13 Low Maintenance Indoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs

With their rich purple hues, African violets (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia) add a vibrant touch to any tabletop or shelf and are surprisingly easy to care for once you learn the basics. These flowering plants prefer indirect sunlight and moist, well-draining soil. Proper watering is key to keeping them blooming, so for even easier maintenance, try pairing your African violet with a self-watering planter to keep the soil consistently moist while minimizing upkeep.

The wide, shiny leaves of the American rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bring cheerful greenery to any space. These easy, low-maintenance plants thrive in well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. During their active growing season in summer, keep the plant moist by misting it or gently wiping its leaves with a damp cloth. When dormant, it needs watering only once or twice a month. Though American rubber plants can grow into tall indoor trees, you can limit their overall growth by keeping them in smaller planters.

Geometrically shaped rosettes and striking colors make blue echeveria succulents (Echeveria glauca) a stunning addition to indoor gardens, especially for those seeking indoor plants safe for their pets. These desert plants thrive with plenty of sunlight and infrequent watering, making them an ideal low-maintenance choice. Water only after the soil has completely dried, then soak it thoroughly before letting it dry again. Consider creating your own succulent container garden and review our quick care guide for more in-depth instructions.

Blushing bromeliads (Neoregelia carolinae) are excellent houseplants, loved for their colorful leaves and hardiness. True to their name, the center of the plant “blushes” with a red hue before flowering, adding a unique burst of color to your home. These tropical plants thrive with bright light, above-average humidity, and consistently moist roots. They’re a beautiful and resilient addition to your indoor space.

Cape primroses (Streptocarpus spp.) are ideal low-maintenance houseplants, thanks to their tolerance for low light and periods of dryness. Their beautiful blooms can flower for up to ten months of the year, providing long-lasting color to tabletops, shelves, or anywhere else you want to place them. Keep cape primroses in indirect sunlight and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to keep them healthy.

Button ferns (Pellaea rotundifolia) earn their name with their charming, rounded leaves that are “cute as a button.” These small, lush ferns add texture and greenery to any setting. Once settled, they’re relatively easy to maintain. Though button ferns require a decent amount of water and higher humidity to thrive, misting the leaves occasionally and letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings will keep them healthy and flourishing.

Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) are cheery, bright flowers that are wonderfully low-maintenance after they’re established. These hardy plants adapt well to infrequent watering, needing just a weekly drink once settled. Though they bloom best in full sun, coreopsis can adapt to partial shade, making them a versatile choice for brightening up your home or garden.

Haworthia (Haworthia fasciata), with its distinctive striped leaves, is a striking member of the succulent family. Like blue echeveria, it thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to keep this decorative plant healthy and happy. Its compact size and unique appearance make it a great choice for adding interest to any indoor arrangement.

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) produces beautiful blooms during the winter months with a little encouragement but flourishes on minimal care the majority of the year. These unique plants grow best in indirect light and require the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings, which keeps their care simple and low maintenance.

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular for their thin, arching, striped leaves and are often a top choice among indoor plants safe for pets. Perfect for new gardeners, they’re very resilient and look stunning as their foliage cascades over the edges of a tabletop or hanging planter. To keep them healthy, avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves, and water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.

String of turtles (Peperomia prostrata) features long, delicate stems with small, round leaves—an excellent choice for mantels or windowsills. Also called trailing peperomia, this plant is sensitive to overwatering, so make sure the soil dries sufficiently before watering again. Keep string of turtles in partial shade with indirect sunlight to prevent the leaves from scorching.

Air plants (Tillandsia) are characterized by their thin, wispy tendrils and unique ability to thrive without soil. Great for both experienced and inexperienced gardeners, they look stunning in terrariums or creative planters. To care for air plants, simply soak the plants for 30 minutes every few weeks or place them in a bathroom where they can absorb moisture from showers.

While the ASPCA doesn’t have an official entry for air plants, they are widely considered non-toxic and safe for both cats and dogs.

Bold patterns and wide, eye-catching leaves are defining features of calathea (Calathea spp.). They are relatively easy to care for but do prefer higher humidity compared to many other indoor plants. Beyond a humid environment, provide them with moderate watering, indirect light, and occasional houseplant fertilizer to help calathea grow and flourish.