Some of your indoor plants aren’t safe if you have dogs or small children, which is a sad but inevitable revelation in the road of plant parenthood. Many common houseplant genera are toxic in some form or another, whether mildly or seriously. Others, far worse, can irritate the skin if handled too much.
The good news is that with a little forethought, you can figure out which hazardous houseplants to avoid, assess the risk to your pets and family, and yet have a lively and beautiful indoor plant collection.
Here are ten toxic houseplants that, while we love them, should be used with caution if your children or pets will have access to them. But first, a word of caution: “toxic” is a relative term, and the intensity of a reaction will depend on the degree of exposure (amount consumed), the plant species, and your pet’s specific characteristics. Some poisonous houseplants cause short-term symptoms (such as vomiting). Others irritate the skin, while others might have more serious, life-threatening consequences if swallowed in large quantities. This is by no means an entire list, and we strongly advise you to conduct additional study (ASPCA has a great database for pet owners).
Poisonous Houseplants for Pet Owners and Parents to Avoid
Starting with one of the biggest names, Philodendron is a vast genus of tropical plants with a wide range of growing habits, leaf forms, and colors that make it ideal for indoor use. Plants in this genus are somewhat harmful to humans, as well as to dogs and cats. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing are all symptoms of exposure.
Because of the shape of the leaves, members of this genus, which is linked to the philodendron, are commonly referred to as Arrow-head vine. The symptoms of exposure are identical to those stated above for Philodendrons, despite the fact that it is only mildly poisonous.
The Zamioculcas Zamifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ Plant, is one of those “tough as nails” houseplants that can thrive in a variety of conditions, including low light. It also happens to be on the list of deadly houseplants, and all parts of the plant are poisonous to people and pets.
Sansevieria (also known as Snake Plant) is another toxic beauty that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when consumed.
Pets and youngsters looking for a flowery snack should avoid this tropical stunner with huge paddle-shaped leaves and colorful, exotic flowers. Fortunately, the poisonous parts are largely the flower and fruit, and the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness are minor.
Despite being in the Asparagus genus (yes, like the vegetable! ), this plant is not edible. Although there are other species that go by the name Asparagus Fern, the ones typically used as indoor plants are poisonous, and contact with the plant can cause skin irritation.
The Schefflera genus contains some magnificent forms that make excellent medium-light floor trees. However, keep children and dogs away because ingestion can cause severe mouth irritation, profuse drooling, and vomiting.
Euphorbia, oh, Euphorbia. Members of this diverse genus (some plants resemble cactus, while others are herbaceous and hardy in the outdoors!) contain a white sap that causes severe skin irritation (itchy rash!) even after a brief contact. Internal irritation is caused by ingestion in a similar way.
If consumed, this typical Crassula genus member is toxic to dogs, cats, and people, producing vomiting, depression, and incoordination.
It may seem unusual that Aloe, which is widely appreciated and used for its therapeutic and skin-healing powers, is classified among dangerous houseplants. While the gel is edible, other portions of the plant can cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea if consumed.
Even if it’s tempting to leave the aforementioned specimens out of your indoor plant collection, it’s necessary to think about your risk factors. Do you have little toddlers who might eat your plants on the floor? Is your cat fond of playing with and chewing on plants? Will your dog chew on the tree’s trunk? You might be able to lessen your risk by employing some excellent spatial planning, depending on your home, your creatures, and whatever plants you have.
- Hang hazardous houseplants out of reach of your pets and children with a plant hanger.
- Consult our list of pet-friendly indoor plants for ideas on which floor plants will be the most accessible to pets and children.
- Make use of your furniture: bookshelves, cabinets, and even the top of the refrigerator can be used to house plants that your dog or children can’t reach. Keep in mind that cats have the ability to reach even the most remote locations.
- Consider getting a mounted plant to keep them out of reach of pets and children.
Do you have any more plant-safety recommendations for pets and kids to share? Do you have any questions concerning your collection? Let us know in the comments!
What happens if my dog eats ZZ plant?
