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House Plant Toxicity List

Green House PlantsHouseplants are an easy way to add warmth and happiness to our lives. However, some houseplants require extra precautions when placed around children or pets. This handy list is a great reference when choosing a houseplant for your home. This particular list focuses on toxicity towards cats and dogs.

You may also refer to the House Plant Care & Information page for helpful instructions on how to care for your new family addition.

A | B | C | D | E | F | H | J | K | L | M | N | P | R | S | T | U | W

A
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Toxicity Symptoms – If ingested, can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, change in urine color.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Type of Plant – House Plant

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation, anorexia, tremors.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Type of Plant – Blooming House Plant

Asparagus Fern (Asparagus sprengeri)

Toxicity Symptoms – Dermatitis, digestive upset, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Type of Plant – House Plant

Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Toxicity Symptoms – Nausea and vomiting, depression, difficult breathing, prostration, coma.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Poisonous Part – All parts of the azalea are toxic.
Type of Plant – Blooming House Plant

B
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)

Toxicity Symptoms – May be poisonous in very large amounts.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Poisonous Part – Foliage & Roots
Type of Plant – Blooming House Plant

Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – Blooming House Plant

C
Caladium (Caladium hortulanum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant

Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopiea)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – Blooming Plant

Castor Bean, Rosary Pea (Ricinus communis)

Toxicity Symptoms – Nausea, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, tenesmus, dehydration, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, weakness, muscle twitching, convulsions, coma. Fatal in even very small doses (one or two seeds).
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – Seeds
Type of Plant – Blooming Plant

Cherry (Prunus virginiana)

Toxicity Symptoms – Gasping, excitement, prostration among others. Chemical compound releases cyanide when eaten. Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – Twigs & Foliage
Type of Plant – Blooming Plant

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestrum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Type of Plant – House Plant
Chinese Evergreen Care & Information

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.)

Toxicity Symptoms – Skin and eye irritation, dermatitis.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Type of Plant – Blooming Plant

Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)

Toxicity Level – Mild
Poisonous Part – Leaves & Berries
Type of Plant – House Plant

Cordatum (Philodendron oxycardium)

Toxicity SymptomsOral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant

Corn Plant (Dracaena spp.)

Toxicity Symptoms – Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation, dilated pupils in cats.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Corn Plant Care & Information

Creeping Charlie (Glecoma hederacea L.)

Toxicity SymptomsSweating and drooling.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Poisonous Part – All Parts

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Toxicity Level – Mild
Type of Plant – House Plant
Croton Care & Information

Cycads (Cycas spp., Zamia spp.)

Toxicity SymptomsVomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Type of Plant – House Plant

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. Large ingestion of tubers may cause heart rhythm abonormalities, seizures, and can be potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – Blooming House Plant
Cyclamen Care & Information

D
Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)

Toxicity Symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. May be fatal.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – Bulbs
Type of Plant – Blooming House Plant
Potted Daffodil Care & Information

Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Type of Plant – House Plant, Ivy

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)

Toxicity Symptoms – Irritation of the mouth, tongue, and any parts in contact with calcium oxalate crystals.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Dumb Cane Care & Information

E
Elephant Ear (Caladium hortulanum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Irritation of the mouth, tongue, and any parts in contact with calcium oxalate crystals.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant

Emerald Feather Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)

Toxicity Symptoms – Dermatitis, digestive upset, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Toxicity Symptoms – Stomach irritation, diarrhea, troubled breathing, coma. Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – Leaves & Berries
Type of Plant – House Plant
English Ivy Care & Information

F
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium spp.)

