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Print Apart from the potential to get an eye injury from the pointy ends of the leaves of plants such as Yucca, some houseplants are harmful because they are poisonous.
Some houseplants contain toxins that, if enough are consumed, can make people or animals sick. These toxins have often evolved to protect the plant from browsing animals. If you have a pet cat or dog that tends to eat plants, it is worth being aware of those that could be harmful to them. Many of these plants are also potentially harmful to people and care should be taken in choosing houseplants for a home where young children are present. Thankfully, such poisonings are rare, but you can keep the risk minimal by discouraging pets and children from eating plants and being aware of those that have potential to harm.
Toxicity can vary based on the type of plant and how much is ingested. For instance, poinsettias, common during holiday seasons, have a mild toxicity to cats, however for certain cats or when there is a lot consumed, the result can be clinical signs severe enough to be worthy of medical treatment.
Some Poisonous Houseplants
Plant | Human | Cat | Dog |
Lilies – lilies are a large group and the toxicity varies. Peace lilies are common in homes and are poisonous to both cats and dogs. | Some lilies can be poisonous. | Poisonous leaves. Sap can cause skin irritation. | Poisonous leaves. Sap can cause skin irritation. |
Snake Plant – Mother in law’s tongue. | Symptoms are usually mild in humans and include mouth and throat irritation, nausea, and vomiting | Poisonous | Poisonous |
Tomato – like other plants of the nightshade family the leaves that contain alkaloid toxins. | Could be harmful in large quantities. | Stem and leaves poisonous. | Harmful in large quantities. |
Castor Oil Plant | The attractive seeds can have serious effects if eaten. |
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Aloe Vera – Although the sap of Aloe Vera is used on humans for its skin soothing properties it can be harmful to pets. | Ingestion can be harmful | Harmful to cats if ingested. | The leaves contain a type of gel substance which isn’t harmful to your pet if it’s ingested, but the other parts of the plant can harm a dog’s digestive system. |
English Ivy - Foliage is more toxic than berries | Contact with ivy leaves can cause the skin to redden, itch, and blister. | Toxic to cats. | Dogs may develop a rash and/or breathing problems if the plant is eaten. |
Onion Herbs – garlic, leeks, spring onions, chives, etc. | Not harmful. | Can be toxic to cats. | Can be toxic to dogs. |
Daffodils | Ingestion of the bulbs can cause mouth and throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. | Flowers, leaves and bulbs can be toxic to cats. | Ingestion by dogs may cause an upset stomach, make them vomit, and make them very sleepy and uncoordinated. |
Pothos | Mildly harmful. | Poisonous, irritating to mouth and tongue. | Poisonous, irritating to mouth and tongue. |
Cyclamen - beautiful houseplant commonly sold in supermarkets. | Not harmful. | When swallowed it can result in increased salivation/drooling, diarrhoea, vomiting, and abnormal heartbeat and/or seizures. | When swallowed it can result in increased salivation/drooling, diarrhoea, vomiting, and abnormal heartbeat and/or seizures. |
Other plants that can be poisonous are listed here.