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!
How toxic is the ZZ plant to dogs?
While coming into contact with the sap of a ZZ plant might cause allergies in people, what happens if a pet consumes a piece of the plant? Many individuals believe that because their cats and dogs are smaller, the ZZ plant will have a greater influence.
The reality is that ZZ plants are poisonous, but they are not harmful to pets. When a pet gets into contact with a ZZ plant, the skin, eyes, and mucus membranes may become inflamed.
If your pet consumes a ZZ plant, they will be uncomfortable at first, but they will be alright in the end. Your dog or cat will most likely have a stomach discomfort and a severe case of diarrhea. If your pet vomits, make sure he or she is properly hydrated.
In pets, dehydration can be fatal. Encouraging your pet to eat can aid in the body’s elimination of plant matter and poisons. Avoid bringing the plant into your home if you have too curious cats or dogs, or transfer it to a location where pets won’t be able to get to it.
How toxic is ZZ plant to cats?
In a nutshell, the answer is yes. Both pets and humans are poisoned by the ZZ plant. It will not, however, do major harm to you or your pets. The vast bulk of what you may have heard about the plant is exaggerated. In the 2010s, a notion circulated that ZZ plants cause cancer, although this information is likewise untrue. Although the ZZ plant is not poisonous, you should exercise caution when around it.
The sap can irritate the skin, resulting in a rash. If one of your pets eats a ZZ plant, it will suffer from digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. This isn’t to say that you can’t have a ZZ plant in your home. You may enjoy the green foliage of this plant securely if you learn a few things about how to treat it.
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.
Is ZZ plant poisonous to touch?
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 prayer plants safe for cats?
Rita, the plant-eating machine, whom I adore. (Don’t worry–none of the plants in this shot have been taste-tested!) The ZZ plant and flamingo flower are poisonous to cats, so they’re usually kept out of her reach.)
We’re lucky that prayer plants aren’t toxic to cats, or we’d have a much greater problem. My cat is normally uninterested in the plants I have. My cat’s new behavior, on the other hand, made me ponder about houseplants and pets. Many people feel that after they have a pet, they are no longer allowed to have plants (and vice versa). However, with a little adaption on both sides, the two can coexist harmoniously.
Are ivy plants toxic to cats?
Ivy in English Hedera helix, also known as branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy, and California ivy, contains triterpenoid saponins, which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea in pets if consumed.
Is aloe vera toxic to cats?
Aloe vera is a typical household plant, not for its beauty but for its medicinal properties. Although aloe juice and pulp can be used to treat a range of human ailments, it is extremely harmful to cats. Aloe-eating cats may vomit, feel drowsy, or have diarrhea.
Is ZZ Plant good for bedroom?
This beautiful plant, with its gleaming leaves and robust, upright structure, is a must-have for your nightstand or vacant floor area. What’s better? Zamioculas Zamiifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ Plant, can withstand extremely low light levels and sporadic watering. Water only when the top several inches of soil feel dry to maintain it healthy.
Is ZZ Plant good feng shui?
ZZ plants are also known as fortune trees, Eternity plants, fortune plants, and a variety of other terms. People believe that the ZZ plant can offer them good fortune, prosperity, and happiness. It’s an excellent feng shui plant because of the texture of its foliage, its thickness, and how it grows gradually with little care. ZZ plant flowers are one-of-a-kind and rarely seen, and they may bloom once the plant has reached maturity or has been alive for a few years. In zz, flowering is only possible if particular temperature and environmental parameters are met.
Does ZZ plants produce oxygen at night?
CO2, water, and sunlight are used by plants to make food and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Most plants cease their photosynthetic processes at night when there is no light to absorb, limiting the amount of oxygen emitted. Some plants, on the other hand, have the opposite effect.
Plants that are native to arid climates seal their pores during the day to limit the amount of moisture they lose under the blazing sun. This means that throughout the night, the same plants open up to take carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
ZZ Plants, like most other houseplants, release oxygen during the day rather than at night. Add Snake Plants, Areca Palms, and Orchids to your room if you’re seeking for a plant that emits oxygen at night.