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.
How will my dog react if it consumes Monstera?
Your dog will start to feel discomfort in their mouth and on their lips as soon as they ingest a Monstera leaf. Along with swelling of the mouth and esophagus, which can make it difficult to swallow and eat, vomiting may also happen.
Your dog may exhibit the following signs if they have consumed any Monstera plant material:
- their lips, mouth, and/or tongue are burning
- irritation in their mouth, throat, and even on their lips and tongue.
- excessive salivation
- Having trouble swallowing
- scratching their mouth or pawing at it
- Vomiting
More serious and potentially fatal issues can develop if the dog eats a large amount of Monstera. This covers death, coma, liver failure, kidney failure, and more. Fortunately, most dogs don’t consume enough Monstera to result in such major health issues, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
It is advised to keep the Monstera out of your pet’s reach because it can cause a situation that could be life-threatening. Additionally, you must promptly pick up any leaves or other plant materials that have fallen to the ground from the plant.
Will Monstera kill my dog?
If your dog eats a lot of the plant, monstera poisoning can be lethal. Fortunately, most cases do not pose a life-threatening risk, in part because dogs avoid eating the plant because it tastes so bad. The majority of dogs who chew on Monstera plants recover fully.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t ignore the situation if you see your dog gnawing on a Monstera plant. If your dog has consumed any Monstera plant, contact poison control or your veterinarian. It is advised to err on the side of caution with any health condition because the plant might be fatal.
It is advised to take your dog to the vet as a preventative measure because they may assist in treating any potential symptoms that your dog may be exhibiting. Even while you might not want to spend the extra money on a vet appointment, if you wait until more severe symptoms appear, you may end up with a much greater bill.
How long do the symptoms of Monstera poisoning last in dogs?
For a few days to perhaps a few weeks, Monstera poisoning might cause side effects. However, keep in mind that this can change based on how much of the plant your dog consumes and their size. The majority of the time, side symptoms should start to go away after 48 hours.
Because side effects can differ, it is advisable to keep an eye on your dog. Keep a record of when they last ate, drank, and went to the restroom. In the event that they haven’t urinated, eaten, or drunk anything in more than 24 hours, call an emergency veterinarian right away.
Do dogs get sick from Monstera Swiss cheese plants?
The Araceae plant family includes the Swiss cheese plant, which may or may not also include proteolytic enzymes, calcium oxalate crystals, raphides, or both. Because your pet may lose its voice if they consume the plant, it is known as “dumb cane.” Crystals of calcium oxalate will penetrate and embed themselves in the tissues of the tongue, mouth, stomach, and throat. Your pet will experience immediate discomfort and irritation, as though the region were being injected with a million needles. The idioblasts may continue to expel raphides even after the initial ingestion, forcing the crystals to get entrenched in the lining of the stomach and possibly the intestine. The digestive system will become even more irritated as a result of this.
Your pet could not consume much of the plant because it has a bitter flavor and immediately irritates the tongue. However, if this happens, your pet can have a lot of diarrhea and vomiting along with severe dehydration brought on by an electrolyte imbalance. Your pet can experience shock, coma, cardiac arrest, convulsions, liver and kidney damage, or possibly pass away as a result of this. Don’t let this worry you, but it is a signal that you need to visit the vet right away for a more thorough assessment and treatment.
Idoblasts are distinctive cells found in Swiss cheese plants. The top of the stem, flower, or leaf breaks off when your dog chews on them, releasing calcium oxalate crystals that can cause poisoning.
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. The fruit is considered edible when mature but may produce fast developing urticaria or hives, a brief swelling, itchy rash.
Which plants are harmful to dogs?
The following plants should never be made available to dogs under any circumstances since they are the most harmful to them: Castor oil or castor bean (Ricinus communis) Cyclamen (Cylamen spp.) Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia)
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.
What dosage of Monstera is harmful to dogs?
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.
Do animals consume Monstera?
- According to the ACPA, monstera plants are poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats if consumed.
- They contain calcium oxalate crystals in their sap, which can irritate the mouth and produce swelling, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms of intestinal distress.
- Where possible, keep these plants away from children and pets.
Do dogs eat the fruit of Monstera?
This plant’s large, deep-green leaves, which make them such a trendy addition to your home decor, could be dangerous for your dog or cat to eat.
Symptoms: When chewed or consumed, the leaves of the fruit salad plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and the rest of the digestive system, just as those found in peace lilies and devil’s ivy. Intense mouth, tongue, or lip burning or irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing are all indications that your pet may have bitten on or consumed a piece of your Fruit Salad Plant.
Ponytail palms are a perfect substitute for other plants that leave an unpleasant aftertaste for pets if you want to add a touch of green to your interior but avoid doing so (Beaucarnea recurvata).
Canines are Monstera Adansonii harmful, right?
Small animals like cats and dogs are harmful to the monstera adansonii plant. Crystals of calcium oxalate can be found in the majority of plant parts, including the stems, leaves, and roots. It is crucial to be on the lookout for symptoms even when it is not lethal so that the vet may be informed in a timely manner. Excessive drooling, vomiting, trouble swallowing, pawing at the mouth, a burning feeling, and overt oral irritation are common symptoms.
Canines are the snake plant toxic?
Snake plants are exceptionally well-liked indoor plants due to their striking look and ease of maintenance. Unfortunately, they are also toxic to dogs and, if eaten, can result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to the ASPCA. If you suspect your dog has consumed any part of a snake plant, you should call your vet straight away. Depending on the severity, you might just need to keep an eye on your dog’s symptoms and treat them, or you could need to send your dog to the vet for more forceful treatment. These cleaning advices are for all pet owners.