Dangerous Beauties Our home environment benefits from houseplants in a number of ways. They may be edible or medicinal, purify the air, and add visual interest to the house.
Aloe vera, a common plant that is praised for its easy care, beautiful shape, and calming gel, is a staple in kitchens. However, even these useful and commonly grown plants may be toxic.
Plants that are toxic can be harmful to elderly people with dementia as well as pets, children, and pets. Even though it is best to keep all plants out of the reach of people who might crush, eat, or taste them, this is not always possible. You might want to keep the houseplants in this article out of your home if you are concerned that someone in your family might ingest them.
How poisonous plants can be to people and pets Poisoning can occur from:
Eating or contacting leaves
Ingesting berries, blooms, or roots
Connecting with sap or squeezes
Eating soil
Drinking water from plant plate
Most nursery communities don’t give cautioning names on their pruned plants noticing conceivable harmfulness. Learn which common plants pose the greatest threat to your home’s most vulnerable members before you buy that philodendron or pretty lily.
Ten Dangerous Houseplants Philodendron Pothos Arrowhead Lily Peace Lily Dieffenbachia Oleander Caladium Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Ivy Plants and Their Toxicity to People and Pets Is This Plant Dangerous to People? Poisonous to Canines? Poisonous to Felines?
Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mildly Mild The following are two philodendrons with various leaf shapes.
One of the most popular houseplants is the philodendron. Two philodendrons with distinct leaf shapes are displayed here.
1. Philodendron The lovely philodendron is one of the most popular house plants and is simple to grow. Despite the fact that it is frequently the ideal finishing touch for any room, it contains toxic calcium oxalate crystals.
The philodendron can either produce flowers or not. Vining plants should be kept well out of reach of children and pets and their tendrils and leaves trimmed at all times. Plants that don’t flower should be kept on shelves or high window sills.
Humans: Ingestion of philodendron typically results in only mild adverse effects in humans, including dermatitis and digestive tract and mouth swelling. Children have died in rare instances or after ingesting large quantities.
Felines and Canines: Philodendron significantly affects pets, with reports of fits, seizures, agony, and enlarging. Cats appear to be more prone to exposure.
One of the best houseplants for removing pollutants from the air is pothos, or devil’s ivy, according to NASA.
One of the best houseplants for removing pollutants from the air is pothos, or devil’s ivy, according to NASA.
2. Pothos Pothos Ivy, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is recommended due to its tolerant nature, beautiful variegated leaves, and ability to purify the air. In point of fact, it is regarded as one of the most effective air purification plants.
Cuttings are also simple to propagate. As a result, these are frequently given to individuals as housewarming or starter plants. They then have multiple rooted plants from the parent plant.
In small quantities, pothos is thought to be only mildly harmful, but it can cause unpleasant and sometimes serious side effects in humans and animals.
Humans: mouthburn, irritation of the skin, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, nausea, and diarrhea.
Dogs and cats: choking, drooling, tongue and mouth swelling, difficulty breathing, and upset stomach Can prompt renal disappointment as well as death.
Long, heart-shaped leaves are characteristic of Arrowhead plants (Syngonium podophyllum).
Long, heart-shaped leaves are characteristic of Arrowhead plants (Syngonium podophyllum).
3. Arrowhead Plant This plant is similar to the philodendron and requires little maintenance. In dish gardens, it is frequently grouped with other plants that need similar care. Arrowhead plants are frequently given as gifts.
Heart-shaped leaves give young plants their bushy appearance. Climbing stems and arrowhead-shaped leaves are characteristic of older plants.
Even if this plant is out of reach, it is still a good idea to check frequently for fallen leaves because the leaves are constantly shed and regrown.
Animals and humans: Skin irritation, upset stomach, and vomiting.
Like this Asian lily, many “lilies” are particularly harmful to cats.
Like this Asian lily, many “lilies” are particularly harmful to cats.
4. Lily and the Lily Plant Few flowers are as stunning as lilies. These colorful plants are popular both indoors and out, with the calla lily’s elegant, curved bloom and the Easter lily, which is a seasonal favorite.
Some lilies are more harmful to animals, particularly cats, than to humans, and not all lilies are toxic. If you don’t know what kind of lily you have, be safe and plant them away from play areas in the outdoors or out of reach in the house.
Toxic Types The most hazardous types include:
The Calla Lily, which can kill children, the Easter Lily, the Rubrum Lily, the Tiger Lily Day Lily, and the Asian Lily are all examples of lilies that can cause distinct symptoms in humans or animals. Dogs are less likely than cats to be poisoned by lilies.
