LOW LIGHT LEAF

Low-Light Houseplants Compared
Eight common plants, what the sources say about their light and water, and what the ASPCA lists for cats
and dogs
Low light is not no light. NC State's plant pages say several of these plants tolerate very low light, and the same pages usually
say they do better with brighter, indirect light. Read the light column as what the plant survives, and the light note as what it
prefers.
Plant

Light listing

What the source says

Watering

Cats / Dogs

Snake plant

Partial shade (direct sun
2 to 6 hours a day)

Tolerates very low light.

Let the soil dry between
waterings from spring to
autumn; do not overwater.

Toxic
Toxic

Deep shade to partial
shade

Grows in very low light, even
under fluorescent light, but does
best in bright indirect light.

Water routinely but let it dry
out between waterings; wet
roots are not tolerated.

Not listed
Not listed

Bright, indirect light
preferred

Survives long periods in low
light; low light can cause loss of
variegation.

Let the potting mix dry out
between waterings.

Toxic
Toxic

Deep shade to partial
shade

NC State lists deep and partial
shade and gives no further light
advice.

Keep the soil moist, not
soggy; allow it to dry between
waterings.

Toxic
Toxic

Dappled sun to deep
shade

Prefers medium light but
tolerates deep shade.

Grows best in moist soil;
tolerant of drought and dry
soil.

Non-toxic
Non-toxic

Dappled sun to deep
shade

Called a good choice for
low-light areas and indoor pots.

Water regularly from spring to
autumn, sparingly in winter.

Non-toxic
Non-toxic

Deep shade to partial
shade

Does well in diffuse sun or good
indirect light; may not flower if
light is low.

Keep the mix moist from
spring to fall; over-watering
can cause root rot.

Toxic
Toxic

Bright to moderate,
filtered light

Too little light narrows the
leaves; direct sun can burn
them.

Keep the soil moist while
growing; cut back in winter.

Toxic
Toxic

Sansevieria trifasciata

ZZ plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Pothos
Epipremnum aureum

Peace lily
Spathiphyllum

Spider plant
Chlorophytum
comosum

Cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior

Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema

Corn plant
Dracaena fragrans

What this sheet leaves out
No watering intervals in days: the sources give a rule (let the soil dry, keep it moist) and not a number. No distances from the
window: the sources used here don't give them. The ZZ plant has no ASPCA entry, so its pet-safety line is unknown, not safe.

Pet-safety column
Verdicts are what the ASPCA lists for each plant. Three of the eight are non-toxic or unlisted; the rest are listed as toxic to both
cats and dogs. Search any other plant in the Low Light Leaf toxicity checker.
Full care guides for these plants: https://lowlightleaf.com/. Not veterinary advice.

Sources: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (read October 28, 2026); ASPCA (checked October 25, 2026).

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