10 Poisonous Indoor Plants Your Children and Pets Should Avoid
Poisonous Indoor Plants; watch out! They are more common than you think!
Many common houseplants can be toxic to children and pets if ingested.
Some plants are more toxic than others, however, it is good to know what are the plants to avoid, (or simply watch for), if you have young children and pets.
I have two kids and a dog; and I have a lot of plants, many of which are toxic.
I’ve managed to keep everyone healthy and out of trouble so far, by simply arranging the most poisonous plants in spots that neither my kids or dog can reach.
Honestly, my dog lounges under a Bird of Paradise plant every day. He doesn’t get sick because he doesn’t chew any of the leaves…
If you love plants, and in particular one, (or more!), that is listed among the most poisonous, you can find ways to keep it by displaying it in hard spots for children and pets to reach…
There are many beautiful ways to display plants that allow parents and pet owners to keep toxic plants out of the reach of young children and pets.
Here are some Plants Wall Decor Ideas to keep your beautiful and toxic plants out of kids’ and pets’ reach.
Do you have a wall climbing, plant nibbling cat? Well, you better keep these 10 plants out of your home!
But don’t you worry, there are plenty of non-toxic indoor plants, even succulents, that are cat friendly.
Plants’ toxicity is generally categorized in three groups:
- Non-Toxic, (safe, not poisonous)
- Caution, (mildly toxic)
- Toxic, (dangerous, poisonous)
If you are concerned about a particular plant that is not listed in this article, I recommend the following links:
- Poison Control Centre for a complete list of Toxic and Non-Toxic plants for Humans.
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (ASPCA), for a complete list of Toxic and Non-Toxic plants for animals.
Let’s now take a look at the 10 Most Poisonous Indoor Plants!
My dog Rufus sun bathing under a Bird or Paradise plant. I am lucky enough he’s more interested in Milk Bones than plant leaves…
1. Pencil Cactus, (euphorbia Tirucalli)
The Pencil Cactus is one of the most poisonous indoor plants available on the market, and is considered a Toxic Plant, (dangerous, poisonous).
Toxic Part(s): sap.
Toxic to: humans, cats and dogs.
This plant’s milky sap is extremely toxic and irritating to the skin. Exposure can even cause blindness. Skin contact with the Pencil Cactus sap can cause severe irritation, redness and a burning feeling.
If ingested it can cause burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, and vomiting.
Even I use gloves and protective glasses when I cut off pieces of this plant to propagate it or simply shape it.
My collection of Pencil Cactus. The stem in water and the plant in the small pot are both cuttings from the mother plant in the back. In both instances I used precaution when cutting and handling the stems with fresh sap.
2. devil's ivy, (Pothos)
The Devils’ Ivy Plant is considered a Toxic, (dangerous, poisonous) plant for humans, dogs and cats.
It is an extremely poisonous indoor plant in particular for cats.
Toxic Part(s): all parts
Toxic to: Humans, cats and dogs.
This plant’s leaves and stems can cause a sever burning irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach in humans if ingested.
It can cause a sever burning irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach, as well as excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs if ingested.
There are many positive sides to this plant though; It tolerates low light conditions, it’s low maintenance and it’s an incredible trailing plant for everyone’s home and office.
I’ve always had my Variegated Pothos into a Kokedama Moss Ball. For this reason, it has always been hanging on a wall or on the upper counter of our Kitchen, away from kids and dog’s reach.
3. heartleaf philodendron, (philodendron hederaceum)
The Philodendron is another Toxic, (dangerous, poisonous) plant for humans, dogs and cats.
It is an extremely poisonous indoor plant.
Toxic Part(s): all parts
Toxic to: Humans, cats and dogs.
This plant’s leaves and stems can cause irritation, swelling and pain of mouth, lips, and throat. Skin irritation can be severe. It may block breathing or swallowing in humans if ingested.
It can cause a sever burning irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach, as well as excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs if ingested.
This plant, like the Pothos, comes with benefits too…
It is an excellent air purifying plant, helping remove formaldehyde from the air, and it tolerates low light conditions.
My Heartleaf Philodendron is soaking up the sun in our bathroom sill.
4. Peace Lily, (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is considered a Toxic, (dangerous, poisonous) plant.
It’s among the most poisonous indoor plants for humans, dogs and cats.
Toxic Part(s): all parts
Toxic to: Humans, cats and dogs.
This plant’s leaves and stems can cause a sever burning irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach in humans if ingested.
It can cause a sever burning irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach, as well as excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs if ingested.
It’s really too bad these plants get such a bad rap for their toxicity!