Humans: upset stomach, nausea, headache, hazy vision, and irritation of the skin
Cats: The plant is thought to be toxic in every way. Side effects will incorporate retching, laziness, and absence of craving. If not treated, renal and liver failure can result in death.
Despite the fact that peace lilies are not true lilies, they are still harmful to pets and humans.
Despite the fact that peace lilies are not true lilies, they are still harmful to pets and humans.
5. Spathiphyllum, or peace lily, is not a true lily because it does not belong to the Liliaceae family. The “Mauna Loa” peace lily is one of the most common indoor ornamentals, but there are many other varieties.
It is a South American perennial with glossy leaves and a distinctive white bloom that emerges from a central stalk. Because they thrive in the shade, they are ideal for dimly lit apartments and rooms.
Additionally, they are excellent air purifiers. However, if humans or animals ingest them, they can cause painful symptoms and even death, just like pothos and philodendrons.
Humans: difficulty speaking or swallowing, burning and swelling of the tongue, lips, and mouth, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Dogs and cats: Peace lilies are listed as toxic to dogs and cats on all animal safety websites, including the ASPCA’s, despite conflicting information regarding their toxicity. Burning mouth, excessive salivation, diarrhea, dehydration, lack of appetite, and vomiting are all noted symptoms. Peace-lily poisoning can result in renal failure if left untreated.
Dieffenbachia can result in tongue and throat paralysis.
Dieffenbachia can result in tongue and throat paralysis.
6. The Dieffenbachia is also known as a dumb cane. This plant has the same oxalate crystals as the philodendron and is related to it. Dieffenbachia has fleshy, thick stems and leaves that are typically solid green with yellow or green markings on occasion.
Because the large plants are typically kept in pots on the floor or on low pedestals, dumb cane is more likely to be consumed. Dieffenbachia, in contrast to philodendron, typically only causes mild to moderate symptoms in humans and animals after they are consumed.
Animals and Humans: extreme pain in the mouth, burning sensation, salivation, throat swelling, and numbness.
One of the most lethal ornamentals is oleander.
One of the most lethal ornamentals is oleander.
7. Oleander Nerium oleander is so toxic that even consuming honey made from its nectar can cause symptoms, despite its innocent appearance.
Even a single leaf can cause death in adult humans, but the majority of deaths occur when very large quantities are consumed. Oleander plants should be kept away from children because they are more susceptible.
Humans: tremors, dizziness, and an arrhythmia
Felines and Canines: Vomiting, arrhythmia, and chilly extremities
Both humans and animals are harmed by the toxic beauty and decorative caladium.
Both humans and animals are harmed by the toxic beauty and decorative caladium.
via Flickr 8, CC BY 2.0, Natalie Maynor Another bulb plant from South America with long-lasting foliage is the caladium. They are used as houseplants and for landscaping outside. They are also known as angel’s wings and elephant’s ears.
Caladiums are a lovely addition to collections of greenery because they come in a variety of colors, including white, red, and pink. They thrive in low light conditions and can occasionally be forced to produce intriguing blooms that are similar to those of the calla lily.
All pieces of the caladium are thought of as poisonous to people and creatures.
Humans: Following ingestion, symptoms may include: difficulty breathing, speaking, and swallowing, as well as possible blocked airways that could result in death, painful burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat.
Dogs and cats: Drowsiness, difficulty breathing, nausea, trembling, head shaking, and vomiting.
The pointed leaves of this decorative plant are well-known.
The pointed leaves of this decorative plant are well-known.
9. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, also known as the Snake Plant The mother-in-law’s tongue, also known as the snake plant, is another excellent floor plant. Its leathery, sword-like leaves gave the plant its sharp name. The mother-in-law’s tongue can look good with a bunch of softer, bushier plants because of its clean, straight shape.
Green with flecks of white, yellow, and silver is mottled or variegated on the leaves. The mother-in-law’s tongue is also known as a good-luck plant because it is believed to shield a home from evil influences. However, this may not be the case for pets.
Humans: Short-lived symptoms like mouth pain, salivation, and nausea are caused by the low toxicity. It can occasionally cause an allergic reaction to the skin, but it is mostly toxic if eaten.
Dogs and cats: Excessive salivation, pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are all possible side effects.
English ivy is an excellent indoor plant that should be kept out of pets’ reach.
English ivy is an excellent indoor plant that should be kept out of pets’ reach.
10. Ivy
Ivy (frequently called “English ivy”) is an enchanting sight when it creeps over stone or block facades or makes cool, rich covering underneath trees. Ivy is hung from baskets to create a beautiful, cascading display inside.
Wreaths and centerpieces made of ivy are common holiday decorations. Ivy is a wonderful addition to homes with pets because it not only serves as beautiful and traditional decoration but also filters out airborne feces.
