaves or a leggy appearance.

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Can handle low light, but may look leggier.

• Water: Inconsistent watering. Allow soil to dry out completely, then water thoroughly.

• Mature Size: 12 in. tall, 8-12 in. wide
  

Brazilian Orchid

Unlike other orchids, Brazilian orchids (Sophronitis spp.) only reach about 3 inches tall, making them a uniquely compact orchid variety. However, their flowers still reach up to 2 inches wide, making them a showy plant. They thrive in high-moisture environments and require frequent watering and warm temperatures.

• Light: Bright, indirect to low light.

• Water: Consistent watering. Never allow the soil mix to dry out.

• Mature Size: 3 in. tall
  

Hoya

Hoyas (Hoya carnosa), also called wax plants, porcelain flowers, or honey plants, produce cat-friendly, fragrant tropical flowers that grow in a ball-shaped cluster. Hoyas can grow as vines or trail over containers. Keep the plant in bright, indirect light for six hours a day with moderately moist, well-draining soil.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.

• Water: Water weekly but soil should not be soggy.

• Mature Size: 12-20 ft. tall

Parlor Palm

Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans,) has lush, tropical fronds, and it is ideal for beginner houseplant parents, as well as for your fur babies. It's highly adaptable and grows in bright, indirect sunlight as well as in lower light conditions. Keep the temperature around 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit so your parlor palm thrives.

• Light: Indirect sunlight, low light.

• Water: Keep consistently moist, not soggy.

• Mature Size: 2-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide

Baby Tears

Baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is an indoor houseplant or outdoor tropical perennial that produces a dense mat of tiny, cute round leaves. It prefers lower-light conditions and dislikes bright intense sunlight. Keep the plant warm and in well-draining soil.

• Light: Filtered sunlight or artificial light.

• Water: Water frequently, but do not keep soggy.

• Mature Size: 4 in. tall, 36 in. wide

Air Plants

Air plants (Tillandsia) are easy houseplants that do not require the usual type of soil to grow. The term "air plant” is commonly associated with plants in the Tillandsia genus but there are countless types of air plants spanning various plant families. Air plants in general require bright to medium indirect light because they are used to growing under tree canopies in the forest.

• Light: Bright to medium indirect light.

• Water: Water by soaking or misting per type.

• Mature Size: 2-12 in. tall

African Violet

African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is a very popular houseplant beloved for its compact growth, rosette of thick leaves, and pretty violet-like flowers. The plant prefers warm, humid, and moist conditions so it does not dry out. Getting the light right is slightly tricky because it likes some bright light but too much bright light can damage leaf tips.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight or artificial lights.

• Water: Keep moist in high humidity.

• Mature Size: 6-9 in. tall and wide

Staghorn Fern

A staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is an epiphytic plant, which grows on other supportive plants or objects. It's known for its unusual shape that mimics elk antlers. A staghorn fern thrives in warm, very humid conditions in bright, indirect, or dappled light. Like your cat, the plant may prefer the heat and comfort of a bathroom.

• Light: Consistent, shaded light.

• Water: Water frequently when the base is dry and keep humidity high.

• Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall and wide

Gloxinia

Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa hybrids) are compact, blooming houseplants with thick, ruffled leaves and white, red, pink, lavender, purple, or blue flowers. The plants require low light and will not thrive in bright light. Gloxinia needs frequent watering and moist soil. The plant will eventually drop its petals and leaves but it is safe for curious cats, nonetheless.

• Light: Low light only.

• Water: Frequent watering to keep moist.

• Mature Size: 6-10 in. tall

Bromeliads

If you desire a cat-proof, low-light houseplant with a splashy flower display and stunning multicolored leaves, consider growing a plant from the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae). These tropical beauties only flower once during their lifespan under the right conditions but the mother plant usually produces pups or baby offshoots for easy propagation. Bromeliads are either epiphytic (growing in air), saxicolous (growing on rocks), or terrestrial (growing in the ground) and do well in pots and planters with excellent drainage. Bromeliads for beginners include those found in the Guzmania, neoregelia, and Vriesea genera.

• Light: Bright and indirect light to low light.

• Water: Infrequent watering, many types are drought-tolerant.

• Mature Size: Varies by genera and species, typically 18 in. tall

Polka Dot Plant

Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya), also called the freckle face plant, typically features green foliage flecked with pink, but types with purple, white, or red variegation are also available. Polka dot plant grows best in warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light or partial shade. Too much light dulls the plant's brilliant variegation.

• Light: Bright, indirect light and shade.

• Water: Water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch.

• Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall and wide

Strawberry Begonia

Strawberry begonias (Saxifraga stolonifera) quickly produce runners that look lovely hanging over a sill or edge of a container. The plant's hairy, red-tinged leaves are not usually interesting to cats, nor are the inconspicuous flowers, and all are safe for felines even when trailing on the floor. The leaves are very sensitive which is why the plant prefers low light.

• Light: Bright, indirect light to low light.

• Water: Saturate with water only when bone dry.

• Mature Size: 6–18 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide

Swedish Ivy

Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis), also called creeping Charlie, is a low-maintenance houseplant with thick stems that grow erect before developing a cascading growth of small, scallop-edge leaves with creamy margins and white or lavender blooms. Though all Swedish ivy is safe for cats, for an extra layer of protection for your plant, consider P. amboinicus, which is grown for its oregano-like flavor and smell, which can sometimes repel cats.

• Light: Moderate, indirect light to low light.

• Water: Keep moist, and avoid overwatering in the winter.

• Mature Size: 10 in. tall, 3 ft. wide

Frequently Asked Questions

What plants are okay for cats to be around?

There is a wide range of plants with different lighting needs that are safe for your cats to be around. Apart from the plants listed above, other cat-safe plants include the parlor palm, gloxinia, and venus fly trap (which prefers bright light). However, this is by no means an exhaustive list. When selecting a plant, be sure to do your research and ensure that it is non-toxic to cats. Checking the ASPCA for a list of toxic and non-toxic plants is advised.

What large indoor plants are safe for cats?

There are a wide range of plants that are safe for cats. Some large varieties to consider include the money tree, bamboo palm, and plants with large leaves—like the cast iron plant. When choosing a plant, always consider whether you can provide the proper lighting requirements.

Is hanging ivy safe for cats?

Yes, hanging ivy (Pilea nummulariifolia), sometimes called creeping Charlie, creeping pilea, or Swedish ivy, is considered non-toxic and is a cat-safe houseplant.

What plants are the most toxic for cats?

Some of the most toxic plants for cats include lilies, snake plants, oleander, and hyacinth.

What are the signs of plant poisoning in cats?

Some signs of plant poisoning in cats include continuous vomiting, bloody diarrhea, trouble breathing, excessive drooling, tremors, heart rate irregularities, and trouble walking. Immediately contact your veterinarian if you see any of these signs in your cat.

Read Next: How to Keep Cats Away From Plants

Read the original article on The Spruce.