While houseplants can enhance the beauty of our living spaces and promote a sense of well-being and relaxation, it’s important to be aware that some houseplants are potentially harmful to humans and pets. These hazardous houseplants can cause a variety of reactions. Some may cause skin rashes upon contact, particularly those with sap that irritates the skin. Accidentally ingesting some plants can lead to swelling of the mouth and throat and gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting or diarrhea.
In addition to toxic properties, many plants possess physical defenses like thorns or spines that may cause injury during handling. Cacti are a prime example of this category; although they are intriguing additions to décor, caution is necessary when repositioning or caring for these spiky species.
Why are Some Houseplants Toxic?
Plants have developed an array of fascinating defense mechanisms to protect themselves from plant-eating wildlife and pathogens. At the heart of these defenses are plant toxins. These compounds serve various functions, including deterring hungry herbivores, inhibiting the growth of competing plants, providing protection from fungal or bacterial infection, and protection from insect infestations.
Understanding these plant defense mechanisms not only sheds light on how plants survive in their natural habitats but also informs us about the potential hazards associated with keeping certain toxic houseplants indoors.
How to Coexist with Hazardous Houseplants
The properties of a plant that may be harmful to pets or people are also part of what makes a plant interesting. Awareness of plant toxins can help ensure a safe environment for both people and pets, while still being able to appreciate the remarkable adaptations that allow plants to thrive amidst threats.
We can enjoy a plant’s beauty while taking any appropriate precautions. Here are some tips for playing it safe when working with potentially hazardous houseplants:
When in doubt it’s a good idea to wear gloves when cutting, repotting, and propagating.
Be careful not to touch your eyes when working with houseplants.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling plants.
Before bringing any plant into your home, research its toxicity levels. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of poisoning in both children and pets, so you can act quickly if necessary.
If you have pets or small children, make sure potentially harmful plants are in rooms that are off limits or on high shelves where they can’t be reached.
Consider replacing toxic varieties with pet-friendly houseplants that add greenery to your space without posing a risk to your furry friends.
By taking these precautions and considering safer alternatives, you can enjoy the beauty of indoor gardening while ensuring a safe environment for everyone in your home.
Popular Houseplants Can Be Toxic
Retailers won’t necessarily identify whether the plants they sell are safe for pets and people. In fact, a lot of our most common houseplants contain compounds that can be harmful to humans. Some plants may even contain multiple toxins, or could contain compounds that have not yet been identified and the risk is unknown.
Whether or not a plant poses a danger to a person or a pet, depends in large part on the degree of exposure. Exposure covers a variety of factors such as the type of plant, type of exposure (skin or ingested), duration of exposure (or quantity of plant material if ingested), and an individual’s sensitivity and immune response to plant toxins or allergens.
It’s important to seek medical help if plant poisoning is suspected. For pet owners, signs of ingestion in pets may include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Common human reactions may include nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Some individuals may also experience skin irritation or respiratory issues if they come into contact with certain plants. If you have concerns that a pet or a person may be having a reaction as a result of exposure to a plant it’s important to contact an appropriate medical professional such as a veterinarian, physician, or poison control center to get advice. To always be on the safe side look for Pet Friendly Houseplants.
Houseplants that Contain Calcium Oxalates
Many of the most popular houseplant species contain a compound called calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalates can cause skin irritation and a tingling sensation. If ingested, calcium oxalate crystals can cause blistering in the mouth, burning of the tongue, throat, and esophagus, loss of speech, diarrhea, and respiratory problems.
Philodendron (Philodendron species)
A classic choice among houseplants, Philodendrons are jungle natives that are low maintenance yet tough and vigorous. With upright and vining, as well as green or variegated varieties available, there is sure to be a Philodendron to suit any setting. Small types are very decorative on a small table or in a hanging basket. Larger species provide a bold tropical accent indoors or on a porch, deck, or patio during warm weather.
Bush Schefflera, Arboricola, Hawaiian Umbrella Tree Indoors (Schefflera arboricola)
A shrubby or tree-like houseplant often called Umbrella Tree for the way the leaves are clustered in umbrella-like arrangement. Schefflera may initially drop leaves as they adjust to a new setting, but they really are vigorous and easy-care plants. They may be pruned to control height or shape. A good choice for a large containers.
