Houseplant light, water and pet safety guide
Popular houseplants, the light they like and how to water them, plus whether the ASPCA lists them as toxic or non-toxic to cats and dogs. Match the plant to your spot, and to your pets.
Non-toxic to cats and dogs Toxic to cats and dogs
| Plant | Light | Water | Pets (ASPCA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider plant | Bright, indirect | When the top inch is dry | Non-toxic |
| Parlor palm | Low to medium | Keep lightly moist | Non-toxic |
| Boston fern | Bright, indirect; likes humidity | Keep lightly moist | Non-toxic |
| Calathea | Medium, indirect | Keep lightly moist | Non-toxic |
| Haworthia | Bright | When the soil is dry | Non-toxic |
| Christmas cactus | Bright, indirect | When the top inch is dry | Non-toxic |
| Pothos | Low to bright, indirect | When the top inch is dry | Toxic |
| Snake plant | Low to bright | When the soil is dry | Toxic |
| Peace lily | Low to medium | When it starts to droop slightly | Toxic |
| Monstera | Bright, indirect | When the top 2 inches are dry | Toxic |
| Philodendron | Medium, indirect | When the top inch is dry | Toxic |
| Rubber plant | Bright, indirect | When the top inch is dry | Toxic |
| Jade plant | Bright, some direct sun | When the soil is dry | Toxic |
| Aloe vera | Bright, some direct sun | When the soil is dry | Toxic |
Pet safety based on the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant lists for cats and dogs; check the ASPCA's current list for your exact plant. Even non-toxic plants can upset a pet's stomach if eaten. If a pet may have eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
Getting the light right
A sharp shadow at midday. Near south or west windows.
A soft shadow. East or north windows.
Barely a shadow. Few plants truly thrive here.
Lots of light, but no sun on the leaves.
Read read the light in your home and pets and houseplants, or work out potting mix with the pot and potting mix calculator.