Some of your indoor plants are just not safe if you have pets or young children, which is a sad but inevitable realization in the road of becoming a plant parent. While many common genera of houseplants are stunning to look at, many of them are moderately or seriously hazardous. Still others, when handled excessively, can irritate the skin.
The good news is that with enough preparation, you can determine which dangerous houseplants to stay away from, evaluate the risk to your family and pets, and still enjoy a lively and stunningly green collection of indoor plants.
Here are 10 toxic houseplants that, while we love them, should be used with caution if your children or pets will have access to them. A word of clarity, though, is in need before we proceed: “toxic is a relative term, and the severity of a reaction will depend largely on the level of exposure (amount consumed), which plant species, and the specifics of your pet. Some poisonous houseplants cause short-lived, acute symptoms (such as vomiting). Some can have more serious, life-threatening effects if swallowed in excess, while others only irritate the skin. This list is by no means intended to be comprehensive, so we strongly advise conducting additional research (ASPCA has a great database for pet owners).
Poisonous Houseplants for Pet Owners and Parents to Avoid
- Starting with one of the biggest players, Philodendron (and Monstera) is a vast genus of tropical plants that is particularly well-liked for usage inside because of its great variety of growing habits, leaf shapes, and colors. Plants in this genus are poisonous to dogs and cats as well as somewhat toxic to humans. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing are all signs of exposure.
What occurs if a dog consumes Monstera?
Your dog may paw at their mouth or otherwise show signs of facial pain if they consume a piece of a monstera plant. Calcium oxalate crystals in a dog’s mouth can inflict pain, irritation, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, as well as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, excessive drooling, and choking.
Though each of these signs of poisoning can be concerning, the last one is particularly risky. Your dog may become unable to breathe if the swelling is too severe, prompting an urgent trip to the clinic.
How well your dog’s body can process eating a part of a monstera may depend on factors like age, size, and any underlying medical issues. Thankfully, pets usually do not die after consuming a monstera plant. A dog that has consumed or bit into a portion of a monstera plant, nevertheless, needs to be properly watched for any severe adverse reactions, such as oral discomfort that intensifies.
In order to try and ease the pain or wash out some of the crystals, it is also a good idea to encourage your pet to drink some water. However, this is unlikely to completely relieve their discomfort.
It is also OK to take a dog who has consumed monstera to the doctor as a preventative step, even if it appears that they did not consume much of the plant. Your veterinarian will probably be able to assist your dog manage the pain even if the reaction is not life-threatening.
You might also call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855)764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888)426-4425 for help and guidance, but it’s crucial to know that both programs charge $75 for a consultation.
As was already indicated, your dog won’t likely continue chewing on the plant after taking an exploratory bite because of the discomfort the calcium oxalate crystals will cause. Once a dog has experienced the reaction, they are unlikely to want to try to eat the plant again. The reaction sets in quickly (approximately 30 seconds), so they are likely to link cause and effect.
To be cautious, it is generally a good idea to relocate the monstera plant out of your dog’s reach even if he has already bitten a plant in the past and is unlikely to try to get at it again.
Is the Monstera Deliciosa plant animal-friendly?
Calcium oxalate crystals, which the Monstera Deliciosa plant possesses, are extremely harmful to animals, including cats. So kindly keep your animals away from it.
Is the Monstera Deliciosa plant edible?
Please do not eat the majority of Monstera Deliciosa houseplant and ornamental plant varieties. Before buying, kindly confirm with your neighborhood vendor that it is available in edible form.
What are the symptoms of Monstera Deliciosa plant poisoning cats?
Your cat may exhibit severe oral cavity irritation and burning, profuse drooling, and vomiting in the event of Monstera Deliciosa plant poisoning.
How can I prevent my dog from visiting Monstera?
Some individuals keep their pets out of a specific room in their house. Moving the Monstera plant into such a room, if you already have one, is an excellent technique to prevent your dog from devouring it. You won’t need to change your dog’s routine to prevent them from approaching the plant because they are already accustomed to being barred from that room.