Calcium oxalate is found in ZZ plants. If you’re unfamiliar with the word, it refers to the material that kidney stones are comprised of. Even though we can’t see it without a microscope, calcium oxalate is quite sharp. Unfortunately, this chemical can be found in all parts of the plant. It consists of roots, seeds, and leaves, among other things.
When a ZZ plant comes into contact with the skin, it can irritate and burn. It is imperative that you wash it off as quickly as possible and avoid touching your eyes. Mucous membranes will be affected in the same way. Anyone who eats any part of a ZZ plant will experience acute pain and swelling in their mouth. The discomfort will cause a child to spit out the plant.
A small child who takes a portion of the plant, on the other hand, will endure stomach pains, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity is determined on the amount of plant consumed. The symptoms normally only last a few hours and are easily controllable.
The calcium oxalate will have the same effect on your dogs. They will receive skin or eye discomfort if they brush up against the plant. Additionally, if your pets consume a ZZ plant, they can experience food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Is a ZZ plant toxic?
The drought-tolerant ZZ plant is a great addition to low-light areas in homes and offices, but it is poisonous in all parts. Keep it away from children and pets, and if you must handle it, wash your hands or use gloves. Because this plant tolerates neglect, you won’t have to interact with it often.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and grow in bright to low light.
Are Calatheas pet friendly?
All day long, the psychedelic Spider Plant gives us 70s sensations! The slender, palm-like leaves of this green beauty won’t injure dogs, even if they do like a naughty nibble now and then. It’s also one of the most simple plants to maintain. Place it somewhere bright but out of direct sunlight and watch it develop before your eyes. It also benefits from weekly irrigation to maintain a regular moisture level.
Calathea
Calathea is also known as the Prayer Plant or the Calathea. This is due to the fact that when the sun shines on its leaves, they burst into life and close up as the sun sets. Because of its intriguing foliage and calming character, it’s one of the most popular pet-friendly plants. It’s also simple to maintain. Once you get into the habit of watering your lovely botanical once a week, it will flourish.
Are spider plants toxic to dogs?
The spider plant, also known as the ribbon plant or airplane plant, is non-toxic to cats and dogs and can withstand a wide range of light, moisture, and soil conditions.
What indoor plant is safe for dogs?
Spider plants, money plants, and Boston ferns are popular houseplants that are also pet-friendly. Even if a plant is pet-friendly, chemicals used to maintain it pest-free could be harmful to pets. Devil’s ivy, snake plants, and fiddle-leaf figs are all popular indoor plants that are harmful to pets.
Is ZZ Plant cancerous?
The fact that all portions of the plant are poisonous is one of ZZ’s biggest disadvantages. In fact, there were incorrect reports in the 2010s that ZZ was so toxic that it caused cancer and that people should wear gloves when handling it. What is the truth? It’s poisonous, but it’s not malignant. To avoid skin irritation, don’t consume it, keep it away from nibbling dogs and excessively curious children, and always wash your hands after handling it.
Are all ivy plants poisonous?
Ivy, like many other common garden, house, and wild plants, is not edible and can be somewhat harmful if consumed. You can develop an upset stomach if you eat some of them. Cats, dogs, and horses are all poisoned, but birds and livestock are not.
Plant poisoning is especially dangerous to children under the age of five. It’s critical to teach children that they shouldn’t consume plants unless an adult approves.
If you think you’ve been poisoned by plants, the NHS recommends spitting out anything in your mouth (but don’t try to vomit) and calling 111 for help. If you have any signs of serious sickness, go to A&E or phone 999; if possible, bring a sample of the plant with you.
Is Calathea zebrina toxic to dogs?
Calatheas are among the most beautiful and variety pet-friendly houseplants available, and the Calathea Makoyana is one of my personal favorites.
This magnificent houseplant, sometimes known as the Peacock Plant, has larger leaves with a slightly elevated texture and a highly eye-catching pattern.
What’s fantastic about this plant is that it’s a little hardier than many other Calathea varieties, which means it’s more pest-resistant and more tolerant of inconsistent watering.
Calatheas grow on the forest floor in nature, therefore they do well in a somewhat more humid climate and out of direct sunshine.
