If you have kids or pets, you surely have been in the situation when you sit in the kitchen, and the house is suddenly quiet. You listen closely, but no sounds are coming from the room where you left your kid. Your heart starts racing as you know that this quietness can mean only one thing. A huge mess is waiting for you. You run to the room, and surely enough, your kid or a dog is already munching on your beloved Monstera.
It seems harmless enough until you learn that Monsteras are one of the poisonous house plants. Read on to learn about other potentially toxic green beauties that you might have in your home!
Our List Of Toxic House Plants You Should Be Careful Of
Indeed, looks can be deceiving. You look at a plant with its innocent green leaves and bright flowers, and you can't even fathom it being poisonous. Of course, in most cases, you would have to eat a large amount of foliage to get the toxic shock. However, you never know how hungry your bored dog might get. To be safe, we prepared a list of the most popular indoor plants poisonous to cats, dogs, and people!
Azalea
Azalea has lush leaves and glorious flowers. It lures you with its beauty, like a siren with a song. However, the juice of this plant is highly poisonous. It contains Andromedotoxin, a dangerous glycoside toxin. We recommend wearing gloves while dealing with this dangerous beauty and keeping it out of reach of your kids and pets.
It can be a cause of poisoning and arrhythmias. Without timely help, a person intoxicated with Andromedotoxin might fall into a coma and even die.
Toxicity level: highly toxic.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular plants for offices, schools, and kindergartens. It has beautiful lush foliage, brightening any room. Unfortunately, apart from the nice view, this beauty's leaves contain poisonous substances, such as alkaloids and needle crystals. You should always wear gloves when dealing with Dieffenbachia.
It can be a cause of a strong allergic reaction and dermatitis.
Toxicity level: mildly toxic.
Monstera
Oh, the duality of a plant... Monsteras are one of the most beautiful houseplants but are also mildly poisonous. People often locate this green pet in the living or children's room. However, the leaves contain a dangerous substance that causes a solid toxic reaction when ingested. Ensure that your loved ones don't chew on the leaves.
Can be a cause of irritation, diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, and swallowing difficulties.
Toxicity level: mildly toxic.
San Pedro Cactus
San Pedro Cactus is widely known for its use in medical and religious practices. It is also one of the easiest houseplants to grow. San Pedro Cactus can thrive in any condition. It even blooms with beautiful white flowers with an intoxicating smell. However, you have to be very careful while dealing with this plant. It is one of the most poisonous houseplants.
It can be a cause of extreme hallucinations and has a detrimental effect on the nervous system. It may even cause paralysis in severe cases.
Toxicity level: highly toxic.
Brunfelsia
Brunfelsia is a beautiful plant blooming with purple flowers. It fascinates gardeners with its elegance. However, Bruenfelsia’s juice can cause an allergic reaction upon contact with the skin. All parts of this plant are poisonous to dogs, cats, and children. Observe all precautions and protection measures when caring for this flower.
It can be a cause of vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, depression, muscle tremors, hallucinations, and seizures.
Toxicity level: highly toxic.
Clivia
Clivia is a perfect trap. It looks so welcoming and bright that you can't stop yourself from coming closer and taking a look. You need to remember that it's highly poisonous. The plant contains alkaloids, which are very dangerous to humans and pets. We suggest avoiding this plant in households with little kids easily attracted to bright colors.
Can be a cause of paralysis if the poison enters the body in large doses.
Toxicity level: highly toxic.
Scheffler
Gardeners compare the shape of Scheffler's leaves to an open palm, inviting a person to come closer. However, you wouldn't want to 'shake hands' with this plant, as it contains toxic components in its foliage. Always wash your hands after coming in contact with Scheffler.
Can be a cause of significant irritation.
Toxicity level: low toxic.
Gloriosa
Gloriosa is a variety of succulent plant flowers. Its second name, Flame Lily, is much more telling about the nature of this plant. Like fire, Gloriosa can cause much damage upon close contact with humans. This beautiful flower contains alkaloids, colchicine, and glulisine. So just like with real fire, you must handle Gloriosa with care and caution.
Can be a cause of nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and vaginal bleeding.
Toxicity level: highly toxic.
Pachypodium Lamerei
Pachypodium Lamerei, or a Madagascar Tree, is a fascinating plant that looks like a combination of a palm tree and a cactus. You can never get tired of looking at it, discovering new details daily. But be aware that the trunk and the juice are poisonous to humans and animals. It is one of the plants toxic to dogs. The poison contains glycosides and alkaloids, so always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.
Can be a cause of blindness, tetanus, and cardiac arrest if it gets into the eyes.
Toxicity level: mildly toxic.
Snake Plant
Snake Plants are known not only for their beauty but also for their unusual ability to release oxygen at night. They also are widely used as herbal remedies. However, Snake Plants are toxic to kids and pets. Be sure to keep them out of reach of your loved ones.
Can be a cause of indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, or even swelling of the throat.
Toxicity level: mildly toxic.
Best Non-Toxic House Plants
We could say that you should always check what houseplants are toxic to cats, dogs, etc., before buying a new plant. But we did one better! We prepared a list of child-friendly plants that won't harm the ones you love.
- Citrus limon
- Kalanchoe
- Chlorophytum
- Saintpaulia
- Begonia
- Hibiscus
- Tradescantia
- Christmas Cactus
- Spider Plants
To make things easier for you, we added information about the toxicity of different plants to our app.
FAQ
What is The Most Toxic House Plant?
Surprisingly, there is considerable overlap between popular and toxic houseplants. Pothos, Philodendron, Peace Lily, Dieffenbachia, and Brunfelsia are all toxic, to name a few.
Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Dogs?
ZZ-plants are toxic houseplants. All parts of this luscious beauty are poisonous to all animals, including dogs.
Are Philodendrons Toxic?
Despite many people having Philodendrons as decorative elements in the house, this plant is toxic for humans and animals.
Ficus Lyrata Toxic to Cats?
Yes, Ficus Lyrata, when ingested, will cause a burning sensation in the mouth, intestinal irritation, and vomiting. Please keep it out of reach of your pets and kids.
Is Aglaonema Toxic to Cats?
Yes. Aglaonema contains calcium oxalate, which causes vomiting and burning mouth symptoms in pets. If you suspect your pet ate this plant, contact your vet immediately.
Is Syngonium Toxic to Cats?
Syngonium is mildly toxic. If your cat eats it, they might experience difficulty breathing and swallowing. If you have this plant at home and your cat suddenly starts breathing heavily, rush to the vet as soon as possible.
Is Pothos Poisonous?
To answer shortly, yes. If you ingest large quantities of this plant, you might experience diarrhea and vomiting. Depending on your health and the amount of plant you've eaten, the consequences might be much more severe.