Humans: Ivy can irritate the skin severely. Consumption can result in a rash, burning sensations in the mouth and throat, stupor, convulsions, and fever. Usually, eating a lot of the plant will only cause severe symptoms.
Dogs and cats: Hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, and gasping for air are all symptoms.
Pets, Kids, and Harmful Plants
Giving safe plants to your feline to eat is one way to keep your pet sound!
One way to keep your cat healthy is to provide them with safe plants to eat!
Tips for Keeping Your Plants Safe Despite the fact that these plants could be dangerous, you can still enjoy them in your home. However long you take care to follow some fundamental wellbeing measures, plants, kids, and pets can coincide calmly.
Reduce your exposure to plant toxins in the following ways:
Place plants in areas where pets and children are not permitted or out of reach.
Maintain plants frequently and clean up after debris.
Put the plant’s name and whether or not it is toxic on the label of the pots.
When handling plants that could irritate the skin or eyes, wear gloves or wash your hands immediately.
Keep plant clippings where you can easily find them and don’t throw them away.
Discourage children from touching plants.
Trim plants to prevent vines from being accessed by pets and children. The plants will in any case compensate you with totality and foliage that refines the air.
Remember that plants summering outside can be perilous to open air pets. Hang them high on yards or plant stands.
Pets should never be allowed to drink from plant trays, so you should always provide them with clean water. The water can be contaminated with toxins.
To keep animals and plants safe from toxic water and mold, use self-watering pots or automatic plant waterers.
To hold felines back from getting to plants that are far away from youngsters and canines, have a go at utilizing balancing bird enclosures to hold the pots. Confines give additional security to the plants and a touch of visual interest to the room.
One way to keep mold-free soil and get rid of hazardous water in saucers is to use self-watering pots.
Self-watering pots are one method for wiping out risky water in saucers and keep soil liberated from shape.
Additional Safety Advice: Keep fertilizers and potting soils out of reach.
Look for insects in the plants.
Replace cracked or broken pots by regularly checking for mold and mildew in the soil and pots. For plastic pots that have been outside in the elements, this is especially important.
Make sure that the hanging baskets can withstand the plant’s weight.
Vining plants should not be placed where the tendrils can be reached. The plant could be pulled from the shelf by tugging by a child or pet.
Check to see that the plant can be supported by the ceiling hooks and plant shelves.
Give cats safe plants to eat.
In the average home, Clean Air NASA recommends using at least fifteen plants. Here are a few top of the line plants for air decontamination:
• Pothos ivy • Philodendron • English ivy • Peace lily • Weeping fig Check to see that the hanging pots you use can hold the weight of the plant. By making the tendrils climb the chain, you can also keep them out of reach.
Check to see that the hanging pots you use can withstand the plant’s weight. By making the tendrils climb the chain, you can also keep them out of reach.
Note Concerning Risks Individuals and professionals frequently disagree regarding which plants are or are not toxic. While staying safe is always recommended, keep in mind that just because a plant may be toxic does not always mean it will kill you. Perhaps, the plant being referred to will taste dreadful enough that creatures and individuals let it be. Place a plant out of reach if you’re not sure, but don’t feel like you have to give up the benefits and beauty of plants.
Keep in mind that even plants that aren’t toxic can be dangerous.
Small berries, leaves, or woody stems could chokingly irritate children or pets. Weighty plants can bring down, and forcefully pointed leaves can stick or cut the hands or mouth. Your plants will be protected from harm by high shelves and hanging baskets, allowing you to still enjoy the health benefits of live plants.
Extra Data on House Plant Harmfulness
The reason for this article is to make mortgage holders aware of possibly harmful plants, not to supplant clinical counsel or treatment. Visit the links below for more specific and comprehensive information on the various symptoms of plant poisoning in pets and humans.
Non-Toxic House Plants for Children, Cats, and Dogs Poisonings caused by plants are the third most common cause of illness and death in children and are the cause of thousands of pet emergencies each year. The plants on this list will not only provide you with tranquility but also stunning foliage.
Plants That Cats Can Eat | petMD Cats love to chew on plants. Furthermore, it is difficult to keep plants out of their reach because they enjoy exploring and climbing. Learn to recognize plants that pose a threat to your cat.
Animal Poison Control | ASPCA You can call the ASPCA any time you think your pet has eaten something that could be harmful. A comprehensive database of toxic and non-toxic plants can also be found on their Animal Poison Control Center page.
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this article is accurate. The information and entertainment provided by the content do not constitute legal, business, financial, or technical advice and are only for informational and entertainment purposes.
