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 if my cat eats a 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.
How toxic are ZZ plants?
The ZZ plant (or Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking for a hardy, low-light home plant. However, you may be concerned about if ZZ plants are dangerous and whether they are suitable for your family and pets.
Is it possible for a ZZ plant to be poisonous? Yes, both humans and pets are poisoned by ZZ plants. When consumed, ZZ plants can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. With a few basic steps, you can securely share your home with a ZZ plant.
There was a lot of incorrect information about ZZ plants a few years ago. Many people thought the plant was so toxic that it may cause cancer and that the only way to handle it properly was with gloves on. This isn’t correct.
How do you keep cats away from your plants?
You may also make houseplants cat-proof by making them stink. If you sprinkle cayenne pepper over the leaves of your houseplants, your cat will swiftly flee. Citrus is also repulsive to cats. To help repel them, put orange and lemon peels in your pots alongside the plants. Spraying the leaves directly with diluted lemon juice or orange oil is another approach. Citrus oil extracts, such as those found in insecticidal sprays, dips, shampoos, insect repellents, food additives, and scents, are harmful to cats and should be avoided at all costs.
Many people who have problems with their cats using plants as a litter box may buy plants with unpleasant textures to make them reconsider their potty habits.
Are aloe plants 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 Ivy 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 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.
Do cats know not to eat poisonous plants?
The majority of cats are picky eaters that watch what they eat. As a result, poisoning in cats is uncommon. The young inquisitive cat or kitten is most at risk of ingesting hazardous plants, especially those found in the home. Boredom has a role as well. Hazardous plants should be removed from a cat’s habitat if it is confined to a run or lives totally inside. When cats have unrestricted access to the outside world, they are more likely to engage in activities other than tasting unfamiliar flora. Even free-roaming adult cats, however, can eat needles or seeds that become caught in their coat while grooming.
All plants, including grass, can irritate a cat’s gastrointestinal system and cause it to vomit. Cats, on the other hand, enjoy nibbling on grass when given the opportunity. When they aren’t available, they may shift to less acceptable houseplants. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) and lilies, which are popular in bouquets and floral arrangements, are particularly harmful.
Can vinegar keep cats away?
As a deterrent for cats, sprinkle diluted or full-strength vinegar outside on garden margins, fences, garden decor, posts, and even plants. Make a point of focusing on the locations where your cats are always going. Vinegar can be sprayed on the bases of acid-loving plants, but you must first do study and testing before spraying vinegar on leaves. The negative effects of vinegar on plants include the possibility of browning.
Does vinegar stop cats from pooping?
Vinegar is reported to be effective in eliminating the smell of cat excrement and discouraging cats from returning due to its strong and soury stench. In a spray bottle, combine vinegar and warm water. After that, spray any plants or areas where cats are known to defecate.