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.
Do cats like ZZ plants?
ZZ plants, like many other plants on the poisonous pet list, produce calcium oxalates, a significant irritant both orally and topically. Broken leaves, like rubber trees, release a sap that can get on human skin and into cat mouths. These crystals are present in the sap, causing discomfort on the skin and internally if eaten. It’s critical to handle the plant with caution to ensure that no leaves break during the procedure. I also advise people to wash their hands after handling ZZ plants, as some have reported breaking out in hives after doing so.
Is ZZ plant really poisonous?
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.
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.
Are Palms toxic to cats?
Palm trees and palm leaves are not harmful to cats in normal circumstances. Some plants, such as the sago palm tree, are extremely toxic to cats and dogs. The sago palm, which is not your typical tropical palm tree, is also fairly popular.
What is a ZZ plant good for?
With its wide, appealing, dark green leaves, the ZZ plant has a lot of advantages for businesses and residences. The ZZ plant is also an air cleaner, and researchers discovered in a NASA study that it is particularly good at eliminating contaminants like xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air.
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.
Does ZZ plant release oxygen at night?
So, while houseplants may not be able to keep up with the constant flow of air in our houses, does it mean they aren’t beneficial to our health? Definitely not!
Plants produce oxygen into the air, but many people are unaware that they also increase the humidity level in the space around them. Increased humidity levels aid in the prevention of peeling skin and lips, as well as dry noses and throats, and make our homes more comfortable in general.
Houseplants also appear to have a positive impact on mental health. Bringing nature indoors has been shown in a number of studies to boost productivity and memory retention, reduce stress, and shorten recovery time following medical treatments.