DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
Bettesworth Construction
houseplants

Gorgeous Houseplants That Can Thrive in Your Living Room

The right living-room houseplant depends on its spot: check light, dry indoor air and pet safety before choosing among seven adaptable options.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The best houseplant for a living room is the one suited to its actual light, humidity, temperature and household pets. A sunny windowsill, a north-facing window and a dim corner are different growing environments, so start by choosing the plant for its intended spot—not just for the room.

Start with the light where the plant will sit

Look at the window nearest the intended location, note its direction, and consider how far the plant will be from it. Bright direct sun, bright indirect light and shade are not interchangeable. The Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to choosing houseplants recommends matching plants to the conditions in the room.

“Low light” is a practical description, not a promise that a plant can grow in darkness. The University of Minnesota Extension describes low light as a place “bright enough to read a newspaper.” A north-facing window or a fairly dark corner may suit some tolerant plants; a windowless spot may need supplemental light. The extension notes that grow lights can increase light energy, but does not compare specific models or outputs.

Good-looking options for common living-room conditions

These plants offer different forms and room fits. The low-light choices below are listed by University of Minnesota Extension; suitability still depends on the exact location and, where relevant, whether pets can reach the foliage.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Easy to Grow Live Houseplants (6 Pack), Deluxe Collection of Assorted Air Purifying Indoor Plants, Peperomia, Spider Plants, No Duplicates, Pothos, Easy Plant Care, 2 in Pots, Begonia, Croton
  • LIVE INDOOR HOUSEPLANTS: Includes a rotating assortment of 6 popular indoor plants in 2 in. grower pots, ranging in height by variety - approximately 4 - 6 in. tall
  • WHAT'S IN THE BOX: Features Pothos, Peperomia, Spider Plants, Croton, Ficus, Syngonium, Begonia, and more
  • COMPACT SIZE, BIG IMPACT: Small but striking, this pack is perfect for event decor, grouped planters, and DIY projects
  • GROWN WITH CARE: Our hand-selected assortment rotates monthly to ensure every pack is a delightful surprise
  • FRESH FROM THE FARM: Grown with love and shipped with care directly from our team of passionate horticulturists
Plant Room and light fit Pet consideration
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Prefers bright indirect or dappled light, but tolerates lower light. Keep it out of strong direct summer sun, which can scorch leaves. See the RHS spider plant guide. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and cats. That does not mean chewing is desirable or that the plant cannot be damaged.
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata) Listed by University of Minnesota Extension among plants suited to low light. The ASPCA lists snake plant as toxic to cats and dogs; avoid it where pets may chew leaves.
Pothos (Epipremnum) Listed among low-light options by University of Minnesota Extension. Included in the ASPCA’s warning about common plants containing insoluble calcium oxalates. Keep it away from pets that chew foliage.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) Listed among low-light options by University of Minnesota Extension. The ASPCA lists peace lily as toxic to cats and dogs.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas) Listed among low-light options by University of Minnesota Extension. Included in the ASPCA’s warning about common plants containing insoluble calcium oxalates. Do not treat it as pet-safe.
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) Listed among low-light options by University of Minnesota Extension. Included in the ASPCA’s warning about common plants containing insoluble calcium oxalates. A light match does not make it suitable for a pet that chews plants.
Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra) Listed among low-light options by University of Minnesota Extension. Pet safety is not established in the sources cited here; check a species-specific reference before describing it as safe.

The list is a starting point, not a guarantee for a dark or windowless room. Choose based on the plant’s light tolerance and the look and size that suit the space; the available sources do not establish a measured ranking of which plant is most attractive or performs best overall.

Account for dry air and temperature changes

A living room can be less humid than a bathroom or kitchen, especially when central heating is running. The RHS explains that different houseplants need different humidity levels and that room conditions matter. Consider whether the intended spot is near a heat source or exposed to frequent temperature swings when deciding what to place there.