Aritas T. Benito’s remarks on August 29, 2020:
This information is beneficial. Thank you so much; this is very helpful to those who are unaware of beautiful, air purifying plants that are also poisonous.
on November 28, 2019: prince
Beautiful plants, but unfortunately harmful to pets and humans, should not be grown indoors or outdoors.
On the 14th of November 2019, Nick Christensen:
What some canine proprietors may not know is that there are a few plants and blossoms that are risky to our fuzzy relatives. To avoid poisoning our dogs, it is preferable to conduct some research on our garden’s plants. Additionally, teach your dogs not to eat other things. In the worst case, if your dog has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian.
On April 8, 2019, Richard Broadhead said:
Are there any lilies in the bouquet at all? Who came up with the idea to kill them with art?
Patricia Scott from North Focal Florida on Walk 24, 2019:
Important information for pet owners everywhere Thank you for sharing; angels are on their way to you this afternoon. ps Cyndi on March 24, 2019:
Calla lilies, rhododendrons, azaleas, foxgloves, and angel trumpets are also extremely toxic. Even if a plant is said to be safe, any animal can get sick and die from an allergic reaction. Spider plants are safe, but someone might be allergic to them. Keep everyone safe!
On February 10, 2019, Kay said:
My 7-month-old gsd just ate peace lilies or chewed on them. Can I give her charcoal tablets? She has diarrhea but behaves normally.
In this instance, I’ve been blessed because my 96-year-old mother, who was always a country girl, was a safety nazi when we were young and taught us which plants were poisonous and which ones we could eat and cook with. My children are also aware of this. I had assumed that most parents were aware of this, but I hadn’t realized how uncommon it was. However, we have never been able to teach you how to play bingo or place a wager on a horse.
On August 20, 2018, Carol:
Every Sunday from church, I bring bundles of Easter lilies home and surround our bedroom with them for their beauty and scent. Presently with my significant other and I have the vibe of razors cutting down our legs and extreme muscle and joint hurts! It’s like what befell me 10 yrs back from taking CIPRO and LEVAQUIN harms have started from the very beginning once more! It took me ten years to stop having these painful effects, but now I can’t smell anything even slightly toxic or take any antibiotics without having the pain come back and last for up to six months!!! So presently I found my feline lapping for quite a while out of a bowl that had a severed lilly bloom in it, while I was dozing profoundly. I am grateful to God that I awoke to that lapping sound. Because of this, I got up to check with Google to see if it was poisonous, and it was! He spit half a cup of water on the floor, along with one blade of the weed grass I also had in that bowl, which I found. I promptly hustled out that late Sunday 3 AM to CVS and purchased Actuated CHARCOAL containers and blended in with water and needle splashed in down his throat for 2 days. Buster is fine, thank GOD! He probably threw most of it on the floor, but the charcoal absorbed the residue and turned his turds black and hard! After surgery, I needed to get rid of a lot of pain medications because they now always hurt my muscles and joints. I even took a charcoal capsule and felt better.
Since these lilies are my favorite flower, I just moved them to a safe place in my home. However, this was only after I used a small jar to remove all of the pollen pads and even the pistols from each one and flushed them! Then an amazing event occurred: These flowers, which were only a week old when these pistols and pollen pads were removed from them, greatly improved and retained their beauty for an additional week! It was like neutralizing the stress of draining from each flower. After NEUTERING each lily flower, they seemed to shine more brightly. I don’t clip the newly opened flowers; rather, I wait until all of them have opened wide, while these poison Pads are solid and tight, before I forcefully attack!
A ton of additional work, yet worth the effort.
Furthermore, Indeed, get your feline a major self watering pot loaded up with a choice of the multitude of grasses he could need to snack on, so he won’t have a go at testing terrible things once more.
I did once suffer the death of a huge, 4-year-old Rottweiler; Then, bizarrely, we discovered a heap of vomit containing Oleander leaves that had been chewed up! Truly sad.
We started by wondering why she wouldn’t eat, why her eyes were watering a lot, and why her bottom eyelids were dropping down, showing the inside of her eyes. Everything was really red and bloody, and a little blood was trickling out of both her mouth and nose!
When we went to load up the medication, we discovered that she had already passed away by the time we were able to find an emergency veterinarian late on Sunday night.
This was so tragically awful, and to learn that she did indeed suffer greatly!
Web uncovered each goliath oleander bramble that the previous proprietors here had encompass this 1/2 acre…but NOW we find that our wonderful Heavenly messengers Trumpets are destructive as well! Why is beauty synonymous with killing?
Additionally, we had those enormous star-shaped leaves on the “WEED-bush-can grow to tree size” that is the source of “RICIN,” which I assume are the enormous brownish speckled seeds.
It scares me to think that my house was completely poisonous inside and out!
