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.
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.
Which area of the Monstera contains poison?
a decorative climber that is planted in pots or in the garden. The roots of this stumbling climber frequently droop downward.
On a spike or spadix that is 20 to 25 cm long and covered with a hooded white bract or sheath called a spathe that is up to 30 cm long, the tiny flowers are tightly packed.
The rounded leaves have segments that are pierced throughout, usually between the margin and the midvein. The leaf is typically dark green, 25 to 90 cm long, and 25 to 75 cm broad.
Category of toxicity: 2 Consult a doctor right away if your lips or tongue swell, or if you are having trouble breathing or swallowing.
An decorative climber that is either cultivated in the garden or in a pot. The roots of this stumbling climber frequently droop downward.
Flowers: The tiny flowers are tightly packed into a 20 to 25 cm long spike or spadix called a spathe, which is encircled by a hooded white bract or sheath.
The leaves are spherical in shape and have segments that are pierced throughout, usually between the midvein and the margin. The leaf is typically dark green, 25 to 90 cm long, and 25 to 75 cm broad.
Fruit/Berries: The green fruit segments along the spike as it ripens to a cream color. The fruit tastes like pineapple and bananas when it is mature.
Symptoms: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals in all of its components, which, when consumed or digested, can result in throat, mouth, lip, and tongue enlargement as well as an instant burning discomfort. Huge amounts of salivation and trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking may result from swelling. Rarely do nausea, stomach pain, or severe gastric irritation develop. When the fruit is mature, it is considered edible, but it can also quickly develop urticaria or hives, a brief swelling and itching rash.
How poisonous are monsteras?
Because of their insoluble sharp or needle-like oxalate crystals, or insoluble calcium oxalate known as raphides, monstera are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. When chewed or swallowed, they will embed in mucus, causing intense stinging or burning in the mouth, throat, or lips.
The Monstera plant’s leaves, fruits, stems, roots, and flowers are all poisonous or toxic. And since all 45 species are affected, even M. adansonii, Split-leaf philodendron, and Monstera deliciosa are poisonous to cats, dogs, and other animals.
We are aware that fully ripened Monstera deliciosa fruits are safe to eat and not poisonous. However, avoid giving them to your dog or cat because they might not be the healthiest option.
The majority of the other houseplants in the Araceae family, excluding Monstera, also contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These plants consist of:
- stupid cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
- Asian evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Calm lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
- Caladium lily
- Philodendrons
- Huge Taro (Alocasia antiquorum)
- Flowering Flamingo (Anthurium spp.)
- Animal ears (Caladium spp.)
- Pothos
But because the concentration of these crystals varies from plant to plant, the intensity of the symptoms vary as well. For instance, the symptoms from a dumb cane will be more severe.
If you are already frightened, it may help to know that Monstera plants are only moderately toxic, meaning they are not as dangerous as Vinca or Azalea (Rhododendron spp.). Not even in the same league as an amaryllis, a sago palm, some lilies (Lilium sp.), a snake plant, etc. They are hazardous or destructive nonetheless.
Last but not least, Monstera has a level 3 or 4 of severity. Level 1 plants are typically extremely hazardous and may result in serious illness or even death, but level 2 plants are just mildly poisonous and only cause vomiting and digestive problems.
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 Monstera harmful to infants?
There may be affiliate links in this content. Your purchases generate a small commission for us. Additional Affiliate Policy
Lower elevations of Central and South America are frequent locations for the popular aroid indoor plant monstera. It is a member of the Araceae family and can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet. But since many gardeners also have pets and kids at home, they frequently worry about the toxicity of their houseplants.
The Monstera genus was classified as poisonous by the ASPCA. The majority of the plant-like stems, leaves, and roots contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause minor irritation to severe reactions in humans and small animals.
Can you eat monstera fruit?
The fruit of Monstera deliciosa can reach a maximum length of 25 cm (10 in) and a maximum diameter of 35 cm (1.22.0 in), and it resembles a green ear of corn coated in hexagonal scales. These platelets or scales come off the fruit as it ripens, giving off a potent and enticing aroma. It has been said that the scent is a cross between pineapple and banana. [16] The fruit is safe for consumption by humans. [17]
Calcium oxalate structures resembling trichosclereids and raphides are frequently seen in the fruits of Araceae (Arum family) plants. Unripe fruit from M. deliciosa that has these crystalline structures resembling needles can irritate the mouth.
Fruits mature during a period longer than a year.
[12] The fruit’s lowest scales begin to turn yellow as it begins to mature. The green fruit’s stored starch is transformed into sugar as it ripens, giving it its sweet flavor. It works in a manner similar to how banana fruits ripen. When the fruit is halfway ripe, you may smell the pungent smell it emits. The smell gets stronger as time goes on as the fruit continues to ripen. But as soon as it’s fully ripe, the aroma swiftly fades. [17] [18]
Are Monstera leaves edible?
Fruits like Monstera deliciosa ought to come with instructions. Oxalic acid, which is used to bleach wood and remove rust from metal, is abundant in unripe fruits. Unripe monsteras cause severe throat and skin discomfort in those who erroneously bite into them. However, this enormous fruit is actually rather tasty when it is mature.
Literally, the scientific term means “Given the fruit’s potential for both flavor and danger, the phrase “sweet monster” is appropriate. However, the unusual-appearing leaves of the plant, which are very big and have an odd network of holes, are where the genus Monstera derives its name. Due to this, it has acquired the moniker “a Swiss cheese factory. Although not all species of this genus yield edible fruit, it is nonetheless a popular ornamental plant due to its distinctive appearance.
The monstera offers a delicious fusion of potent tropical flavors like pineapple, coconut, and banana when it is fully ripe. It is typically consumed on its own or made into jams in its native Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica. Additionally, chefs create desserts with monstera, either combining the fruit with a hint of light cream or adding it to fruit cups or ice cream.
Timing is everything when it comes to releasing that tasty potential and preventing any unpleasant toxicity. Place the fruit into a glass or jar and cover it with a brown bag to allow it to mature. The outer skin is made up of green hexagonal scales that will eventually begin to gradually peel off from one end to the other. With a finger, you can gently push the scales off, but you should stop if you start using force.
As it becomes visible, the fruit beneath will resemble an ear of corn and can be taken out and eaten. If there are areas where the scales have not yet come off, that indicates that those areas are still hazardous and require more time to ripen. Even when the fruit is ready to consume, it is still important to exercise patience and restraint: The pulp may have a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Eating a monstera requires effort and caution, but once you’ve gone through the trouble, you’ll be richly rewarded.