Discover 10 pet-friendly, low-light hanging plants perfect for any home! These easy-care, non-toxic plants thrive in dim spaces while keeping your furry friends safe.

Introduction

Did you know over 66% of U.S. households own a pet? If you’re a plant lover with a furry friend, finding the right greenery can be tricky—especially in low-light spaces. But don’t worry! We’ve curated a list of 10 stunning, pet-safe hanging plants that flourish in indirect light. Whether you have a curious cat or a playful pup, these plants add life to your home without the worry. Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Pet-Friendly, Low-Light Hanging Plants?

Safety First: Avoid Toxic Plants That Could Harm Pets

When selecting houseplants, pet owners must prioritize safety. Many common plants, like pothos or philodendrons, can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Choosing pet-friendly varieties ensures your furry friends stay safe while still enjoying the benefits of indoor greenery. Always double-check a plant’s toxicity before bringing it home—resources like the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants are incredibly helpful.

Adaptability: Perfect for Apartments, Offices, or Rooms with Limited Sunlight

Not every space gets abundant natural light, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on lush foliage. Many pet-safe hanging plants thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for dimly lit apartments, offices, or rooms with north-facing windows. These plants adapt well to artificial lighting, so even if your space lacks sunshine, you can still cultivate a thriving indoor garden.

Space-Saving: Hanging Plants Add Greenery Without Taking Up Floor Space

Hanging plants are a fantastic solution for small spaces. By suspending them from ceilings, wall hooks, or shelves, you free up valuable floor space while still incorporating nature into your décor. This is especially useful in compact apartments or rooms cluttered with furniture. Plus, trailing plants create a beautiful cascading effect that adds visual interest to any area.

Low Maintenance: Ideal for Busy Pet Owners Who Want Fuss-Free Plants

Between work, errands, and pet care, many plant lovers don’t have time for high-maintenance greenery. Fortunately, most pet-safe hanging plants are also low-maintenance. Many require infrequent watering, tolerate occasional neglect, and don’t demand constant pruning. If you’re looking for greenery that won’t add stress to your routine, these plants are the perfect fit.

10 Best Pet-Safe, Low-Light Hanging Plants

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are a top choice for pet owners. Not only are they non-toxic to cats and dogs, but they’re also incredibly resilient. They thrive in indirect light and can even tolerate fluorescent lighting, making them great for offices. Another perk? They produce “pups” (baby spider plants) that you can easily propagate to grow your collection. Plus, they’re known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to improve indoor air quality.

2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

If you love lush, feathery foliage, the Boston fern is a fantastic option. It’s completely safe for pets and thrives in humid, low-light environments—perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Just keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) and mist the fronds occasionally to maintain humidity. Its cascading growth makes it a stunning addition to hanging baskets.

3. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

Staghorn ferns are unique epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on other surfaces (like wood or moss) rather than in soil. They’re pet-friendly and prefer filtered light, making them ideal for bright, indirect spots. Mount them on a wooden board or place them in a hanging basket for a striking display. Their antler-like fronds add a touch of wild elegance to any space.

4. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

Peperomias come in many varieties, but trailing types like Peperomia hope are perfect for hanging planters. These compact plants are safe for pets and thrive in medium to low light. Their thick, fleshy leaves store water, so they’re forgiving if you forget to water them occasionally. Plus, their small size makes them great for shelves or small spaces.

5. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)

Despite its name, Swedish ivy isn’t a true ivy—and unlike English ivy, it’s completely safe for pets. This fast-growing plant loves bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Its trailing vines look gorgeous spilling over the edges of a hanging basket, and it’s relatively low-maintenance, needing only regular watering and occasional pruning.

6. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Baby’s tears feature delicate, tiny leaves that create a soft, carpet-like effect—perfect for hanging planters where they can cascade down. They’re pet-friendly and thrive in moist, shady spots, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms. Just be sure to keep the soil consistently damp, as they don’t tolerate drying out well.

7. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

This succulent is a great pet-safe option for those who love trailing plants. Its plump, bead-like leaves store water, so it’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. While it prefers bright, indirect light, it can adapt to lower light conditions—just be cautious with watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Hang it high to prevent pets from nibbling on its delicate stems.

8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Parlor palms bring a tropical vibe indoors while being completely safe for pets. They adapt well to low-light conditions and are relatively slow-growing, so they won’t quickly outgrow their space. Their feathery fronds add texture and movement to hanging planters, and they’re excellent at purifying the air.

9. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)

The friendship plant is named for how easily it can be shared—propagate cuttings to give to friends! Its textured, colorful leaves make it a standout, and it’s completely safe for pets. It thrives in humidity and indirect light, so it’s a great choice for kitchens or bathrooms. Keep the soil slightly moist and mist the leaves occasionally for best results.

10. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

String of hearts is a visually stunning trailing plant with delicate, heart-shaped leaves. It’s non-toxic to pets and prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light (though growth may slow). Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Its long, trailing vines make it a beautiful choice for macramé hangers or high shelves.

Caring for Your Pet-Friendly Hanging Plants

Watering Tips: Avoid Overwatering—Most Prefer Slightly Dry Soil

Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill a houseplant. Many pet-safe hanging plants, like spider plants and peperomias, prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Always check the top inch of soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water. Succulents like burro’s tail need even less frequent watering.

Light Requirements: Bright, Indirect Light Is Ideal, but Many Adapt to Low Light

While most plants thrive in bright, indirect light, many on this list can tolerate lower light conditions. If your space is particularly dark, consider supplementing with a grow light. Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth, especially if they’re near a window.

Pet-Proofing: Hang Plants Out of Reach If Pets Are Prone to Chewing

Even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. If your pets are curious chewers, hang plants high enough that they can’t reach them. Alternatively, use wall-mounted shelves or ceiling hooks to keep greenery safely out of paw’s reach.

Fertilizing: Use Organic, Pet-Safe Fertilizers Sparingly

Most low-light hanging plants don’t need frequent fertilizing. When you do feed them, opt for organic, pet-safe fertilizers to avoid any risk of chemical exposure. A diluted liquid fertilizer applied during the growing season (spring and summer) is usually sufficient. Always follow the instructions to prevent over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.

Conclusion

Who says you have to choose between pets and plants? With these 10 pet-friendly, low-light hanging plants, you can create a green oasis that’s safe for your furry companions. Whether you opt for the trailing String of Hearts or the lush Boston Fern, there’s a perfect plant for every home. Ready to transform your space? Pick your favorite and start hanging!