As a plant and pet lover, it is important to know which houseplants can be toxic. Some popular houseplants can be harmful or even fatal to your pets. Below is a list of some of the most toxic houseplants to animals.
Poisonous Houseplants for Animals and Their Dangers
The plants below are toxic to both cats and dogs.
Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing.
Philodendron
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Dieffenbachia
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, swelling of the tongue, and vomiting.
Spathiphyllum (Spring Lily)
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Caladium
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Ficus (Ficus benjamina)
Contains sap which causes skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Contains cardiac glycosides, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Azalea (Rhododendron)
Contains grayanotoxins, which cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
Clivia (Clivia miniata)
Contains lycorine, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Cyclamen
Contains saponins, which cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart rhythm disturbances.
Amaryllis
Contains lycorine, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Alocasia
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Kalanchoe
Contains bufadienolides, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and heart rhythm disturbances.
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Contains diterpenoids, which causes skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Schefflera
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa, hole plant)
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Contains calcium oxalates, which causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Sansevieria (Snake plant)
Contains saponins, which cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
These plants can have harmful effects on cats and dogs if ingested. Make sure your pets stay away from these plants to avoid health problems.
At The Green Bottle Garden we strive to provide plants that are both beautiful and safe for your pets. While Orchids and Bromeliads are generally safe, plants such as Anthuriums and some types of Bonsai should be avoided if you have pets.
An additional safety feature of The Green Bottle Garden plants is the glass vase in which they are placed, which provides protection against pets.
Always make sure you understand the specific needs and dangers of each plant before bringing it into your home.
Jonathan, Botanist at The Green Bottle Garden