Depending on where you live, you might even think of relocating your Monstera outside, however doing so might not be the best option if your dog has access to the same outdoor space.
Noise deterrents can help keep dogs away from the Monstera
Some dogs dislike loud noises because they frighten them and because they can damage their ears. Make use of their fear to deter them from visiting your plants. Every time they approach the Monstera plant, they need just fill a water bottle with tiny pebbles and give it a thorough shake.
Remember, too, that this noise might be highly obtrusive and upset other residents in the house. As a result, using noise deterrents might not be the ideal option in your case. Trying different alternatives can yield better results.
Use smell deterrents on the Monstera
Dogs can be deterred from the Monstera plant by using their keener sense of smell, which is superior to that of humans. For instance, dogs don’t appreciate the strong smell of vinegar and chili peppers. These scents can be sprayed on the Monstera plant to deter your dog.
Although the most of them are more focused on taste than scent, there are a variety of chemical deterrents available online. It might be preferable to use one of the other techniques to keep your dog away from the Monstera because you don’t want them to nibble on it even once.
Get pet safe plants instead
Consider getting rid of the poisonous Monstera plant entirely and replace it with canine-friendly plants if you can keep your dog away from it. Three well-liked houseplants that are safe for dogs include the prayer plant, hens and chicks, and spider plant.
Your dog wouldn’t have any severe adverse effects or potentially fatal issues even if they ate these non-toxic plants.
Reward their good behavior
Be sure to reinforce your dog’s excellent behavior while trying to keep them away from the Monstera plant.
When you instruct them to leave the plant and they listen, rewarding them with a treat will help reinforce the desired behavior. This can be an excellent strategy to keep dogs away from the Monstera plant since the majority of dogs are treat or food driven.
Play with your dog
Dogs may bother things they shouldn’t because they are bored, for example. Due to our hectic schedules, we occasionally forget to play with our pets. They might then misbehave and act out as a result.
Setting aside daily playtime for your dog will help keep them happy and healthy and keep them away from your plants. An additional choice is to employ a dog walker to assist exercise your dog while you’re at work. Expelling that excess energy will help to curtail undesirable conduct.
Be consistent and don’t give up
To effectively keep your dog away from the Monstera plant, consistency is essential. You are encouraging their negative behavior if you even allow them to smell or otherwise bother the plant once. Any training you conducted to keep them away from the plant will be corrupted, necessitating a new round of training.
Consider shifting the plant if you feel you can’t maintain the consistency and protect your dog from getting to it. The best way to make sure your dog doesn’t eat the Monstera plant is to do this, even if it may not be optimal for everyone.
Are Swiss cheese plants safe for pets?
Crystals of insoluble calcium oxalate, found in the Swiss cheese plant, enter the tissue of the cat’s mouth and, among other symptoms, create excruciating discomfort. However, just one bite is needed to result in this disease. Most cats will only take one bite of the plant before losing interest due to its unpleasant taste.
Even while Swiss cheese plant poisoning seldom results in death, it is nonetheless a serious condition. Even if there are no issues, your cat will still be in excruciating agony. In some circumstances, it might lead to the cat’s airways swelling up. If you see the signs of Swiss cheese plant poisoning, get your cat to the vet as soon as you can.
The Swiss cheese plant, often referred to as the Mexican breadfruit, hurricane plant, or cutleaf philodendron, is a popular choice for usage as a decorative plant in yards and houses. However, if swallowed, it can be hazardous to tiny animals, including cats.
What dosage of Monstera is harmful to cats?
One bite is all it takes for your cat to become toxic enough to develop Monstera poisoning symptoms. Even though a single bite usually won’t be lethal, the symptoms will get worse the more Monstera the cat consumes.
Most cats won’t eat that much Monstera because even a tiny nibble can inflict excruciating mouth pain and burning, and Monstera poisoning is often not fatal unless ingested in massive quantities.
