Pet Owners Should Avoid These Houseplants with Toxins that Could Poison Pets and Consider Pet-Friendly Solutions instead
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants can be beneficial for human health, however when dogs and cats consume the leaves they could develop apathy nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as per the ASPCA. 1
Pet-Safe Replacement: Haworthia
An a member of the succulent family, the haworthia is small and low-growing with distinctive white studded bands around its leaves. They thrive in moist and bright environments with lots of drainage. The form and shape reminds us of aloe. It is suitable for both cats and canines.
Clivia
Clivia plants have beautiful tropical flowers. But the flowers as well as the remainder of the plant have the chemical lycorine. It may cause diarrhea and nausea for pets. 2 3
Pet-Safe Replacement: African Violet
Saintpaulia is also known by its more common name of African violet, features lush green leaves as well as stunning annual flowers that blossom in blues, purples as well as reds, pinks and white. The flowers and leaves are safe for cats as well as dogs, so they are perfect for people looking for an easy-care, flowering plant. 4 5
Asparagus Fern
The asparagus fern may trigger allergic dermatitis (and numerous itching) when touched as well as its berries may cause diarrhea and vomiting if you eat them. 6 7
Pet-Safe Replacements: Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Famous for their fanciful green leaves Boston Ferns are a timeless aesthetic that can add beauty to any space. The plants thrive best in cool, dry conditions with moderate humidity and indirect light. They are among the most simple varieties of ferns to take care of They're also suitable for animals. 8 9
04of 10Monstera
Monstera (also known as Swiss cheese plants due to obvious reasons. They're popular with parents. However, these exotic beautiful plants can be dangerous for pets. They're loaded with calcium oxalates which may cause severe burning in the mouth, tongue and mouth. They can also cause difficulty breathing. 10 11
Pet-Safe Replacement Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
In the winter months Cacti for Christmas are beautiful additions to your home. They require minimal care and are able to adapt to dim light environments. It's one of the easily-propagated succulents It's not harmful to animals. Therefore, cut it down and plant it again until you have one in each room. 12 13
Corn Plant
Also known as dracaena, and dragon tree. The corn plant contains saponins which may cause vomiting, dilation of pupils as well as hypersalivation. They can also cause anorexia in pet animals. 14 15
Pet-Safe Replacement: Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
An air-plant type, staghorn ferns prefer to be positioned on a wooden board and then hung in a window in order to permit the exchange of humidity and air. The ferns resemble the antlers of deer's antlers, these pet-safe are now regarded as art installations. 16
Sago Palm
Sago palms are certainly among the ones to stay clear of for pet owners. They have cycasin in them, which may cause liver failure or damage in hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and the death. 17 18
Pet-Safe Replacement: Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Like its name suggests, the parlor palm can be described as the perfect houseplant as unlike most varieties of palms they can withstand less light and cooler temperatures. It is a cluster-forming plant that are elegantly arched foliage that forms a lovely canopy. The attractive plant is safe and can be a fantastic air cleanser. 19 20
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are among the most famous plants among pet owners. As with many of the plants on this list, they contain calcium oxalates that may cause problems swallowing along with irritation and burning within the mouth and tongue. 21 22
Pet-Safe Replacement: Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)
A tropical-inspired look for your property is effortless by simply adding an hibiscus flower and thrives in light direct as well as temperatures between 55 and 70 ° F. While it is difficult to take care of when you grow it in temperate climates, when you've mastered the process, you'll be blessed by stunningly gorgeous flowering plants that are pet friendly. 23 24
Pothos
The pothos plant, which is a favorite among gardeners, is an easy option for those who love plants, but it's important to ensure that your cats and pets clear of the plant. The plant is poisonous because of the calcium oxalate crystals that may irritate your mouth and trigger vomiting, drooling as well as difficulty taking a drink. 25 26
Pet-Safe Replacement: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The leaves are gracefully trailing like grass Spider plants are robust plants that thrive across a variety of climates. The plant is great to hang because it produces smaller, spindly spiderettes that hang on the mother plant like they would on a web. They are secure for any pet or cat that is curious. 27 28
Jade Plant
The well-known succulent could induce vomiting, depression as well as incoordination among pet animals, according to the ASPCA.
Pet-Safe Replacement Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea mucipula)
The plant is known for its carnivorous character and its carnivorous nature, it is known for its carnivorous nature. Venus Fly Trap is an incredibly beautiful plant with eyes-like teeth that tie together after being the prey is triggered. It is native to the swamps of the Carolinas The Venus fly trap thrives in humid and bright conditions. Although it is deadly to gnats and tiny insects, this attractive species is totally pet-safe. 29 30
Amaryllis
The holiday treats contain Lycorine as well as other toxic chemicals that can trigger vomiting, diarrhea and even tremors for pets. 31 32
Pet-Safe Replacement: Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
The plants are known for their distinct shiny green leaves as well as their amazingly sweet flowers, the wax plants are tolerant of very dry climates, making the perfect indoor plant. The flowers are shaped like stars and grow in beautiful clusters of wax that vary from white to pink. They make sweet nectar, it's an excellent that these plants aren't toxic. 33 34
How to Keep Pets and Plants Safe
The process of convincing your houseplants and pets to coexist can be an uphill task. Although well-behaved Fluffy might be, just turn your back and you're bound to spot Fluffy grabbing a bite of her food or scratching the dirt of the beloved plant.
However, even "safe" plants can make pets sick if they consume enough of the plants. Naturally, this won't be good for the plant either. If you want to help your pets and plants be successful in cohabitation, follow these strategies:
- Place dangerous plants in safe areas. If you have plants that are toxic keep them in areas that are fenced off from pets, or place them in a safe area for example, on tall shelves in a bookshelf or even in a bathroom or spare room that's closed.
- Be sure that your pets are secure when they're left unattended. Blocking or removing your pet from spaces with plants may make sure they don't get plants when you're away.
- Make sure to cover the soil. If your pets dig stop them from breaking into the soil by covering it with pebbles and shells or shells. You can also cover the soil with Tin foil or other substances that don't make their feet feel comfortable.
- Give them alternatives to digging or chew on. Reduce the attraction of plants by providing pets with alternative places in which they can scratch and chew like chewing toy, scratching posts or even the possibility of a "digging spot" in the garden.
- Use spray deterrents. The application of a spray that isn't chewable, like bitter apple or lemon juice can help keep your pet from eating delicate leaves.