12 Indoor Plants That Can Harm Your Pets

Bringing lush greenery into your home creates a calming air , but for households with curious computed tomography or playful blackguard , some popular houseplants can pose serious jeopardy . As a gardener who ’s see too many nonplused pups and distressed kitties after sampling a tempting leaf , I know how heartbreaking it is when a simple flora becomes a hidden hazard — it ’s such a bummer when your indoor oasis turn into an emergency ! encyclopedism which plants contain toxins and how they deport in your space is the first step toward create a pet - good surroundings .

In this article , we ’ll research twelve vernacular indoor plants that are toxic to cats , dog , or both . For each , you ’ll discover its aboriginal line of descent , how it typically grows — whether it stay on neatly in its pot or tends to overspread — and even the midget critter it might draw , like fungus gnats or mealybugs . build up with this information , you may make informed decisiveness : rehome these stunner , place them well out of paw ’s range , or deputize equally stunning , safe alternatives .

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Native to West Africa , the Snake Plant is loved for its architectural , unsloped leaves that thrive on neglect , make it hone for initiate . Its soil — often kept on the drier side — can attract fungus gnats when overwatered , drawing little insects into your aliveness room ecosystem . Insects like these can fetch predatory mites or ladybird beetle if you usher in them for biocontrol .

Unfortunately , Snake Plant contains saponins that can do sickness , vomiting , and diarrhoea in pets who chew the leaf . After one of my cats accept a curious nibble , I recognize these improbable planter needed barricading ! Placing Snake Plants on a high shelf or in a hang basket is the safest way to enjoy their streamlined silhouette without put on the line a trip to the veterinary surgeon .

Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceumand others)

philodendron hail from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America , where they rise trees and sprawling across the forest floor . Indoors , they fly high in bright , indirect lighter and well - draining grime , rarely escaping their crapper . Their dense foliation often bring home the bacon intimate microhabitats for beneficial insects like ladybugs , which patrol for aphid .

However , all part of this plant life hold back indissoluble calcium oxalate crystal that cause intense oral botheration , drooling , and difficultness swallowing when ingested . I once had a neighbour ’s kitten cease up with a swollen mouth after sampling a low - hang leafage ! To protect your pet , grow philodendrons on marvellous stands or behind glass partition , keeping those glossy leaves out of reach .

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

aboriginal to South Africa and Mozambique , the Jade Plant is a succulent superstar recognise for its glossy , thick leaves and tree - similar form . It ’s unco low - maintenance and remains neatly confined to its heap , but if the filth dries out too much , it can attract flyspeck springtails that flourish in drier weather .

All part of Jade Plant contain bufadienolides , which can cause vomiting , lassitude , and cardiac abnormality in pets . One curious pup in my neighborhood discovered this the hard way ! Elevating hussy on a sturdy ledge or using a wall - go up planter keeps these H2O - stack away beauties — and your furred friends — well-chosen and safe .

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant , native to easterly Africa , wins fan for its glistening pinnate leaves and tolerance of low light and drouth . It spring tight clumps in containers , arrive at it non - invasive indoors . However , its soil — keep moist for longer periods — can sometimes harbor mealybugs or fungus gnats .

Every part of the ZZ Plant contains calcium oxalate watch glass that do painful oral fissure irritation , drooling , and regurgitation if masticate . After a pet nibble turned into a vet sojourn for my acquaintance ’s dog , I began keeping my ZZ Plant behind a closed door or on a high shelf . This manner , I still enjoy its sculptural mannikin without a concern in the world !

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Peace Lilies originate from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America , where they fly high in shaded , humid understories . Their snowy spathes and lush green leaves make a calm indoor display . Yet , the consistently damp grunge they require can also pull fungus gnats , a frustration for many indoor nurseryman .

All parts of the Peace Lily arrest calcium oxalate crystal that make wicked oral annoyance , drooling , and difficulty swallowing in pets . I once see a neighbor ’s Caterpillar manducate a leaf and expend the nighttime at the emergency clinic ! To keep the air - purifying benefit without the danger , I commend placing Peace Lilies in rooms where PET are n’t allowed or prefer for dependable alternatives like wanderer plants .

Caladium (Caladium bicolor)

Caladiums , aboriginal to the rainforests of South America , are celebrated for their colorful , center - shaped leaves in shades of pink , blood-red , and green . They thrive in bright indirect spark and consistently damp soil — which can unfortunately attract tiny gnat or even slug if left unbridled .

Every part of the Caladium plant contain indissoluble calcium oxalates that cause acute lip and pharynx irritation , drooling , and vomiting . I learn this the hard way when my curious kitty rent a nibble ! Keeping caladiums on eminent flora stands or in terrariums can preserve their vibrant leaf without compromise your pet ’s rubber .

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Cyclamen , aboriginal to the Mediterranean region , bursts into flush in winter or spring , with upswept flower and variegate leave . It favor promising , indirect Christ Within and moist soil . However , the moist surround can lure small slug or snail indoors , creating an unwelcome garden guest .

All portion of the Cyclamen plant — specially its Tuber — hold in compound that get wicked gastrointestinal distress , include puking and diarrhea . After a tense vet bill for a neighbor ’s dog , I start placing Cyclamen purpurascens on a shelf away from paws and snouts . The result ? breathless blooms without any heartache !

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe Vera herald from the Arabian Peninsula but is farm worldwide for its soothing gel . It prefers bright sparkle and thin watering , stay on compact in pots . Yet , when overwatered , its stain can pull fungus gnat seeking wet .

Despite its skin - healing properties , Aloe contain anthraquinones that cause vomiting , diarrhea , and tremor in pets if ingested . I once had to console a champion whose dog had a defective reaction — so now , I keep my aloe on a gay windowsill out of reach by rise cats . It ’s a small change that continue the plant ’s benefits and keep my furry booster out of fuss !

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy , aboriginal to Europe and Western Asia , is often develop indoors for its trailing use and evergreen leaves . It provides home ground for small beneficial worm like lacewing fly , which assist insure aphids . Though it can become incursive outdoors , potted English Ivy indoors seldom escapes its pot .

All parts of English Ivy control triterpenoid saponin , causing vomit , abdominal pain in the neck , and looseness in pets . One black evening regard my neighbor ’s inquisitive pup teach me to put ivy in a hang hoop far above paw floor . This way , I relish cascade greenery without risking a sick pet !

Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia seguine)

Dieffenbachia — usually called Dumb Cane — originates from tropic Americas and features great , patterned leaves that make telling centerpieces . It thrives in dispirited to medium light and well - drained soil , shape groovy clumps without spreading invasively . However , its dense foliage can harbor mealy bug if not monitor .

Every part of Dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals that make intense oral pain , protrusion , and temporary inability to vocalise if jaw by pets . After my own vet scare with a champion ’s cat , I go this dramatic plant to a client room where favorite are n’t allowed . Now , both my décor and my furred buddy are secure !

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant , native to India and Malaysia , bluster bombastic , glossy foliage that clean indoor breeze . It get steadily in promising , indirect light source and well - aerated soil . Its sap can attract ant searching for sweet exudates , which gardeners often use as an early warning of possible weighing machine insect infestations .

However , the milklike sap contains latex components that induce vomit and diarrhea if ingested by pets . A playful nybble from my neighbour ’s kitten resulted in a delirious late - night veterinarian stumble . Now I pose my Rubber Plant out of reach or use decorative screens to keep odd mouth by , preserving both the works ’s peach and my peace of mind .