Toxicity Symptoms – Stomach irritation, diarrhea, troubled breathing, coma. Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Type of Plant – Blooming House Plant

Florida Beauty (Dracaena godseffiana)

Toxicity Symptoms – Cats: dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain, increased heart rate and drooling. Cats and Dogs: vomiting, depression, inappetence, drooling, incoordination, and weakness.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Type of Plant – House Plant

H
Holly (Ilex opaca)

Toxicity Symptoms – Intense vomiting and diarrhea, depression.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – Berries
Type of Plant – House Plant

Hyacinth (Hyacinth orientalis)

Toxicity Symptoms – Nausea, colic, vomiting, diarrhea. May be fatal.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – Bulbs, leaves, flowers
Type of Plant – Blooming House Plant

J
Jack-In-The-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Irritation of the mouth, tongue, and any parts in contact with calcium oxalate crystals.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All parts, especially the roots.
Type of Plant – House Plant

Jerusalem Cherry (Arisaema triphyllum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Irritation of the mouth, tongue, and any parts in contact with calcium oxalate crystals.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All parts, unripened fruit
Type of Plant – House Plant

K
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp)

Toxicity Symptoms – Vomiting, diarrhea; bufadienalides in the glucose are cardiotoxic.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Type of Plant – House Plant
Kalanchoe Care & Information

L
Lace Fern (Asparagus setaceus)

Toxicity Symptoms – Dermatitis, digestive irritation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
Toxicity Level – High
Type of Plant – House Plant

Lantana/Red Sage (Lantana camara)

Toxicity Symptoms – Bloody diarrhea, weakness, sluggishness. Affects lungs, kidneys, heart and nervous system. Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – Leaves and berries
Type of Plant – House Plant

Lucky Bamboo/Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana)

Toxicity Symptoms – Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils in cats.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Lucky Bamboo Care & Information

M
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Toxicity Symptoms – At least 16 toxic principles, roots are particularly damaging.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – Apple, foliage, roots

Milkweed (Podophyllum peltatum)

Toxicity SymptomsDigestive upset, nervous excitement. Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – Mild

Mistletoe (Asclepias syriaca, Asclepias spp.)

Toxicity SymptomsGastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular collapse, dyspnea, bradycardia, erratic behavior, (hallucinogenic in humans). Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – Berries

Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)

Toxicity Symptoms – Digestive upset, nervous excitement. Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All parts, especially roots and seeds
Type of Plant – Flowering Plant

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue/Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Toxicity Symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Care & Information

N
Nephthytis/Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podopyllum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Nephthytis Care & Information

Nightshade (Solanum spp.)

Toxicity Symptoms – Severe digestive upset, nervous symptoms. Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts, especially unripened berry
Type of Plant – Flowering Plant

P
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – Flowering House Plant
Peace Lily Care & Information

Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Philodendron Care & Information

Plumosa Fern (Asparagus plumosus)

Toxicity Symptoms – Dermatitis, digestive upset, vomiting, abdominal paint, diarrhea.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant

Poinsettia (Euphobia pulcherrima)

Toxicity Symptoms – Skin, mouth, eye, stomach irritation. The toxicity of this plant is often over-exaggerated.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Poisonous Part – Leaves and flowers
Type of Plant – Flowering House Plant

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Toxicity SymptomsOral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Pothos Care & Information

R
Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)

Toxicity Level – Moderate
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Rubber Plant Care & Information

S
Sago Palm (Cycas spp., Zamia spp.)

Toxicity Symptoms – Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death..
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts, especially seeds
Type of Plant – House Plant

Schefflera (Schefflera actinophylla, Brassia actinophylla)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Schefflera Care & Information

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Vomiting, nervous excitement. Potentially fatal.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts, especially bulbs
Type of Plant – House Plant

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron pertusum)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – High
Type of Plant – House Plant

T
Taro Vine (Scindapsus aureus)

Toxicity Symptoms – Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.
Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant, Ivy

U
Umbrella Tree (Brassia actinophylla)

Toxicity Symptoms – Skin irritation, dermatitis, irritation of the eyes and mucus membranes.
Toxicity Level – Mild
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant, Ivy

W
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

Toxicity Level – High
Poisonous Part – All Parts
Type of Plant – House Plant
Ficus Benjamina Care & Information