You can spritz your plants every day, group similar plants together in a huddle, and/or stand them on a pebble tray to improve humidity.
Fittonia Verschaffeltii (Nerve Plant)
Nerve Plants are attractive plants that come in a wide range of colors and variants, with some having pink, red, yellow, or even silver leaves or veins!
These typical houseplants are normally extremely inexpensive to buy in the UK, but be aware that they prefer a lot of humidity and often do best in a terrarium! (I don’t put mine under glass, but I think they’d be happier!)
Nerve plants are usually compact and should be kept out of direct sunlight at all times, as they are extremely susceptible to leaf burn!
Asplenium Nidus ‘Crispy Wave’ (Birds Nest Fern)
Although you may connect ferns with the vast outdoors (as I do! ), these purifying plants also make excellent houseplants!
There are many other types of ferns to choose from (from voluminous Boston Ferns to billowy Blue Star Ferns), but Aspleniums are my favorite because of their thick, structural leaves– especially those seen on the ‘Crispy Wave’ cultivar pictured above!
Because ferns prefer a shaded, moist environment, they thrive in bathrooms and, like Nerve Plants, are quite inexpensive to purchase.
Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
Here’s another eye-catching Calathea variation that definitely grabs your attention!
Calathea Lancifolia (also known as the Rattlesnake Plant) features lovely smooth, elongated leaves with a dark red underside and a cute design on top.
This gorgeous houseplant, like the Calathea Makoyana, is very easy to care for and prefers indirect light with a little extra humidity.
Hoya Carnosa ‘Tricolour’
Hoyas have become extremely popular in recent years, and for good cause.
They have lovely climbing (or occasionally trailing) foliage and generate lovely clusters of fragrant blooms.
Because of their semi-succulent nature, they’re quite easy to care for and don’t require as much watering (or re-potting) as many other houseplants.
Due to the pink tones in its leaves, the Carnosa ‘Tricolor’ is a very popular Hoya. It’s also less expensive than the rarer Hoya kinds, and it’s easy to cultivate from cuttings.
Please keep in mind that the Hoya Kerrii offered as a single, heart-shaped leaf around Valentine’s Day should be avoided because they rarely grow into whole plants.
Calathea Zebrina
Calathea Zebrina’s lime-green foliage is highly eye-catching, and its striped leaves have a beautiful, velvety texture!
This amazing houseplant grows quickly, but it’s a little more difficult to maintain happy because it’s less drought resistant, prefers more humidity, and avoids direct sunshine, though it still prefers a brighter location than the other Calatheas I’ve discussed.
I don’t know about you, but I think the extra TLC is worth it because this plant is such a show-stopper!
Maranta Leuconeura Var. Erythroneura (Herringbone Plant)
There are other forms of Maranta Leuconeura, but this one is by far the most eye-catching, entertaining, and fast-growing!
Marantas are also known as ‘Prayer Plants,’ since their leaves lift upwards at night, giving the impression that they are praying! (You might even hear your plant moving if you listen intently during this time!)
This unusual plant grows quickly, is very easy to care for, and prefers moderate humidity and indirect light.
Peperomia Caperata ‘Schumi Red’
Peperomia (also known as Radiator Plants) is a varied genus of plants that are easy to care for and keep compact.
The Peperomia Caperata ‘Schumi Red’ shown above is a popular type that is prized for its magnificently dense, textured leaves.
This charming tiny houseplant does best in a bright, out-of-direct-sun location.
Because of its semi-succulent nature, this Peperomia tends to dry out between waterings, and it is best irrigated from the bottom of the pot to avoid rotting the roots.
Calathea Louisae ‘Maui Queen’
This magnificent Maui Queen is a slightly taller Calathea cultivar with a great structure and a truly attractive presence.
The leaves of this fast-growing plant have a feathery design and prefer to be kept in indirect light with a little extra humidity.
This plant, like many of the thinner-leaved Calatheas, is susceptible to spider mites, so don’t let your Maui Queen become too dry or dusty.
Stromanthe Sanguinea Triostar
This stunningly lovely plant blooms profusely and has the most incredible variegation!
