Complete Gardening
Welcome to our green guide on houseplants that may not be the best companions indoors this year.
Whether it’s because they aren’t pet-friendly, require more light than your cozy living room can offer, or simply tend to take over your space, here’s the lowdown on 35 plants you might want to reconsider keeping inside.
1. Oleander
Oleander is beautiful but extremely toxic.
Every part of this plant is poisonous, and it can pose serious health risks to children and pets.
It’s best admired from a distance, preferably outdoors.
2. Philodendron
While philodendrons are popular for their low maintenance, they can be toxic if ingested.
Pets, especially cats, might find them irresistible, so keep them out of reach or out of your home.
3. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are beautiful and known for their air-purifying capabilities, but they’re also harmful to pets if ingested.
Their pollen can cause allergic reactions in humans, too.
4. English Ivy
English Ivy is known for its decorative appeal but can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested by pets.
It’s better suited for outdoor settings where it can climb freely.
5. Jade Plant
Jade plants are lovely succulents that can thrive indoors, but they are toxic to pets.
If your household includes curious cats or dogs, it might be best to keep them outside.
6. Ficus
Ficus plants can cause skin irritation and are not pet-friendly.
They also require plenty of light and can quickly outgrow indoor spaces, making them better suited for outdoor environments.
7. Asparagus Fern
Despite its name, the asparagus fern is not a true fern and can cause allergic reactions.
It’s also mildly toxic to pets, so it’s best used as an outdoor hanging plant.
8. Dieffenbachia
Also known as dumb cane, dieffenbachia is toxic to both humans and pets.
Ingesting it can cause oral irritation, so it’s best kept away from curious hands and paws.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular plant for its medicinal properties, but it can be harmful to pets if ingested.
Its sap is useful, but the plant should be kept out of reach of animals.
10. Caladium
Caladiums are known for their colorful foliage but are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
They require high humidity and indirect light, making them more suitable for outdoor gardens.
11. Snake Plant
Snake plants are hardy and great for air purification, but they are toxic to pets.
If ingested, they can cause nausea and vomiting in animals, so consider keeping them outdoors.
12. Azalea
Azaleas are stunning with their vibrant blooms but are highly toxic to both humans and pets if ingested.
They’re better suited for the garden where they can thrive naturally.
13. Pothos
Pothos is easy to care for but poses risks to pets if consumed.
Its leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation, making it safer outdoors.
14. Monstera
Monstera plants are trendy but can be toxic to pets.
They require ample space and humidity, conditions more easily met in outdoor environments.
15. Sago Palm
Sago palms are extremely toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Their seeds and leaves can cause severe reactions, so they’re best kept in outdoor areas well away from curious animals.
16. Cyclamen
Cyclamens are beloved for their colorful blooms but are toxic to pets.
Ingestion can lead to severe health issues, making them unsuitable for indoor environments.
17. Dumb Cane
Similar to dieffenbachia, dumb cane can cause oral irritation and swelling if ingested.
It’s safer to enjoy this plant in outdoor settings or high, unreachable spots.
18. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are known for their colorful flowers but can be harmful to pets.
They thrive in bright light, making them more suited for outdoor balconies or gardens.
19. Lantana
Lantanas are beautiful but toxic if ingested.
They require full sun, which makes them more appropriate for garden settings rather than indoor decor.
20. ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are low-maintenance but contain toxins that can irritate skin and are harmful if ingested by pets.
They thrive in low light, making them more appropriate for shaded outdoor areas.
21. Castor Bean
Castor bean plants are highly toxic and not suitable for indoor environments.
All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, contain ricin, making them extremely dangerous if ingested.
22. Bird of Paradise
While visually captivating, bird of paradise plants can be toxic to pets.
They thrive in bright, sunny conditions, which are more easily found outdoors.
23. Cactus
Cacti are not toxic, but their spines can be harmful to pets and children.
They need lots of light and minimal water, making them perfect for outdoor rock gardens.
24. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are popular for their vibrant colors but can be toxic to pets.
They thrive outdoors where they can get ample sunlight and fresh air.
25. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreens are tolerant of low light but can be toxic to pets.
Their sap can cause skin irritation, making them better suited to outdoor conditions.
26. Croton
Crotons are known for their striking foliage but can cause skin irritation and are toxic if ingested by pets.
They flourish best in warm, sunny outdoor environments.
27. Daphne
Daphnes are admired for their scent, but all parts of the shrub are toxic if ingested.
They require specific soil and light conditions, more easily met outdoors.
28. Euphorbia
Euphorbias have a latex sap that is irritating to skin and eyes.
Many species are toxic if ingested, making them better suited for outdoor desert landscapes.
29. Hyacinth
Hyacinths are loved for their scent and color but can cause skin irritation and are toxic to pets.
They thrive in the cool, fresh air of outdoor spring gardens.
30. Iris
Irises are beautiful but contain toxins that can cause digestive discomfort if ingested by pets.
They require full sun, making them ideal for open gardens.
31. Morning Glory
Morning glories are fast-growing but contain seeds that are toxic if ingested.
They require lots of sunlight and space to climb, making them better suited to garden trellises.
32. Narcissus
Narcissus, or daffodils, are iconic spring flowers but are toxic if ingested by pets.
They prefer outdoor conditions where they can bask in full sunlight.
33. Poinsettia
Poinsettias are popular holiday plants but can cause mild irritation to pets.
They need specific light conditions, often found in outdoor settings, to thrive.
34. Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are stunning but extremely toxic if ingested.
They require acidic soil and a specific climate, making them more suitable for outdoor gardens.
35. Yew
Yews are classic and ornamental but contain toxins in their foliage and seeds.
They are best placed in outdoor gardens where they can grow without posing a risk to pets and humans.