Discover 7 pet- and kid-safe low light hanging plants that thrive indoors! Perfect for busy homes, these non-toxic, easy-care plants add greenery without the worry.

Introduction

Did you know that 87% of pet owners worry about toxic plants in their homes? If you love greenery but have little ones or furry friends running around, finding safe, low-maintenance plants can be tricky. The good news? Plenty of beautiful hanging plants thrive in low light and are completely harmless to pets and kids! In this guide, we’ll explore 7 safe, low light hanging plants that purify the air, add style, and require minimal care—perfect for busy households. Whether you have a dimly lit corner or just want worry-free greenery, these plants are the ideal solution.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

If you’re looking for a pet-safe houseplant that’s nearly impossible to kill, the spider plant is a fantastic choice. Not only is it non-toxic to cats and dogs, but it’s also incredibly resilient.

Light Needs:

Spider plants thrive in indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate leaves.

Care Tips:

Water your spider plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so err on the side of underwatering. One of the coolest features of this plant is its ability to produce baby “spiderettes,” which you can propagate to grow even more plants.

Bonus:

Beyond being pet-friendly, spider plants are excellent air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from your home.

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Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

For a lush, cascading plant that’s safe for pets, the Boston fern is a classic. Its feathery fronds add a touch of elegance to any space.

Why It’s Safe:

Boston ferns are non-toxic and won’t irritate your pets if they decide to take a nibble.

Light Needs:

This fern prefers filtered or low light. Too much direct sun can cause its fronds to dry out and turn brown.

Care Tips:

Boston ferns love humidity, so misting them regularly or placing them in a bathroom can help keep them happy. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Bonus:

With its full, trailing foliage, a Boston fern makes a stunning hanging plant or a lush centerpiece on a shelf.

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Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

If you want a unique, conversation-starting plant that’s safe for pets, the staghorn fern is a great pick. Its antler-like fronds give it a striking appearance.

Why It’s Safe:

Staghorn ferns are non-toxic, so you won’t have to worry if your curious cat or dog investigates it.

Light Needs:

These ferns do well in low to medium light. Bright, indirect light is ideal, but they can adapt to shadier spots.

Care Tips:

Unlike traditional potted plants, staghorn ferns are often mounted on wood or hung in baskets. They absorb moisture through their fronds, so misting them occasionally is key. They don’t need frequent watering, making them low-maintenance.

Bonus:

Their unusual growth habit makes them a standout addition to any plant collection.

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Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

Peperomias are a diverse group of small, pet-safe plants that come in a variety of colors and textures.

Why It’s Safe:

All peperomia varieties are non-toxic to pets and children, making them a worry-free choice.

Light Needs:

These plants adapt well to low light, though they’ll grow best in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can fade their vibrant leaves.

Care Tips:

Peperomias prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue, so wait until the top layer of soil feels dry before giving them a drink.

Bonus:

With so many varieties—like the watermelon peperomia or the ripple peperomia—you can mix and match for a colorful, textured display.

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Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Despite its name, the ponytail palm isn’t a true palm—it’s actually a succulent! Its quirky appearance and pet-safe nature make it a fun addition to any home.

Why It’s Safe:

Ponytail palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you won’t have to stress if your pets get curious.

Light Needs:

While it tolerates low light, this plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth.

Care Tips:

Thanks to its thick, bulbous trunk, the ponytail palm stores water, making it extremely drought-tolerant. Water sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry.

Bonus:

Its playful, palm-like appearance adds a tropical vibe without the high maintenance of actual palm trees.

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Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)

If you love trailing plants, Swedish ivy is a fast-growing, pet-friendly option that’s perfect for hanging baskets.

Why It’s Safe:

This plant is non-toxic, so it’s safe for pets who might be tempted to chew on its leaves.

Light Needs:

Swedish ivy thrives in low to medium light. Too much direct sun can scorch its leaves, so filtered light is best.

Care Tips:

Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the best growth. One of the best things about Swedish ivy is how easy it is to propagate—simply snip a stem and place it in water to grow a new plant.

Bonus:

Its cascading vines make it a beautiful choice for shelves or hanging planters.

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Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible—perfect for busy or forgetful plant owners.

Why It’s Safe:

This plant is completely harmless to pets and kids, so you can place it anywhere without worry.

Light Needs:

The cast iron plant is one of the most low-light-tolerant plants out there. It can survive in dim corners where other plants would struggle.

Care Tips:

Water it occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It’s incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for beginners.

Bonus:

If you’ve struggled with keeping plants alive in the past, this one might just restore your confidence!

Conclusion

Adding greenery to your home doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you choose safe, low light hanging plants that are perfect for homes with pets and kids. From the air-purifying Spider Plant to the nearly unkillable Cast Iron Plant, these options bring life to any space without the worry. Ready to transform your home? Pick one (or a few!) of these pet-friendly plants and enjoy a greener, healthier living space today.