The dark pink underside of the foliage appears through the variegation on the top of the leaves, and when the light reaches this plant, it will light up the entire room!
This plant prefers indirect light and a bit extra humidity, but is more susceptible to hard water and over-fertilization.
Although the plant’s leaves are its main attraction, you will not be disappointed if you can get this beauty to flower!
Which one is your favorite, and do you own (or want to acquire) any of these plants for your home? I’d love to hear what you have to say!
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Is Calathea an indoor plant?
Calathea plants are popular as indoor plants due to their ease of maintenance. They can be grown in a variety of containers and places. As a result, they can be used in a number of settings. Calathea plants thrive best in indirect light, which is bright but not direct.
Is Ivy toxic to dogs?
Although houseplants can add color and life to a room, several kinds are toxic to pets and can even be fatal if consumed. The plants on the following list are poisonous to your pet because of the toxic compounds they contain. Because many of these plants go by many names, it’s important for all pet owners to become acquainted with them. It’s also a good idea to keep a first-aid kit on hand for your pet in case of an accident.
Lilies
Although the Lily family of plants is broad, some of its members are harmful to dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are both harmful to the Mauna Loa, also known as the Peace Lily, but cats are exclusively toxic to the Stargazer and Easter Lilies. In fact, if left untreated, the Stargazer and Easter Lily can be lethal to cats since it impairs the animal’s appetite and kidneys. If your dog or cat eats the Peace Lily, he or she may vomit and have difficulty swallowing due to inflamed lips and tongue.
Aloe Vera
While Aloe Vera is beneficial to people because of its skin-smoothing effects, it is harmful to dogs. The leaves contain a form of gel component that isn’t hazardous to your dog if eaten, but the rest of the plant can cause digestive problems in dogs.
Ivy (Hedera Helix)
We’ve all heard about Poison Ivy, but even normal Ivy, despite its beauty, can be hazardous to a dog. If a dog eats the plant, it may get a rash and/or respiratory problems, but things can quickly escalate because Ivy can also cause a coma or paralysis.
Jade (Crassula Ovata)
Jade Tree, Dwarf Rubber Plant, Chinese or Japanese Rubber Plant, Friendship Tree, and Baby Jade are all names for the same plant. Keep it away from your pet dog or cat, whatever you want to name it. Nobody knows what the precise poisons in this plant are, but swallowing it can cause vomiting, ataxia (lack of coordination), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and/or depression.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dieffenbachia is harmful to both dogs and cats and is also known as Dumb Cane, Exotica, or Tropic Snow. The chemicals in this plant can cause mouth and tongue burning and swelling, as well as trouble swallowing, vomiting, and excessive salivation. It can cause breathing problems and even death in some circumstances.
Elephant Ear (Caladium)
Malanga, Via Sori, Pai, Taro, Cape, or Ape are some of the other common names for this colorful plant species. Because the compounds contained in it are comparable to those found in Dieffenbachia, the reactions are nearly identical. This means your pet may experience oral problems, excessive salivation or drooling, vomiting, and swallowing difficulties.
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)
The plant, also known as Satin or Silk Pothos, is toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause mouth and tongue irritation. Additionally, your pet may have vomiting, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing. The plant is related to Philodendron and can produce symptoms that are similar.
This exotic-looking plant in all of its forms might cause troubles for your companion dog. The roots, leaves, and even the seeds are included. All parts of the plant are dangerous, and consuming any of them can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even liver failure.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
This plant isn’t recommended for your pet because it can cause irritated reactions such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Emerald Fern, Emerald Feather, Sprengeri Fern, Lace Fern, and Plumosa Fern are all names for the same plant that is harmful to both dogs and cats. The plant contains a toxin called Sapogenin, which when consumed can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin inflammation.
Sowbread (Cyclamen)
This flowering plant will light up any room, but dogs and cats will be poisoned by it. It can cause excessive salivation/drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and irregular heartbeats and/or seizures if swallowed. In severe circumstances, it might even be fatal.
There are various varieties of plants that are safe for your pet dog to adorn your home with because they contain no hazardous toxins or chemicals. The most well-known and well-liked of these are