The Peace Lily is an excellent air purifying plant, helping remove benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air.
I took this picture of this amazing Peace Lily at the Tropical Pavilion of our local Zoo.
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5. ZZ Plant, (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is considered a Caution, (mildly toxic), plant.
It is not the most toxic among the poisonous indoor plants and it has made a much better reputation for itself in the past few years. This plant was in-fact considered extremely poisonous and to be handled with gloves. Years of research have concluded that this plant’s leaves and sap are mildly toxic if ingested.
Toxic Part(s): saponins
Toxic to: Humans, cats and dogs.
This plant’s leaves and sap can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting in humans, cats and dogs if ingested.
On the other hand, this plant has many benefits, including a high tolerance to very low light and drought conditions and is almost impossible to kill.
My ZZ Plant grew massive in the 12 years I’ve had it. For this reason, it can’t sit on a countertop or on the floor. I placed it on a solid plant stand, which helps me keep it out of my dog’s reach.
6. Aloe vera
The Aloe Vera falls under the Caution category, (mildly toxic), as it isn’t as toxic as other poisonous indoor plants.
Toxic Part(s): sap in large quantities.
Toxic to: humans, cats and dogs.
This plant’s sap can possibly cause diarrhea in humans and vomiting in cats and dogs if ingested.
The topical use of Aloe Vera in small concentrations is not associated with any significant side effects.
It’s interesting how this plant is praised for so many benefits, such as the relief of certain skin conditions, and yet, is considered a toxic plant for pets and humans if ingested.
My Aloe Vera Plant sits on my console table, out of Rufus’ reach.
7. Jade Plant, (crassula ovata)
It’s hard to categorize the Jade Plant as it is not toxic to humans but is toxic to pets. Let’s say this is a Caution category plant as it is among the poisonous indoor plants for pets.
Toxic Part(s): unknown.
Toxic to: cats and dogs.
This plant’s leaves and stems can cause vomiting, depression and incoordination in cats and dogs if ingested.
Like in the case of the Aloe Vera, Jade Plants have contradictorily many benefits, such as air purifying capabilities and the Feng Shui belief of being a prosperity plant.
One of my 5 Jade Plants I keep on table tops away from the reach of my dog.
8. Snake Plant, (dracaena trifasciata)
Like for the Jade Plant, It’s hard to categorize the Snake Plant as, according to some sources, it is not toxic to humans but is toxic to pets.
Some sources list the plant under the Caution, (mildly toxic), category even for humans.
Toxic Part(s): saponins
Toxic to: Humans, (discrepant opinions on this), cats and dogs.
This plant’s leaves can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs if ingested.
Like in the case of the Aloe Vera and Jade Plant, the Snake Plant has contradictorily many benefits, such as air cleaning capabilities by removing formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air. It has high tolerance to low light and drought conditions and is extremely low maintenance.
My Snake plants. There are several varieties of Snake Plants on the market and they are all considered poisonous indoor plants for pets.
9. Bird of Paradise, (strelitzia nicolai)
The Bird of Paradise Plant itself is considered a Caution, (mildly toxic), plant , while the flower is considered extremely toxic, (dangerous, poisonous).
A Bird of Paradise plant grown indoors will rarely bloom flowers, so its toxicity is not as high as it would be outdoors, where the plant is producing flowers.
Toxic Part(s): all parts, with the flower being the most poisonous.
Toxic to: Humans, cats and dogs.
This plant’s leaves and stems are mildly toxic in humans and only after ingesting a large amount of it. The ingestion of flowers and seeds can cause dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness in humans.
It can cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness in cats and dogs if ingested.
My IKEA Bird of Paradise has been providing a great canopy under which my dog Rufus naps all the time!
10. English Ivy, (hedera helix)
The English Ivy is a Caution, (mildly toxic) plant, among the many common poisonous indoor plants.
It’s considered toxic to humans, dogs and cats.
Toxic Part(s): leaves and berries.
Toxic to: Humans, cats and dogs.
This plant’s leaves and berries can cause mouth, throat, stomach irritation, and possibly nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in humans if ingested.
It can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and hyper-salivation in cats and dogs if ingested.
The English Ivy is too an air purifying plant, helping remove benzene and formaldehyde.
My very dainty English Ivy.
I sure hope this article on poisonous indoor plants hasn’t scared you away from plants and decorating your home with plants!
Plants are so beneficial for our space, mind and soul!
If you have young children, cats and/or dogs, you can still surround yourself with these 10 Best Non-Toxic Houseplants That Area Safe For Children, Cats & Dogs.
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