Poisonous Houseplants

Common Indoor Plants Which Are Toxic to Children and Pets

May 31, 2008 S. Elliott

Toxic houseplants can be dangerous to pets and young children; discover which varieties are toxic and keep them out of reach.

The following list of toxic houseplants includes popular houseplants that are grown in the home or brought indoors seasonally for decoration. Most appear on the list of plants commonly reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Never let children or pets play with houseplants, as even safe plants can cause allergic reactions, and insecticides may be present on a plant's leaves. If you or someone you know has ingested a poisonous plant, call a doctor immediately. If you believe there may be swelling of the mouth or throat, call 911.

Philodendron

Philodendron contains calcium oxalates that can cause difficulty swallowing, burning, itching and vomiting if any part of the plant is ingested.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy contains didehydrofalcarinol, falcarinol and hederasaponins and ingesting this toxic plant can cause vomiting, convulsions, paralysis and possibly coma. Allergic skin reactions to English ivy are also possible, resulting in painful blisters.

Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane

Dieffenbachia is another popular houseplant that contains calcium oxalates. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause problems swallowing, burning, itching and vomiting.

Hydrangea

The hydragin present in the leaves and buds of the hydrangea can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and coma. Sensitive individuals can also experience contact dermatitis.

Elephant's Ears

Caladium or elephant's ears contains calcium oxalates that can cause burning, itching, difficulty swallowing and vomiting if any part of the plant is ingested.

Bird of Paradise (Musaceae)

Bird of paradise produces large, dramatic orange and purple flowers that contain hydrocyanic acid. Accidental ingestion causes loss of coordination, disorientation, diarrhea and vomiting.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a very popular vine that contains calcium oxalates, which can cause burning, itching, vomiting and difficulty swallowing and if any part of the plant is ingested.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lily has large green leaves and produces dramatic white flowers. It contains calcium oxalates that can cause burning, itching, difficulty swallowing and vomiting if any part of the plant is ingested.

Chrysanthemums (xmorifolium)

The leaves and stems of the chrysanthemum contain arteglasin, which can cause contact dermatitis. Symptoms include redness, swelling, blistering and itching.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens)

American mistletoe is a popular holiday decoration. It is very toxic, containing toxalbumin and pharatoxin viscumin. Accidental ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, disorientation, difficulty breathing and cardiovascular collapse.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

Amaryllis produces large, showy flowers and is often brought indoors during fall and winter as a decorative display. Amaryllis bulbs contain lycorine among other toxic substances, and ingestion of the bulbs can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera is a popular herb and medicinal plant that is frequently kept indoors. The gel in its leaves is used in many skin preparations, but the aloe-emodin that exists in the yellow juice next to the rubbery outer portion of the leaf can cause contact dermatitis. It will also cause vomiting if ingested.

Umbrella Plant (Schefflera)

Umbrella plant contains calcium oxalates that can cause difficulty swallowing, burning, itching and vomiting if any part of the plant is ingested.

It's important to know about the toxic houseplants that can potentially harm your family, but teaching your children about plant safety is important too. As part of a plant safety strategy, take a moment to point out the dangers of non-food plants to your children, and keep all decorative plants out of reach of curious fingers and mouths.

This list isn't exhaustive. It doesn't cover less common plants, or plants that may be growing in your garden. For a more comprehensive list of plants to avoid, the ASPCA's toxic plant page has more information that can help you.

The copyright of the article Poisonous Houseplants in Houseplants is owned by S. Elliott. Permission to republish Poisonous Houseplants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Caladium lindenii 'Magnificum'