Houseplants make our homes more beautiful, but not all plants are safe for the whole family. Pets and small children in particular can be at risk from contact with poisonous plants. In this article, you will therefore find out which houseplants are potentially poisonous.
That's why it's important to know about poisonous houseplants for cats, dogs and children
Children and pets often explore their environment with all their senses, including their mouths. But many houseplants contain toxins that can be dangerous if swallowed or come into contact with the skin. Symptoms range from mild stomach upset to severe poisoning that can be life-threatening. Knowing about poisonous plants helps minimize the risk of health problems and create a safe environment for everyone.
These houseplants are poisonous:
Real Aloe
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Latin name: Aloe vera
While the gel of Aloe vera is known for its healing properties, the leaf bark and juice are poisonous and therefore particularly dangerous for pets. Aloe juice can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy in dogs and cats. In children, contact with the plant can lead to cause skin irritation.
Anthurium
- Family: Araceae
- Latin name: Anthurium spp.
The parts of the anthurium plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation in the mouth and throat if consumed. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Azalea
- Family: Ericaceae
- Latin name: Rhododendron spp.
Azaleas are very poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal problems, cardiac arrhythmias and severe poisoning if swallowed. Even small amounts of the houseplant can be fatal, especially for animals.
Dieffenbachia
- Family: Araceae
- Latin name: Dieffenbachia spp.
Dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes upon contact. Symptoms include burning and swelling in the mouth, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
You can find out more about houseplants on our YouTube channel!
Dracaena
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Latin name: Dracaena spp.
Dracaena contain saponins, which can cause vomiting, loss of appetite and excessive salivation in pets. They can cause mild stomach upset in children.
Swiss cheese plant (Monstera)
- Family: Araceae
- Latin name: Monstera deliciosa
The popular Monstera plant also contains calcium oxalate crystals. This is why eating the leaves causes severe irritation in the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The plant sap can also cause skin irritation.
Oxalis
- Family: Oxalidaceae
- Latin name: Oxalis triangularis
The Oxalis plant contains oxalic acid, which is toxic if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea in pets and children. In addition, larger quantities can lead to kidney damage.
Peace lily
- Family: Araceae
- Latin name: Spathiphyllum spp.
The peace lily is a popular houseplant that is valued for its elegant white flowers and ease of care. Unfortunately, the peace lily contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic if ingested or come into contact with the skin. Animals and children may therefore experience symptoms such as severe oral irritation, excessive saliva, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Cycads (Sago palm)
- Family: Cycadaceae
- Latin name: Cycas revoluta
Cycads are very poisonous and can cause serious liver damage. When consumed, symptoms such as cramps, diarrhea and vomiting occur. They are particularly dangerous for dogs.
Snake plant
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Latin name: Sansevieria spp.
Snake plant contains saponins, which is why consumption can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in animals. It can also cause stomach pain and vomiting in small children.
Zz-plant
- Family: Araceae
- Latin name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The Zz-plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. Contact can therefore lead to skin and mucous membrane irritation. Swallowing the leaves can cause pain in the mouth, salivation and vomiting.
Pothos
- Family: Araceae
- Latin name: Epipremnum aureum
The pothos is a hardy and easy-care plant, often chosen for its air-purifying properties and its ability to thrive in darker corners. However, it also contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if in contact or consumed. Nibbling on the leaves can have unpleasant consequences such as burning in the mouth and stomach upset.
All bulbous plants such as lilies, hyacinths, daffodils and amaryllis
- Family: Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae
- Latin names: Lilium spp., Hyacinthus spp., Narcissus spp., Amaryllis spp.
Bulbous plants are particularly dangerous. Lilies are very poisonous for cats and can cause kidney problems. Hyacinths, daffodils and amaryllis can cause vomiting, diarrhea and severe stomach pain in pets and children. If a large dose is ingested, there is a risk of life-threatening poisoning.
Poisonous plants in the home
Knowing about poisonous houseplants is important to create a safe environment for children and pets. If you can't do without these plants, make sure they are out of reach of curious hands and paws. Before buying a plant, check to see if it is poisonous, as this list is not exhaustive and only includes some of the most popular plants.
