5 Pet-Safe Low-Light Indoor Trees for Cats & Dogs
Find pet safe low light plants verified by ASPCA. These indoor plants thrive in dim spaces and are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Discover the care and maintenance tips, along with how to decorate them in your home!
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Want to add lush greenery to your home but worried about your pets? We get it— we have two furry cats roaming in our Brooklyn community home, and many common houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs. But don’t worry!
We have cross referenced this list with ASPCA. Also refer to our cat toxicity chart The plants below are the best lower-light options we have found for pet-friendly homes. None will thrive in complete darkness, so we rank them by how well they handle weaker indirect daylight rather than treating “low light” as “no light.”
Pet safety not a requirement? See our full guide to low-light indoor trees, where we compare a wider range of tall plants regardless of toxicity.
Read also: Pet safe low light indoor trees, Pet safe pink houseplants and Pet safe trailing houseplants
Summary:
What Are the Best Pet-Safe Low-Light Indoor Trees?
Our strongest choices for a dimmer pet-friendly room are Lady Palm and Parlor Palm, followed by Cast Iron Plant if you are happy with a tall floor plant rather than a true tree.
Money Tree can handle somewhat lower indoor light but grows better with medium indirect light, so we would not put it in the darkest corner.
All of the plants we label ASPCA non-toxic are checked using their scientific names rather than relying only on common names.
Snapshot of our Top 3 picks(Swipe left)
1. Cast Iron plant
2. Money Tree
5 Pet-Safe Low-Light Indoor Trees for Cats & Dogs
1. Lady Palm
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 8 feet
East/west facing windows
Pet safe
Low light
grows to 12 feet
East/West facing windows
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is one of the strongest choices on this list for genuinely lower-light rooms. Unlike many large palms, it naturally grows as an understory plant and handles shade extremely well.
Its clustered stems and broad fan-shaped leaves also give it much more of a substantial floor-plant presence than smaller low-light houseplants.
Around pets: Lady Palm is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. We would still keep fallen leaves cleaned up and discourage repeated chewing, since eating large quantities of any plant material can cause stomach upset.
Care: Keep it in well-draining soil and water thoroughly once the upper portion of the mix begins drying. It tolerates lower light well, but growth will be slower in the dimmest positions..
Read also: Areca palm care guide
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2. Cast Iron Plant
Pet safe
low light
Grows upto 2 feet
North facing windows
Pet safe
Low light
grows to 2 feet
North facing windows
The Cast Iron Plant (aka Aspidistra elatior), from the Asparagaceae family, has broad, glossy, dark green leaves rise gracefully from the soil, providing a lush, tropical feel. This plant thrives in low-light conditions and is highly tolerant of neglect.
We’ve positioned ours in the dining room on the first floor, where natural light is limited. Our black ceramic planter complements its robust nature!
Around pets: Cast Iron Plant is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its broad leaves are sturdier than palm fronds, which has made it one of the easier pet-safe floor plants for us to keep in accessible areas.
Read also: Ultimate cast iron plant care guide
Care tip:
- Thrives in low to medium light and needs watering only when the top inch of soil is dry — about every 2-3 weeks.
- Watch for yellowing leaves that can indicate overwatering. This is a hardy plant 🙂
Propagation tip:
- Divide the root clump with at least 2-3 leaves and healthy roots, and then plant divisions in well-draining potting soil.
- Keep in low to medium light.
- Watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. New growth will appear in a few weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- The Cast Iron Plant symbolizes endurance and resilience — it ideal for Capricorns who value perseverance and stability
Pros and cons
$78
“The Cast Iron Plant is perfect for anyone who wants a hardy, low-maintenance plant. Mine arrived in perfect condition and looks great” – thesill.com customer
3. Money Tree
Pet safe
low light
Grows upto 8 feet
North/west/east facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 8 feet
North/West/East facing windows
The Money Tree (aka Pachira aquatica), part of the Malvaceae family, has glossy, palmate leaves and often braided trunk add a touch of artistry to our decor.
We’ve placed ours in the west-facing living room on the first floor, where it enjoys afternoon light. A self-watering planter is probably best for this plant since it needs consistent moisture. Though ours is in the terracota pot which is probably the next best hings for this plant! 🙂
Around pets: Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its main practical issue in our home is the large pot and tall canopy, so we would use a heavy, stable container if a cat regularly jumps onto nearby furniture.