Anthurium Indoors (Anthurium species)
Anthurium bring the beauty of lush, green foliage to any room, with little care. An added bonus are the large, long-lasting blooms that look as if someone painted a leaf with glossy enamel! The blooms make excellent cut flowers. Potted plants make a showy centerpiece or houseplant. Can be grown outdoors in summer in a partly shaded location.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species)
Aglaonema are easy care selections perfect for bringing the beauty and health benefits of living plants into the home! Most varieties have variegated white and green foliage that brightens any setting. Aglaonema is native to tropical regions of Asia and New Guinea but is now grown as a decorative potted plant around the world. Perfect for windowsills, desks and tabletops.
The deeply cut foliage of the monstera plant has an artistic, sculptural appeal that adds a decorator-touch to any room. Monstera is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America where it climbs by aerial roots into the trees.
This Kalanchoe has it’s origins in Madagascar and can easily obtain shrub size in warm, frost-free climates. Grow it as a potted houseplant in a sunny window or a patio plant in the summer. The velvety foliage, with large elephant ear-shaped leaves, creates a stunning specimen on its own, or contrasted with bright foliage or flowering plants. Potted Kalanchoe can be grown outdoors in the summer.
An amazingly tough, yet attractive houseplant! The ZZ plant is perfectly at home in low light situations allowing for greenery and clean air benefits in any room! The dark green foliage complements any décor. This is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention. Perfect for growing in containers. May be displayed outdoors in a shady area during warmer weather.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum hybrid)
Peace lilies make easy-care houseplants. The leaves will begin to droop very obviously when the plant is thirsty, then quickly perk back up once it is watered. The smooth glossy leaves compliment any décor and they group well with other houseplants. Interesting, spoon-like white blooms add to the peace lily’s appeal. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.
Arrow to heart-shaped leaves make arrowhead plant a nice selection for growing alongside plants with simpler foliage. Most varieties have some variegation to the leaves, adding a spark of brightness with their green and white contrast. Syngonium plants naturally vine and trail making them ideal for a hanging basket or growing in a pot on a tall plantstand. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.
Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Truly one of the toughest, most popular and easy care houseplants! Golden Pothos sends out trailing stems of green leaves, variegated with white or gold. The variegation is more pronounced when they are grown in bright light, but they do adapt to lower light levels. Place where the vines can fall freely or trail along a shelf for the best effect.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia species)
Dieffenbachia is a humidity-loving tropical plant that is well-suited to bathrooms, but adaptable to less humid rooms. Depending on the variety, the broad leaves are splashed or striped with shades of green, white, or yellow variegation that is sure to brighten any space. A large specimen makes an excellent potted floor plant. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.
Alocasia Indoors (Alocasia amazonica)
Alocasia are popular for the drama and tropical style their foliage brings to any setting and are often called Elephant Ears. ‘Polly’ is a striking variety with leaves of deep, glossy green and contrasting white ribs. It makes a perfect companion to plants with lighter colored or more finely textured foliage. Easy to grow indoors or outdoors in pots or beds.
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Houseplants that Contain Saponins
Unless a person were to consume a large amount of a plant containing saponins, they are more of a concern for pets than people. Saponin gets its name from the soapwort plant (Saponaria officinalis). The roots, leaves and stems of soapwort can be used to make cleaning products such as soap and shampoo. Cats or dogs that ingest saponins can experience gastrointestinal upset like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are a few of the hazardous houseplants containing saponins that you’ll want to keep your pets from ingesting:
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus pandurata)
As the common name implies, the glossy leaves of this easy care houseplant have a distinctive fiddle shape. This West African native works well for bringing height and definition to a collection of houseplants or as a solo specimen. A good choice for dividing living spaces, filling corners or accenting entries. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.
Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)
Dracaenas are attractive, low-maintenance, and incredibly popular for growing as house or office plants. Years of research have resulted in a growing range of hybrids in new colors and with vibrantly striped foliage. Looks great arranged with plants having finer texture or broad green foliage. Native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather. A large specimen makes an excellent potted floor plant.
Indian Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
With green, variegated and red hued varieties available, a rubber tree can be found to fit almost any décor. Rubber Trees are popular as houseplants due to their ease of care, attractive foliage and tree-like presence. Their glossy foliage pairs well with ferny or silver-leafed plants. Perfect for all kinds of containers. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.
