A Practical Guide to Child and Pet-Safe Houseplants

Houseplants bring life and color into our homes, but it’s important to know that some popular varieties can be harmful if ingested by curious children or pets. You’re here because you want to create a safe environment for your loved ones, and this guide will help you do just that by identifying common toxic plants.

Understanding Plant Toxicity in the Home

When a plant is labeled “toxic,” it means it contains substances that can cause a negative reaction if eaten or, in some cases, touched. These reactions can range from mild irritation of the mouth and stomach to more severe, life-threatening symptoms. The risk is especially high for toddlers, who explore the world with their mouths, and pets like cats and dogs, who may chew on leaves out of boredom or curiosity.

It’s crucial to identify potentially dangerous plants in your home and take steps to prevent accidental poisoning. Below is a list of very common houseplants that pose a risk to both children and pets.

1. Philodendron (Philodendron species)

Philodendrons are incredibly popular for their lush, trailing vines and easy-care nature. However, they contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

Toxic Parts: Leaves, stems.
Symptoms in Children: Chewing can cause immediate and painful irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue. Symptoms include swelling, difficulty swallowing, and drooling.
Symptoms in Pets (Cats and Dogs): Intense oral irritation, pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Often called Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is another low-maintenance favorite that looks very similar to a Philodendron. It also contains calcium oxalate crystals, leading to similar symptoms.

Toxic Parts: All parts of the plant.
Symptoms in Children: Pain and swelling in the mouth, excessive drooling, and potential for stomach upset if a large amount is ingested.
Symptoms in Pets: Oral irritation, vomiting, and drooling. It’s a very common cause of calls to pet poison hotlines.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Known for its elegant white flowers and air-purifying qualities, the Peace Lily is a staple in many homes. Like the plants above, its toxicity comes from insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

Toxic Parts: Leaves, stems, and flowers.
Symptoms in Children and Pets: Immediate burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the lips and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.

4. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is famous for being nearly indestructible. While its toxicity is generally considered mild, it can still cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Toxic Parts: Leaves.
Symptoms in Children: Ingestion can lead to short-term symptoms like mouth pain, salivation, and some nausea. Rarely, it can produce a skin reaction.
Symptoms in Pets: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

5. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

The common name “Dumb Cane” directly refers to its toxic effect. This plant has large, beautiful leaves but contains a high concentration of calcium oxalate crystals.

Toxic Parts: All parts.
Symptoms in Children and Pets: Chewing on any part of the plant causes a powerful, painful inflammatory reaction. The crystals lead to intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat, which can be severe enough to block airways, causing an inability to speak (hence “dumb” cane).

6. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

This plant is extremely dangerous and should be kept out of homes with children and pets. While it looks like a small palm tree, it’s actually a cycad, and all parts are highly toxic.

Toxic Parts: All parts, but the seeds (or “nuts”) are the most concentrated and dangerous.
Symptoms in Children and Pets: Ingestion can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The toxin, cycasin, can lead to liver failure and is often fatal, especially for dogs. This plant is a true medical emergency.

7. Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)

This is a critical warning for cat owners. True lilies, including Tiger, Day, Easter, and Stargazer lilies, are extremely toxic to cats. Ingesting even a tiny amount of the plant, including the pollen or water from the vase, can cause rapid and irreversible kidney failure.

Toxic Parts: All parts.
Symptoms in Cats: Vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Without immediate veterinary intervention, the outcome is often fatal.
Note: These lilies are not considered toxic to dogs or humans, but Peace Lilies and Calla Lilies (which aren’t true lilies) can cause oral irritation in dogs and children.

8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

A classic climbing plant, English Ivy is often used in decorative pots and hanging baskets. It contains compounds called saponins that can cause problems if ingested.

Toxic Parts: Primarily the leaves.
Symptoms in Children: Eating the leaves can result in a burning sensation in the throat, skin irritation, rash, and fever.
Symptoms in Pets: Vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, and diarrhea.

What to Do in Case of Ingestion

If you suspect a child or pet has ingested a toxic plant, act immediately.

For a Child: Remove any remaining plant material from their mouth. Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so.
For a Pet: Remove any plant material from their mouth. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. A fee may apply, but their expert advice can be life-saving.

Safe and Beautiful Houseplant Alternatives

The good news is that there are many stunning houseplants that are completely safe for the whole family. Consider adding these to your collection:

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Calathea or Prayer Plant (Calathea species)
Haworthia (often called Zebra Cactus)
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
African Violet (Saintpaulia)

By choosing your plants carefully, you can enjoy the beauty of nature indoors without compromising the safety of your curious grandkids and beloved pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of plant poisoning in a pet? The most common initial signs are drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, and a sudden lack of appetite or lethargy. Any unusual behavior after potential plant exposure warrants a call to your veterinarian.

Is it enough to just place toxic plants on a high shelf? While placing plants out of reach is a good first step, it is not foolproof. Children can climb, and cats are notorious for accessing high places. Falling leaves or petals can also land on the floor where they can be found. The safest option is to remove highly toxic plants, like Sago Palms and lilies, from homes with pets and small children.

Are all succulents safe for pets? No, this is a common misconception. While many succulents like Haworthia and Echeveria are safe, others such as Aloe Vera and Jade Plants (Crassula ovata) are toxic and can cause vomiting and digestive upset. Always check the specific type of succulent before bringing it home.