There are numerous stunning houseplants available for cultivation, however, a handful of them contain chemicals that can result in unpleasant, even fatal consequences. Poisonous houseplants can trigger skin irritations, upset stomachs, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. If you don’t know which plants should be kept away from your children and your pets, let’s take a look at these 20 poisonous houseplants.
#1. Peace Lily
The peace lily is a common low-light houseplant that becomes hazardous only when ingested in large quantities. If you have pets or little children, enjoy the white blossoms and dark green leaves from a distance, such as atop a bookshelf. The green leaf of a peace lily becomes more deeply colored with age.
#2. Devil’s Ivy
Pothos, sometimes referred to as Devil’s Ivy, is the ideal houseplant for novices. It’s a hanging, climbing plant with remarkable growth potential in a variety of directions; it also looks great on a shelf. However, pothos is one of the poisonous houseplants. If consumed, these plants are poisonous to humans and animals alike.
#3. Caladium
Caladium, well-known for its eye-catching vivid appearance, is a wonderful way to bring some brightness into the house. But be careful around dogs and kids because this plant contains dangerous calcium oxalate crystals that, if consumed, can induce vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling, and eye pain.
#4. Sago Palm
Sago Palm’s tropical-style leaves make it a pleasant addition to any home. However, this plant is extremely poisonous when consumed. Its seeds, or nuts, are the most harmful to dogs and can induce vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally even liver failure.
#5. Calla Lily
Although calla lilies are typically found outdoors, they are also very popular indoor plants. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals can be painful and swollen if consumed by people espite their lovely, graceful appearance.
#6. English Ivy
These are the ideal go-to vines to have hanging from a container garden or bookshelf. Consuming large amounts of English ivy can cause serious issues, but the plant’s entire range of symptoms can include skin irritation, fever, rash, and burning throat after consuming the berries. Ivy tends to trail, so place it high off the ground and out of children’s and pets’ reach.
#7. Snake Plant
Popular for its low maintenance and air-purifying properties, but do you know snake plant is one of the most poisonous houseplants. This easy-care houseplant also contains saponins, which, if consumed by humans or pets, can cause gastrointestinal distress.
#8. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia varieties give a tropical touch to decor and thrive well in low light. Because of the symptoms that arise when it is consumed, it has gained the nickname “dumb cane”. The tongue becomes so red and swollen from the sap that air cannot pass through to the throat. If consumed in high quantities, it can be deadly for both people and animals.
#9. Philodendron
Philodendrons are widely grown indoors, but they are harmful to humans and pets. Eating them can result in diarrhea and vomiting, as well as burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat. Keep philodendrons away from the ground because they trail, just like ivy.
#10. Arrowhead
This heart-shaped-leafed, low-light-tolerant, quickly growing plant is very easy to maintain. This plant’s sap is toxic but not fatal; if consumed, it will burn the tongue and cause skin irritation.
#11. Easter Lily
Cats who consume Easter flowers have been known to become seriously ill, despite their lovely appearance. It’s a good idea to remove the yellow stamens as soon as the flowers open to keep your pet safe from any fallen pollen, as even the pollen itself is harmful to cats.
#12. Daffodils
If you intend to force bulbs indoors, be aware that many spring bulbs, such as daffodils and hyacinths, are poisonous if consumed by people or animals. Eating the bulbs can result in severe gastrointestinal issues, hypertension, arrhythmias, and even fatality.
#13. ZZ Plant
The drought-tolerant ZZ plant is a great complement to low-light settings in homes and offices, but it’s deadly in all parts. If handling it, make sure to wash your hands or use gloves and keep it away from kids and animals. Luckily, you won’t need to spend a lot of time with this plant because it can endure neglect.
#14. Alocasia
Often called Elephant’s Ear, alocasia can burn or irritate a cat or dog’s tongue, lips, or mouth. Drooling and vomiting are other symptoms. To prevent your pets or children from exposing it, display it on a high counter or shelf.
#15. Aloe
Although aloe vera is frequently used as a human medicinal herb, dogs may be rather poisonous to it. Ingestion might result in tremors, sadness, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Avoid putting aloe gel on children’s or pets’ skin or wounds, and keep aloe plants out of their reach.
#16. Amaryllis
Popular flowering plants like amaryllis may add cheer to any house. But it includes lycorine and other alkaloids that can make pets and kids tremble, vomit, throw up, and have belly pain. Keep children and pets away from amaryllis bulbs, blooms, and leaves, and always wash your hands after handling them.
#17. Asparagus Fern
When it comes to poisonous houseplants, you should be extra careful with asparagus fern which has feathery foliage and small white flowers. It has sapogenins, which can lead to rashes, allergic responses, and stomach problems in kids and pets. When trimming or working with asparagus fern, put on gloves and store it somewhere kids and pets can’t get to it.
#18. Begonia
The genus Begonia has a variety of plants with vividly colored leaves and blooms. It includes insoluble oxalates, which can irritate pets’ mouths, make them drool, make swallowing difficult, and make them throw up. Pets and kids should not play with begonia plants and make sure they get medical help if they consume any parts of the plant.
#19. Clivia
This is a lovely flowering plant that resembles an amaryllis, but it contains alkaloids that can induce symptoms in dogs and cats that range from diarrhea and vomiting to low blood pressure and arrhythmia.
#20. Chrysanthemum
When the weather turns cooler, you might be tempted to bring your lovely potted mums inside, but cats, dogs, and even horses can become poisoned from consuming them. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, disorientation, and skin irritation are indications of poisoning.
It’s tempting to incorporate some houseplants into your house, but not all are safe for humans and animals, especially children and pets who may be curious or playful. By following our advice above, we hope you can enjoy the benefits of houseplants without risking the health of your loved ones. However, this article is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all poisonous houseplants, nor a substitute for professional medical advice. Therefore, if you suspect that your pet or child has ingested a poisonous plant, you should contact your veterinarian or doctor immediately.