Sansevieria are wonderfully stress-free houseplants that seem to thrive on neglect! They do well in low light and with minimal watering and feed. Their stiffly vertical, variegated leaves bring a bit of natural art and architecture to any room. Wonderful for defining entryways or accenting empty corners. Adds life and a decorative touch to dull, low-light locations indoors. Slow growing and easy to maintain.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The tree like form of the benjamina species makes it a perfect choice for bringing a bit of forest into the house! A crown of glossy, deep green foliage and a smooth, tan trunk make it striking enough to be displayed on its own, but also well-suited to mixing with other houseplants. Some leaf drop during adjustment to a new location is common with this species. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.
Aloe Indoors (Aloe vera)
Aloe vera are known as “Medicinal Aloe” for the burn soothing gel within their fleshy leaves. Grown indoors or out, Aloe are an easy care plant and their narrow, water-holding leaves provide nice contrast to plants with broad or finely textured foliage. Perfect for growing in a pot on a windowsill, or used in a succulents terrarium or dish garden. Can be grown outdoors in the summer.
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Houseplants that Contain Latex
Eurphorbia is a large genus of plants with many unique and interesting species, and quite a few that have become popular houseplants. Euphorbia plants make the list of hazardous houseplants because they have a white latex sap that contains numerous toxic substances known as phorbol esters. These compounds can cause significant skin irritation and eye irritation so severe that it could cause permanent eye damage. Anyone pruning a large plant would be wise to wear eye protection to avoid sap dripping or squirting into their eyes. Ingesting Euphorbia can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal upset like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Here are three of the most popular Euphorbia grown as houseplants:
African Milk Tree Indoors (Euphorbia trigona)
As its common name suggests, the African milk tree is native to West Africa, where it grows on the sun-beaten plains. Varieties are available with green and white variegated stems or burgundy-red tinted stems and leaves. Strong vertical lines and spiny textures give this succulent a modern, sculptural appeal. Likes lots of sunlight. Can grow quite tall -well suited for large pots on the floor.
Crown of Thorns Indoors (Euphorbia milii)
Crown of thorns is incredibly easy to care for and a great plant for beginners. This is a plant that can take some neglect and still look beautiful. Produces an unusual combination of spiny stems and sparse foliage topped by small clusters of bright flowers. Great for growing in a container on a sunny deck or patio. Can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates.
Pencil Cactus Indoors (Euphorbia tirucalli)
The unusual shape of pencil cactus (a mass of spineless stick-like branches in a geometrical bramble of green), and its easy maintenance, make it an ideal houseplant. These natives of India and Africa grow up to 30′ (9 m) in the wild and can reach 6′ (1.8 m) in the home environment, making them the perfect focal point for a dramatic indoor cacti display. Other common names include pencil tree, fire stick plants, and finger tree.
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Houseplants that Contain Cardiac Glycosides
A few common houseplants contain a cardiac glycoside called bufadienolide, which are classified as “extremely hazardous” by the World Health Organization and can be lethal if ingested. The toxic compounds can affect cats, dogs, and humans so it’s important to keep this plant out of reach of pets and children. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, and cardiac issues. Skin contact with the plant sap can cause irritation or a rash.
Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe tubiflora)
Mother of Millions is the ideal plant for propagating and sharing with friends. Medium green leaves produce “millions” of tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be removed and placed on soil to root. A perfect choice for anyone new to plants or those who seeking the natural look and feel of plants indoors, but without a lot of maintenance. Makes a nice windowsill plant. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.
The Paddle Plant gets its name from it’s fleshy round foliage that looks like a paddle, or as its other common name suggests, a “flapjack” or pancake. The thick succulent foliage adds an interesting accent to any location and the entire plant adds a warm glow of color with its interesting rosette of red-tinged foliage. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Makes a nice windowsill plant.
Penwiper Plant (Kalanchoe marmorata)
As the common name “penwiper” implies, the gray green leaves of this succulent are spotted like they had been used for blotting a pen. A perfect choice for anyone new to plants or those who seeking the natural look and feel of plants indoors, but without a lot of maintenance. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Makes a nice windowsill plant. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather.
Bear Paw (Cotyledon ladismithiensis)
Bear paw is a low-growing South African succulent plant, bearing fuzzy foliage with serrated edges. The individual leaves resemble miniature bear paws. This is a no-fuss plant that can be easily transitioned indoors and outdoors. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Globular shapes and spiny texture give these cacti a modern, sculptural appeal. Likes lots of sunlight. A south or west-facing window is ideal. Houseplants can be grown outdoors in the summer and brought back inside when temperatures are expected to fall below 50°F (10°C).
