Snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Toxic to cats & dogsTolerates low light; a brighter position or some direct sun is suitable. Acclimate gradually when moving into stronger light.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
The growing library
Sixteen plants.
A thoughtful beginning.
A small collection with traceable care guidance. Explore the conditions each plant needs, then choose one that fits your life.
ZZ plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Toxic to cats & dogsBright indirect light is preferred; tolerates lower light. Strong direct sun can scorch leaves.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Toxic to cats & dogsBright indirect light is preferred; low light is tolerated but can reduce variegation.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsMedium, indirect light is a good starting point; protect from strong direct sun.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Parlor palm
Chamaedorea elegans
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsBright indirect light is preferred, with tolerance for lower light.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Baby rubber plant
Peperomia obtusifolia
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsBright indirect light is preferred. Non-variegated plants tolerate lower light for a time; protect from strong direct sun.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsTolerates low light and shade; protect from direct sun.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Peace lily
Spathiphyllum spp. and cultivated hybrids
Toxic to cats & dogsTolerates lower light; indirect sunlight supports better flowering. Protect from harsh direct sun.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Toxic to cats & dogsUse moderate to bright indirect light; protect from harsh direct sun. Variegated forms may need more light.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Heartleaf philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
Toxic to cats & dogsMedium indirect light is a good starting point; lower light is tolerated.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Wax plant
Hoya carnosa
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsProvide bright indirect light throughout the year.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsProvide bright indirect light, protected from harsh direct sun.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
African violet
Streptocarpus ionanthus
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsChoose bright, filtered light; protect foliage from strong direct sun.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Areca palm
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsProvide bright indirect light.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension
Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema modestum
Toxic to cats & dogsChoose bright, filtered light. Strong direct sun can scorch the foliage.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · Royal Horticultural Society
Chinese money plant
Pilea peperomioides
ASPCA: non-toxic to cats & dogsProvide bright indirect light. Weak light can lead to stretched growth.
Care notes & sources ↗Reviewed 2026-10-04 · NC State Extension