Try our Best Indoor Plants tool for a personalized plant recommendation.
Care tip:
- Aim to water it every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which might indicate overwatering.
- A standout feature of this plant is its braided trunk that helps the tree store moisture, so occasional neglect in watering is often forgiven 🙂
Propagation tip:
- Select a healthy stem and cut a 6-inch piece just below a leaf node.
- Remove the leaves near the cut to prevent rotting.
- Place the stem in a glass of water, ensuring no leaves are submerged.
- Refresh the water weekly and keep the glass in a spot with indirect sunlight. Roots typically appear in about 4 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and financial success. Capricorns, known for their practicality, patience, and ambition, are particularly well-suited to nurture this plant.
Pros and cons
$43
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room”
4. Parlor Palm
Pet safe
low light
Grows upto 6 feet
east/north windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 6 feet
East/North facing windows
The Parlor Palm (aka Chamaedorea elegans), also a member of the Arecaceae family, is cherished for its resilience and charm. Its delicate, dark green fronds arch gracefully from slender stems, bringing a touch of understated elegance.
We’ve placed ours in a north-facing bedroom on the third floor, where it adds life to the subdued lighting. A terracotta pot enhances its natural appeal!
Around pets: Parlor Palm is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The fine leaflets can still attract curious cats, so we keep ours where repeated chewing will not destroy the fronds even though the plant itself is non-toxic.
Read also: Ultimate Parlor palm care guide
Care tip:
- Water it moderately—allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings.
- It’s important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
- Keep an eye out for drooping or yellowing leaves which can indicate that the plant is either too dry or too wet
Propagation tip:
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, barely covering them with soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist and in a warm environment: germination can take several months.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes peace and tranquility, making it an excellent plant for creating a serene environment. Taurus, a zodiac sign known for its love of stability and natural beauty
Pros and cons
($~19)
($38)
($35)
$43
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room” – TheSill customer
5. Bamboo Palm
Pet safe
low light
Grows upto 4-12 feet
East/West facing windows
Pet safe
Low light
grows to 12 feet
East/West facing windows
The Bamboo Palm (aka Chamaedorea seifrizii), another member of the Arecaceae family, has slender, cane-like stems and feathery fronds create a light, airy aesthetic. We’ve placed ours in an east-facing bedroom on the second floor, where it receives gentle morning light. Our handmade fabric pot enhances its casual elegance.
Care tip:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks.
- Soil should drain well to prevent root rot. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip:
- Remove a clump with 2-3 stems and roots.
- Plant it in well-draining soil mixed with (ideally) perlite.
- Keep the soil moist, and place it in bright, indirect light. Roots come in 4-6 weeks!
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and resilience. Ideal for Capricorns who appreciate its hardworking and enduring nature
Pros and cons
$38
“This plant is a bit finicky but looks stunning when healthy. It’s definitely a statement piece”
Best Pet-Safe Indoor Trees for Low Light Compared
These are the strongest pet-safe choices for lower-light rooms, ranked by how well they handle weaker indirect light and how practical they are as floor plants indoors.
| Plant | Low-light tolerance | Indoor size | Pet safety | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Palm | Excellent | 4–8+ ft | ASPCA non-toxic | Dimmer rooms, floor plant |
| Parlor Palm | Excellent | 2–6 ft | ASPCA non-toxic | North/east rooms |
| Cast Iron Plant | Excellent | 2–3 ft | ASPCA non-toxic | Darkest floor locations |
| Money Tree | Moderate | Up to ~8 ft | ASPCA non-toxic | Medium indirect light |
| Bamboo Palm | Good | 3–7 ft | Verify exact species | Low–medium indirect light |
← Swipe horizontally on mobile to see the full table →
How to keep Large Indoor Plants Safe Around Pets
Prevent the pot from tipping
Large floor plants can become top-heavy. We use stable pots with a wide base and avoid positioning them directly beside furniture that gives a cat an easy jumping route into the canopy.
Keep pets out of the soil
If a pet repeatedly digs in the pot, use a physical barrier such as a fitted soil cover or reposition the plant. We would not use essential-oil sprays as a deterrent around cats.