Panda Plant, Donkey Ears Indoors (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
These cute natives of Madagascar thrive in all sorts of conditions and containers. And though they grow quite tall in their homeland, they will adapt to the size of their pot when cultivated inside. Kalanchoe tomentosa’s wooly oval leaves explain its common names, which include panda plant, donkey ears, and pussy ears. This plant usually doesn’t bloom when grown as a houseplant. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Makes a nice windowsill plant.
Kalanchoe Indoors (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Kalanchoe’s many species are popular indoors and out for their ease of care, low water requirements and attractive, succulent leaves. Locating them in a warm, brightly lit location will assure the added bonus of dainty blooms. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Makes a nice windowsill plant. Potted Kalanchoe can be grown outdoors in the summer and brought back inside when temperatures are expected to fall below 50°F (10°C).
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Other Hazardous Houseplants
A few more popular houseplants that could put you or your pets at risk include the following:
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
The sago palm contains a toxin called cycasin that is a neurotoxin as well as a carcinogen.
Members of the Crassula genus that includes several of the most popular succulent houseplants, including the jade plant and the ‘Hobbit’, and ‘Gollum’ varieties are known to contain toxins, but the exact toxic compounds are still being researched. Consider them hazardous and seek medical attention if any Crassula species is ingested by a pet or person.
Thorny Houseplants
Plants have evolved to grow thorns, spines, and prickles as a way of protecting themselves from being eaten by herbivores. In some cases, spines and prickles can also help shade the skin of a plant, or provide extra surface area that allows water to collect and drip down the spines to the root zone. Don’t be deceived into thinking that cacti with small, soft spines don’t pose a hazard. Getting tiny spines in your skin can be more irritating than a single large spine, and much harder to remove. Some common thorny houseplants include:
African Milk Tree Indoors (Euphorbia trigona)
As its common name suggests, the African milk tree is native to West Africa, where it grows on the sun-beaten plains. Varieties are available with green and white variegated stems or burgundy-red tinted stems and leaves. Strong vertical lines and spiny textures give this succulent a modern, sculptural appeal. Likes lots of sunlight. Can grow quite tall -well suited for large pots on the floor.
Barrel Cactus Indoors (Echinocactus species)
Barrel cacti are some of the most popular cacti for growing indoors. They’re easy to care for and their globe shape, with its distinctive vertical ribs, brings a sculptural, designer quality to any room. Barrel cacti are native to the scrublands of Mexico. They grow very well near a sunny window indoors, or outdoors for the summer on a deck, patio or balcony in a spot protected from the midday sun.
Astrophytum Cactus Indoors (Astrophytum species)
A charming group of slow-growing cacti native to arid regions from Mexico into Texas. Astrophytum species are often easy to identify by their round forms, encircled by deep vertical ribs and prominent ridges that give the cacti a star-like appearance. Common names include: Sand Dollar Cactus, Sea Urchin Cactus, Star Cactus. Small stature is perfect for shallow pots, dish gardens, or terrariums.
Cereus Cactus Indoors (Cereus species)
Cereus is a large group of shrubby or treelike cacti with distinct, columnar forms. These South American natives are vigorous growers and some species can get tree-size in their natural habitat. Indoors they thrive in bright, warm locations, but take care to put Cereus in a low-traffic location to avoid injury to yourself, guests, or pets if they bump the plant. A few common names are: Hedge Cactus, Columnar Cactus, Peruvian Apple, Torch Cactus, and Queen of the Night.
Crown of Thorns Indoors (Euphorbia milii)
Crown of thorns is incredibly easy to care for and a great plant for beginners. This is a plant that can take some neglect and still look beautiful. Produces an unusual combination of spiny stems and sparse foliage topped by small clusters of bright flowers. Great for growing in a container on a sunny deck or patio. Can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates.
Opuntia Cactus Indoors (Opuntia species)
One of the most familiar groups of cacti. Opuntia cacti are formed by flattened stems called “pads” that create a fun, hodgepodge-effect as new pads emerge in random directions. They are native to sunny, hot, dry regions throughout North and South America. Common names include: Prickly Pear, Nopales, Paddle Cactus, Bunny Ears, Eastern Prickly Pear, and Indian Fig. A great potted plant for a sunny windowsill in a home or office.
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Do Some Research Before Bringing New Plants Into Your Home
These are some of the most common houseplants. If you have a houseplant that is not on this list, that doesn’t imply that it is safe. Those with pets or small children should always make sure that houseplants are safe before bringing them home. A great way to check on the pet safety of plants is with the Poison Plants list created by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
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