Even though it is frequently not harmful for your cat to chew on a Monstera, it is best to consult your veterinarian or poison control as soon as you can for advice. They can direct you toward the actions that are best for your cat.
Are Mini Monsteras poisonous to cats?
Cats should avoid Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma), which also has insoluble calcium oxalate crystals like the Swiss cheese plant. Cats should not be allowed to interact with either micro Monstera or Monstera plants because they both have the potential to harm your pets in the same ways due to their toxicity.
Although it belongs to the same Araceae family as Monstera, the Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) isn’t a true Monstera plant. They have the same distinctive holes in the leaves as Monstera, thus they do resemble it. Even when consumed, they have the same side effects.
The Mini Monstera, on the other hand, is smaller and doesn’t yield Monstera fruit like the real plant does. Importantly, though, their leaves are just as poisonous as the Monstera plant, and your cat may suffer unpleasant side effects if they eat the plant’s leaves.
Are cats poisoned by Mini Monstera?
Cats should not be exposed to mini monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma). Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that enter the oropharynx and cause excruciating pain and burning are the poisonous principle. These incredibly sharp crystals, known as raphides, are present in the tissue of plants and are generated in the vacuoles of specialized cells called crystal idioblasts. Crystals of calcium oxalate protect plants from herbivory.
Are cats poisonous to Swiss cheese monsteras?
Cats are poisoned by the Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that penetrate the oral mucosa and cause excruciating pain and burning are the poisonous principle. Crystals of calcium oxalate are organized in bundles called raphides and are formed by specialized cells called idioblasts. They serve as a defense mechanism against animals that consume plants.
Is Monstera toxic to handle?
such a rule
Not simply for poison ivy, “Leaves of three, let it be!” Poison oak, a closely related species, with rounder, lobed leaves that resemble oak leaves and can come in groups of three or five. All plant parts, including the leaves, stem, roots, and flowers, contain an oil called urushiol that can bind to the skin in just a minute. If you suspect contact, wash all of your gardening equipment because it can also stick to clothing and tools. Although its pointed-oval leaflets are distributed in groupings of seven or thirteen, poison sumac belongs to the same family.
Stinging Nettles
More than two dozen chemical compounds that are present in stinging nettles can make skin swell, itch, burn, and develop blisters that can last up to 12 hours. This plant has fine hairs all over and pointy, jagged leaves that act as tiny needles to deliver the toxins to anyone who touches it. It can grow to about 6 feet tall.
Hyacinth Bulbs
Numerous types of bulbs, such as hyacinths, elephant ears, tulips, daffodils, and buttercups, might irritate certain people’s skin. Your hands may become irritated and red after touching them without gloves. When I worked at a greenhouse, I usually wore gloves, but after planting hyacinth bulbs, I once touched my eye, and it felt itchy and nasty.
Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa
Popular houseplants include the philodendron, monstera deliciosa, caladium, dumbcane, and peace lily, all of which are members of the Araceae (arum) family. However: Calcium oxalate crystals on their stems and leaves are poisonous. Although they won’t damage your hands, if you touch your lips, mouth, or tongue after touching the plant, they may sting or irritate you. At its worst, Myers explains, it can feel as though your larynx is paralyzed. It may be beneficial to use gloves or wash your hands after handling these plants.
Poinsettia
Poinsettias can be harmful to humans as well as animals if consumed. They can irritate human skin, along with other members of the Euphorbia family (including pencil trees and spurges). Fortunately, the majority of people simply feel slight annoyance. Additionally, while it is untrue that eating poinsettias can make you sick, it is still possible.
English Ivy
English ivy, which grows on the walls of many older homes, doesn’t bother everyone. However, if you have an allergy to it, you should prepare for redness, itching, and possibly even small blisters after touching it. The first time you encounter it, you might not respond, but after the second exposure, your body will become sensitive.