If you’re new to plant ownership, or if you have small children or pets, then you’ll want to check out this list of low-maintenance, non-toxic plants for your home. 

These plants don’t require a lot of work, and they’re safe for your family and furry friends. 

So, whether you’re just starting, or you’ve been around plants your whole life, these plants are a great addition to any home.

Here is a list of five non-toxic houseplants (as referenced by the ASPCA) that anyone can keep alive with minimal effort!

1) African Violet

The African violet plant is one of the easiest low-maintenance houseplants. 

Water this plant with room-temperature water whenever the soil feels dry. Simply touch the soil to determine this.  Also, don’t water or mist the leaves of the plant because this may lead to brown spots developing on the leaves.

Ideally, it needs indirect light to thrive. African violets are also good at tolerating low light conditions. 

Indoor temperatures of 70° to 75° Fahrenheit (21° to 24° Celsius) are optimal for this plant.

The African violet needs to be fertilized every 4 to 6 weeks with a water-soluble food that has been diluted to half strength, or an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Do not add fertilizer or water to the soil until it has been dry for about three days and then only add enough water to moisten the top inch of the soil.

The African violet should be kept in a pot that is one size larger than its current pot once every two years and should be repotted during the springtime. When you repot your African violet, replace the lower third of the old potting mix with fresh soil.

2) Spider Plant

Spider plants are easy to care for, making them a perfect choice for those who are new to indoor gardening. 

This plant prefers bright, indirect light. If your home is generally dark, you may want to place the pot near a window where it will receive bright indirect light during the day.

Spider plants need to be watered when the top portion of the soil feels dry.  Use room-temperature, distilled water. If you live in a dry climate, it may be a good idea to mist your plants every few days. Be careful not to over-water them because they do not like to be soaked.

Fertilize a month after planting for best results.

Spider plants reproduce naturally via plantlets that grow on the ends of their long stems, called spiderettes. The spiderettes eventually break away from the mother plant to create their own roots. For large collections, division every two years is recommended so that each new spider plant has a chance to grow. 

The best indoor temperature for spider plants is between 65° and 85° Fahrenheit (18° to 29° Celsius). 

3) Nerve Plant

The nerve plant is a very low-maintenance houseplant, which makes it perfect for people with busy lives.

It grows well in bright indirect light and the leaves tend to orient toward the source of light. 

Place in a pot with drainage holes at the bottom so water can drain out easily. Water with room temperature tap water when the top of the soil feels dry. Be sure not to over-water it, as this may cause root rot and kill your nerve plant. If you’re unsure of what type of soil to buy, go with a peat-based one since it holds moisture for longer periods of time.

A general rule of thumb is that you should fertilize this plant once every couple of months to ensure its growth. If you do not wish to buy an organic plant food, simply put some water with a teaspoon of lemon juice into a spray bottle and mist the plant with it every couple of weeks.

Optimum indoor temperature :  70°- 80°Fahrenheit (21° – 27°Celsius).

Optimum relative humidity: 50% or higher.

4) Money Tree

One of the easiest plants to grow, the money tree thrives in bright to medium indirect light.

Temperatures between 60° and 75° Fahrenheit (15° to 23° Celsius) are best for this plant. 

Keep your money tree away from doors leading outside or cooling vents.  Also, don’t expose it to the hot afternoon sun. 

Now, placing your plant close to a window is fine, but make sure there isn’t too much of a draft. You can also use some type of curtain or drape to keep the plant more protected from the elements. Not only will this help prevent it from being damaged, but your plant will grow better too!

Water this plant about once per week with room temperature tap water. First, check the top 2 inches of the soil to determine if it’s dry.  If not, wait a few days to avoid overwatering. 

It’s important to use a pot with drainage holes. Water this plant completely until 1/4 of the water you put in drains out through the holes to ensure that the water has seeped into the soil and roots.

Fertilize your money tree weekly during the summer and bi-weekly in the fall and winter months. 

5) Peperomia Pelt folia 

If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant, the peperomia pelt folia is a great option. This plant only requires water every other week and can thrive in temperatures between 65° and 75° Fahrenheit (18° to 23° Celsius).

Whether or not you have previous experience with growing houseplants, the peperomia pelt folia is easy to maintain, so you’ll have no problems keeping it alive.

Peperomia pelt folia plants need bright indirect light in order to thrive. If the plant receives too little light, its leaves will begin to appear yellow and also become smaller. On the other hand, if the plant receives too much light, its leaves will turn brown and may appear shriveled.

You can tell if your peperomia is too dry by simply touching its soil – if it feels moist and you aren’t seeing any water in the drain tray below the plant, then it’s probably time to water your potted peperomia.

Keep in mind that this plant only enjoys moist soil, so don’t over-water it. When you do water your potted peperomia, use tepid or room temperature water. Cold water can shock the roots of your plant, which will make it suffer.

Though some have found fertilizer beneficial, many have reported that this plant is fine without it.

Summary

Houseplants are a great way to add some beauty to your home. 

These plants don’t need a lot of work, which is great for beginner plant owners.

And if you have small children or pets, it’s important to choose plants that are non-toxic so that they won’t be harmed if they decide to nibble on them.

These low-maintenance, non-toxic plants are easily found at your local plant store, or online. 

You don’t need a green thumb to enjoy them around your home!