Keep fertilizer inaccessible
A plant being non-toxic does not make its fertilizer safe to eat. Store fertilizers securely, follow the product label, and prevent pets from accessing freshly treated soil.
Clean up chewed or fallen foliage
Even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset when enough plant material is eaten. We remove damaged or fallen leaves rather than leaving them where pets can continue chewing them.
Which Low-Light Indoor Trees Are Safe for Cats?
For homes with cats, Lady Palm, Parlor Palm, Money Tree and Cast Iron Plant are all listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats.
Of those, Lady Palm and Parlor Palm are our first choices when light is genuinely limited. Money Tree prefers a somewhat brighter position, while Cast Iron Plant tolerates very dim conditions but is technically a tall floor plant rather than a tree.
“Non-toxic” does not mean we encourage chewing. ASPCA notes that eating plant material can still cause gastrointestinal upset even when a plant is classified as non-toxic.
How We Chose These Pet-Safe Low-Light Trees
We looked for three things:
- Pet safety: The exact species should be listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA wherever possible.
- Lower-light tolerance: The plant must be able to remain healthy in weaker indirect daylight—not simply survive temporarily in a dark room.
- Floor-plant presence: We prioritized palms and other plants that can create the height or visual scale people usually want from an indoor tree.
Low light still means some usable daylight. No indoor tree can remain healthy indefinitely in a windowless dark corner without supplemental lighting.
Common Concerns for Pet Owners About Indoor Trees
Can My Pet Knock Over My Indoor Tree?
- Yes, pets—especially curious cats and energetic dogs—can tip over indoor trees.
- Solution: Use heavy-bottomed pots or place the plant in a corner against a wall for stability.
- For larger plants: Secure them with a plant stand or decorative basket to reduce the risk of tipping.
Read also: our favorite pots for low light indoor trees
Are Fallen Leaves Harmful to Pets?
- Even from pet-safe trees, ingesting large amounts of leaves may cause mild digestive upset.
- Solution: Regularly prune, trim, and clean up fallen leaves to prevent accidental ingestion.
- If your pet chews excessively, move the tree to a less accessible area.
Will My Pet Pee in the Plant Soil?
- Some pets, especially dogs and cats, may see plant soil as a litter box substitute.
- Solutions:
- Cover soil with large pebbles, bark, or decorative stones.
What If My Pet Climbs My Indoor Tree?
- Cats love climbing, and smaller dogs may jump onto pots.
- Solution:
- Place the tree in a low-traffic area or behind furniture.
- Use double-sided tape or pet deterrent mats near the base to discourage climbing.
- Offer cat trees, scratching posts, or climbing shelves to redirect their energy.
Read also: our guide to styling low light trees.
Do Indoor Trees Attract Pests That Could Harm My Pet?Fungus gnats, spider mites, and scale insects can infest indoor trees and may irritate pets.
- Prevention & Solutions:
- Use sticky traps or neem oil to control pests naturally.
- Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering, which attracts gnats.
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep pests away.
Are Fertilizers and Plant Food Safe for Pets?
- Many liquid fertilizers and plant foods contain chemicals that are toxic to pets.
- Safe Alternatives:
- Use organic, pet-friendly fertilizers like compost tea, banana peels, or diluted fish emulsion.
- Avoid slow-release chemical fertilizers, which can be dangerous if pets chew the soil.
- Store all fertilizers out of reach and wash your hands after handling them.
Read also: our favorite soil and fertilizers for low light indoor trees
Low-Light Indoor Trees to Avoid (Toxic to Pets!)
Popular statement plants such as Fiddle Leaf Fig, Rubber Plant and many Dracaena species are toxic to cats and dogs, so they are not substitutes for the pet-safe trees above. If you like the tall, architectural look of those plants but have pets, we would choose Lady Palm, Kentia Palm or Parlor Palm instead.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) – Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) – Causes irritation and digestive issues.
- Dracaena Species (Dracaena spp.) – Harmful to pets, causing vomiting and drooling.
- Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) – Common but toxic to pets.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Popular for low light but mildly toxic to pets.
Conclusion
Adding greenery to your home doesn’t have to put your pets at risk. With pet-safe low light indoor trees like Parlor Palm, Money Tree, and Cast Iron Plant, you can enjoy a lush indoor garden without worry!
