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.
What is the most toxic plant to cats?
The lily is the most hazardous plant since all of its parts are poisonous. Other plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, can, nevertheless, be toxic to cats.
Because most cats are suspicious of strange foods, plant poisoning cases at the vet’s office are uncommon. When a cat becomes ill, it is usually as a result of something brushing against their fur or paws, which they ingest during grooming.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ivy plants are safe for cats?
Due to the poisonous potential of many plant species, pet owners are concerned about maintaining houseplants in their homes. Various of us are drawn to the natural world and plant life as animal lovers because of the many benefits plants may give to our home environment. The presence of living plants in our houses can assist to decrease stress, clean the air, and beautify our surroundings. All of these characteristics have the potential to improve happiness and quality of life. It is true that many plants have hazardous potential and that keeping them in houses with cats, dogs, birds, or any other pet with free range ability around the house is unsafe. Having said that, there are a variety of plants that can co-exist in your home without posing a threat to your pets.
The spider plant is a common houseplant that requires little maintenance and comes in a variety of colors and textures, including variegated and curly versions. These incredibly tough house plants can grow pretty large with little maintenance, but the size of the pot they are kept in can also keep them contained. They can be used as hanging or tabletop plants. They thrive in low-light environments or with a little sunshine. If you have cats, you may want to use the hanging application to keep this member of the indoor flora family alive. Cats enjoy nibbling on and sometimes outright eating spider plants, so if you have cats, you may want to use the hanging application to keep this member of the indoor flora family alive.
Palms come in a wide range of kinds that are suitable for keeping with pets. Pony tail, Parlor, and Areca palms are examples of these kinds. If you want to maintain palms in your home, make sure they are the indoor kind and avoid anything with the words Sago or Cycad in the name. The Sago palm is a cycad rather than a genuine palm, and it is highly harmful to pets. Although this plant is intended for outdoor use, it is critical to ensure that you do not get a cycad when buying palms for your home. True palms don’t require much light and can be a simple flora addition to your home with a little research into their maintenance.
African Violets: These squat, fuzzy little beauties liven up a home not only with their lovely dark green leaves, but also with their colorful flowers, which come in a variety of hues and can be arranged in single or double arrangement. Animals are not poisoned by African violets. They’re a little more fickle than other houseplants. They prefer their feet to be moist but their heads to be dry, as well as the perfect quantity of bright sunlight. You can keep these tiny cuties satisfied with a little research and experimentation. They’re frequently cultivated in little clay pots that cats can readily knock over. To keep pots weighted down, I use heavier pots or put stones in the bottoms of pots.
Boston Fern: This lovely cascading plant can be used as a hanging plant or as a tabletop plant. If properly cared for, it has the potential to grow quite enormous. These plants are difficult to maintain because, as forest plants, they require moist soil and higher humidity than many homes provide. Those of you who can keep a Boston Fern happy all year deserve a medal. I haven’t yet achieved my aim, but they’re such a beautiful plant that I’m determined to keep trying.
Cast Iron Plant: I’ve never had the pleasure of keeping a cast iron plant. This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, despite being a member of the lily family. The lovely dark green foliage lend a tropical touch to the home, and this plant can also be used outside in warmer climes. A hidden jewel are the small purple flowers that can appear at the base of the shrub. This plant is very low-maintenance and even tolerates neglect.
Bromeliads, for example, are beautifully colored and reasonably easy to care for provided you pay attention to their requirements. Many of them are epiphytes, which means they don’t grow in soil but instead attach themselves to a substrate and collect water and nutrients from the air. These are fascinating, attractive, and non-toxic house plants that are definitely worth a try.
Christmas Cactus: Another beautiful and entertaining plant, I adore Christmas Cactuses and have many. They get their name from their tendency of blooming profusely in early winter. They’re easy to care for, non-toxic, and produce cascades of red/orange, violet, pink, or white blooms when they’re in bloom. They can grow rather large, but will also thrive in a smaller pot with tight roots. Despite the fact that this plant is deemed non-toxic to pets, it might cause moderate GI irritation if consumed (vomiting, diarrhea). While there is no risk of systemic poisoning, who likes an upset stomach? Or having to clean up after a stomach ache? Some types of GI distress may require veterinary care, depending on how sensitive your pet’s GI tract is. If you suspect your pet could chew on your Christmas Cacti, keep them out of reach.
The Phaleaenopsis Orchid, also known as the Moth Orchid, is one of my all-time favorite flowering plants, and I have many on my kitchen counters, coffee table, and office window sill. They’re simple to look after if you give them enough of light and follow their watering instructions. They bloom consistently with enormous cascades of flowers that can linger for months before falling off the shrub. It is necessary to fertilize this plant with orchid-specific products. To prevent your cat or dog from licking the fertilizer, keep the plant out of reach for a day or two after fertilizing. This plant, like the Bromeliad, is an epiphyte that grows on a substrate such as bark rather than soil.
Succulents: Succulents are popular for both household and commercial plantings these days. Some types, such Haworthia, Peporomia, and Burrow’s tail, are non-toxic to pets, while others, like Kalanchoe, can be quite toxic. If you want to maintain succulents with your dogs, do your homework and identify the varieties you wish to keep before bringing them into your house.
Swedish Ivy is a stunning green cascading shrub with softly serrated spherical leaves and little bluish-purple flowers. It’s a great houseplant because it’s non-toxic to pets and easy to maintain. It prefers loamy soil and strong indirect light. Make sure you’re buying Swedish Ivy and not another sort of Ivy that’s hazardous to pets, such as Devil’s Ivy (Pothos).
Lipstick Plant: This brightly colored flowering plant is both attractive and easy to maintain. Winter blooms of vibrant crimson flowers liven up gloomy days. To honor its tropical origins, it prefers short bursts of bright light, well-aerated soil, and a slight increase in humidity.
So bring your fauna as well as your flora! Many individuals enjoy having pets and plants in their homes. Beyond this basic list, there are numerous non-toxic plant kinds. Before bringing any new plant into your home, do some research on its harmful potential for pets. Even if your pets have never touched them, it’s a good idea to go over your existing plants, see what you have, and make sure they’re all non-toxic. One hazardous exposure is all it takes for a pet to become ill. Take some time to learn about the plant’s needs to ensure that you can maintain your new plant pal happy and healthy. Most importantly, savor all of the lovely moments that your pets and plants provide.