Rank #2
Costa Farms Live Indoor Plants Starter Collection, 4-Inch Pots, 3-Pack
  • DECOR-READY LIVE INDOOR PLANTS: This 3-pack of houseplants offers incredible value to gift or instantly upgrade any space. Perfect for shelf, tabletop, or office desk. Varieties will vary — examples include Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Fern, and Pothos
  • EASY TO MAINTAIN, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY INDOOR PLANTS: This pack of three Assorted Indoor Houseplants are an effortless way to start your collection. These low-maintenance varieties are easy to grow and require minimal attention, making them a perfect match for new plant parents
  • CREATE A CALMING SANCTUARY: Group these gorgeous varieties together for an instant mood-boosting display that supports your wellbeing and brings life to any room
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: This living and thoughtful present is ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, holidays, or just because. Brighten a loved one's day with a beautiful indoor plant
  • FRESH PLANTS, READY FOR YOUR HOME: Your collection of healthy, vibrant live indoor plants, fresh from our farm, arrives secured in specialized packaging right to your home

Make pet safety part of the choice

Check the plant’s species, not just its common name, against a reliable pet-safety listing. The ASPCA identifies spider plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs, while warning that common plants including pothos, peace lily, ZZ plant and philodendron can cause irritation and other symptoms if chewed. Its guidance on houseplants that can cause trouble for pets describes possible signs from insoluble calcium oxalate plants, including oral irritation, drooling, retching, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

If a pet has eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control. Even plants listed as non-toxic can be chewed or damaged, so place them where curious animals are less likely to reach them.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Costa Farms Money Tree Live Indoor Plant, Easy Care, Pet Safe, Decor Pot
  • FARM-DIRECT PACKAGING & ARRIVAL: Each Money Tree is hand-selected at the greenhouse and secured in breathable, reinforced transit-safe materials. This direct-from-nursery process maintains plant integrity and soil moisture, providing a healthy houseplant ready for immediate indoor display
  • VERSATILE 12-16 INCH TABLETOP ACCENT: Instantly refresh your desk, shelf, or side table with Pachira aquatica's beautifully braided trunk and a vibrant, hand-shaped canopy. This medium-sized house plant arrives pre-potted in a stylish decorative planter, offering a sophisticated "designer look" that fits perfectly in smaller spaces with absolutely no messy repotting required
  • PET-FRIENDLY HOUSEPLANT: Money Tree is safe for homes with cats and dogs according to ASPCA guidelines. Its upright growth habit naturally keeps foliage elevated, reducing accidental pet contact and making it a functional, worry-free botanical choice for pet-loving households
  • SYMBOL OF LUCK & PROSPERITY: A staple of Feng Shui tradition, the Money Tree is believed to "trap" fortune in its braided trunk. It is the perfect, meaningful gift for housewarmings, new jobs, or birthdays, offering a living, growing alternative to temporary flowers
  • 100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE: We want your new plants to succeed. If plants arrive stressed, water and rest them in indirect light for 24 hours to revive. If any arrive beyond saving, reach out immediately for a refund. We are here to help!
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

A simple way to choose

  1. Pick the exact spot. Identify the nearest window, its direction, and the distance from the plant to the glass.
  2. Describe the light honestly. Decide whether the spot gets direct sun, bright indirect light, or low light bright enough to read by.
  3. Match the plant to that light. For a lower-light position, consider the University of Minnesota Extension options above; do not assume any plant will thrive in darkness.
  4. Check household conditions. Consider dry air from central heating, nearby heat sources, temperature changes and whether pets can reach the leaves.
  5. Reconsider a dim spot if needed. If natural light is insufficient, a grow light may add light energy; no particular model is established here.

For a flexible, pet-conscious starting choice, a spider plant is a strong candidate when it can receive bright indirect or dappled light. It tolerates lower light, but its preferred conditions and protection from strong direct summer sun still matter.

Rank #4
Costa Farms Peace Lily, Live Indoor Plant, Air Purifying, Flowers, 6-in Pot
  • ELEGANT LIVE PLANT DECOR: The pure white blooms of the Peace Lily bring timeless sophistication to any space. Ideal as a tabletop centerpiece, living room accent, or serene office décor, this plant makes a thoughtful year-round or thoughtful gift for plant lovers and home décor enthusiasts
  • BREATHE EASIER WITH A NATURAL AIR PURIFIER: Beautiful Peace Lily Plant helps to filter the air, removing toxins for a healthier indoor environment. Elevate your indoor garden with this air-cleaning houseplant for a fresh home
  • CREATE A CALMING SANCTUARY: The Peace Lily's elegant white blooms and deep green leaves are perfect for setting a tranquil mood and enhancing your space's sense of wellbeing
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: Features beautiful, colorful flowers, making it a unique and thoughtful gift for any occasion. A memorable present for friends and family
  • FRESH PLANT, READY FOR YOUR HOME: Your beautiful, healthy live indoor plant, fresh from our farm, arrives secured in specialized packaging right to your home

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Site Office

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.