Complete Gardening
Indoor plants can enhance the beauty of your home and improve air quality, but not all plants are safe to keep indoors, especially if you have children or pets.
Some houseplants contain toxic compounds that can cause harm if ingested or touched. This blog post explores 18 toxic plants that you should avoid having inside your home.
Understanding these plants will help you make informed decisions and keep your living environment safe for everyone.
1. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, commonly known as dumb cane, is a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage. However, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat if ingested.
Ingesting parts of the plant may lead to difficulty speaking, hence its nickname. Pets and children are particularly at risk.
It’s best to keep this plant out of reach or choose a non-toxic alternative to ensure a safe environment.
2. Philodendron
Philodendrons are favored for their lush, green leaves and ease of care, but they can be harmful if ingested. They contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can irritate the digestive tract.
Symptoms of ingestion include oral irritation, pain, and swelling. Pets like cats and dogs are especially vulnerable.
Consider positioning these plants in areas out of reach or opting for a safer plant variety to prevent potential hazards.
3. Pothos
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is celebrated for its hardiness and air-purifying qualities. Unfortunately, it’s also toxic when ingested, containing calcium oxalates.
Ingestion can lead to oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, posing a risk to pets and children.
While it’s a wonderful plant for improving indoor air, it should be placed in spots inaccessible to curious hands and paws.
4. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are admired for their distinctive white flowers and ability to purify the air. However, they contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mild to moderate toxicity if ingested.
Symptoms may include oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing for both humans and pets.
Positioning this plant in a safe location away from children and animals is crucial, or consider selecting a safer alternative.
5. Oleander
Oleander is a stunning plant with vibrant flowers, yet all parts of it are highly toxic. It contains compounds like oleandrin and neriine that can affect the heart.
Ingesting even small amounts can lead to severe symptoms, including heart abnormalities, making it extremely dangerous.
Due to its high toxicity, it’s advisable to avoid growing Oleander indoors, especially in homes with pets or children.
6. Sago Palm
The Sago Palm is a popular ornamental plant, but it’s highly toxic to both humans and animals. Cycasin, found in all parts of the plant, can cause liver failure if ingested.
Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, liver damage. Pets, particularly dogs, are at high risk.
It’s essential to keep this plant out of homes with pets or curious children to avoid accidental ingestion.
7. English Ivy
English Ivy is commonly used for decoration, known for its lush, trailing vines. However, it can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested.
Ingesting it may lead to gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting. Children and pets are most at risk.
Consider choosing a non-toxic vine alternative, or ensure it’s positioned well out of reach to prevent accidental contact or ingestion.
8. Caladium
Caladiums are appreciated for their colorful leaves but pose a risk due to the calcium oxalate crystals they contain. If ingested, they can cause oral irritation and swelling.
Symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling of the mouth and throat, making it dangerous for pets and small children.
Consider keeping these plants out of homes with vulnerable individuals, or place them in inaccessible areas.
9. Foxglove
Foxglove is admired for its tall, striking flowers but is highly toxic. It contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause heart issues if ingested.
Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening heart disturbances.
Due to its severe toxicity, it’s best to avoid keeping Foxglove indoors, especially in homes with children or pets.
10. Azalea
Azaleas are beloved for their vibrant flowers, but they are toxic if ingested. They contain grayanotoxins, which can affect the cardiovascular system.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems. Pets and small children are most at risk if they chew on the leaves or flowers.
It’s wise to select safer flowering plants if you have pets or young children in your household.
11. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are popular for their large, stunning flowers but contain cyanogenic glycosides, making them toxic if ingested.
Symptoms include stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting, posing a risk to both humans and animals.
To ensure safety, consider choosing a non-toxic floral alternative or placing Hydrangeas in areas inaccessible to pets and children.
12. Daffodil
Daffodils are cheerful spring flowers but can be toxic if parts are ingested. They contain lycorine, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and more severe symptoms like convulsions.
Pets and children are especially vulnerable to poisoning.
To prevent any incidents, keep Daffodils out of reach or consider alternative non-toxic flowers for your indoor space.
13. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is known for its sweet fragrance and pretty blossoms, but it’s extremely toxic. It contains cardiac glycosides, which can lead to heart issues if ingested.
Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and heart irregularities.
This plant is best avoided in homes with pets or small children due to its high risk of toxicity.
14. Castor Bean Plant
The Castor Bean Plant is valued for its dramatic foliage but is highly toxic, containing ricin. Ingestion can be fatal, causing severe abdominal pain and organ failure.
It poses a significant risk to both humans and animals.
Due to its extreme toxicity, it’s advisable to avoid having this plant indoors or anywhere accessible to pets and children.
15. Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, often used for its bold, decorative leaves, contains calcium oxalates, making it toxic. If ingested, it can cause irritation of the mouth and throat.
Pets and children may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing if they chew on the leaves.
Consider placing this plant in a spot that is out of reach or opt for a non-toxic alternative.
16. Cyclamen
Cyclamen plants offer beautiful blooms but contain saponins, which are toxic if ingested. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, making it hazardous to pets.
It’s important to place Cyclamen out of reach of animals or choose a safer plant.
Keeping these plants away from curious pets will help prevent any unwanted health issues.
17. Wisteria
Wisteria is admired for its beautiful, cascading flowers but is toxic if ingested. It contains lectins and wisterin glycosides, leading to digestive upset if consumed.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pets and small children are particularly at risk.
Opt for a non-toxic flowering vine for indoor spaces to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
18. Arrowhead Plant
The Arrowhead Plant, known for its distinctive leaf shape, contains calcium oxalates. Ingestion can irritate the mouth and throat, leading to discomfort.
Pets and children might experience pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing if they come into contact with the plant.
To ensure safety, consider placing it in an area that’s not easily accessible or choose a safer plant variety for your home.