Bonus: Holiday plants to avoid and what to decorate with instead
Indoor plants can help clean the air and provide a calming effect by bringing a little bit of nature into your home. If you own a pet, however, there are several plants you’d be better off swapping out for those that can’t poison your cat or dog.
Here are 10 plants to avoid and alternatives you can grow instead:
Lilies
(Lilium) While Peace Lilies are not technically lilies, they are as toxic to pets as all lilies are. In fact, these flowering plants are some of the most toxic plants to cats. Even a tiny amount ingested can lead to kidney failure. Peace Lilies are toxic to dogs as well, causing gastrointestinal distress and vomiting. Other symptoms of toxic ingestion include lethargy and a lack of appetite.
Instead of Lilies, consider getting a Spider Plant. They aren’t toxic to either cats or dogs, are easy to care for, hard to kill, tolerate lower light conditions, and are especially known for their air-filtering properties. Some cats may experience mild hallucinogenic side-effects if they nibble on them, but for the most part, they are harmless. Of note, these plants grow like weeds.
Aloe Vera
One of the best plants to keep around in the event of a burn, Aloe Vera is harmful to cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.
A succulent variation is Haworthia attenuate (Zebra Haworthia). It looks like aloe but poses no threat to pets. It is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, and its spiky, striped leaves are an attractive addition to your decor.
Pothos
(Epipremnum aureum) The common name for Pothos is “Devil’s Ivy,” which may be an indication of its harmful properties. Homeowners love it because it can grow in low light and is an easy plant to keep, but when ingested by pets, it causes excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, impaired breathing, and other forms of oral irritation.
An easy-to-care-for alternative is a Boston Fern. It thrives in indirect light and high humidity, making it perfect for kitchens or baths. It loves to be outdoors in the summer and can last all year if brought into a garage or three-season room for the winter.
Sago Palm
(Cycas revoluta) Every single part of the Sego Palm, especially the seeds (which contain a toxin called cyasin) cause vomiting, liver failure, and even death if ingested.
A good alternative is an Areca Palm, a type of bamboo. The feathery fronds of this plant add a beautiful, natural softness to any room in your house.
English Ivy
(Hedera helix) While an invasive plant in he wild, it is toxic to both cats and dogs. The leaves contain saponins which cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain if ingested.
An attractive alternative is Swedish ivy. It is non-toxic, easy to grow, and tolerates a variety of light conditions. It is good in hanging baskets or left to trail down a bookcase.
Azaleas
(Rhododendron) Another plant you’ll find in yards across the Commonwealth, azaleas contain grayanotoxins that can cause fatal cardiac issues in cats and dogs. Symptoms of azalea poisoning include weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and heart issues.
Camellias are a beautiful alternative to azaleas and are safe for pets.
Snake Plant
(Sansevieria trifasciata) We’re pretty sure any plant with snake in the name is probably not good for pets to nibble on. Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, it is very popular as a house plant because it is hardy and very low maintenance. For pets, though, ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to those nasty saponins that keep showing up in a lot of these plants.
Another beautiful alternative, Calathea Orbifolia has patterned foliage that catches the eye. It prefers indirect light and humid environments – again ideal for many kitchens and baths.
Dieffenbachia
Some know this plant as Dumb Cane. If ingested by pets, it can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, drooling, and difficulty breathing. The calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves and stems are what make it so toxic.
Prayer plants (Maranta) are a safe and beautiful alternative. This plant is unique because its leaves fold up every night, which is how it gets its name.
Philodendron
Another very popular houseplant, it comes in several species with different leaf types. Its leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation, vomiting and swelling. It is one of the more toxic plants to dogs and cats.
A lush alternative is bamboo palm which excels in purifying the air.
Oleander
(Nerium oleander) Typically used in landscaping, some gardeners will bring their plants in for winter, exposing their bored pets to a tempting nibble. Even very small amounts of oleander, when ingested, can cause severe vomiting, slowed heart rate, and death.
Rosemary is an aromatic, flowering alternative to Oleander. It can be grown indoors and out, and has the added benefit of offering a fresh herb for cooking.
Other Pet Safe Indoor Plants with their Pros and Cons
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) | Unique, fun foliage Rewarding to grow | Tend to grow asymmetrically unless you frequently rotate them |
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) | Hardy and resilient Fast growers | Can outgrow your space |
Hoya | Many varieties | Slow growers |
Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia) | Beautiful, wavy leaves Easy to tell when they need attention | Finicky when it comes to light and watering schedule |
Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) | Many varieties Good for newbie growers | Requires a lot of light |
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) | Big, fluffy foliage Great for large rooms | Prone to pests like spider mites |
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) | Set it and forget it plant Has a funky shape | Not for owners who like to fuss over their plants. They like to be left alone. |
Succulents (not aloe) | Fast growers in bright light Need very little water unless they are air plants – which should be watered weekly | Die quickly if overwatered |
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) | OK in low light Hard to kill | Leaves get crispy even when they’re happy. |
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) | Eats annoying pests Status of owning a carnivorous plant? | Likes pure water and high humidity |
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) | Colorful leaves Good for intermediate plant growers | Doesn’t get very large |
Watermelon Peperomia | Easy to grow Cute, waxy leaves | Sunburn when in prolonged, direct sunlight |
Orchid (Orchidaceae) | Beautiful flowers Long-lasting Can be turned over to a grower for exchange in many places | Finicky with water and light |
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium) | Firm, striking leaves | Higher light requirements |
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) | Tropical look Blooms last for months | Needs high humidity |
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) | Trailing foliage Easy to tell when they need attention | Very specific light and watering requirements |
Fishbone Cactus (Disocactus anguliger) | Looks like its name Can get with rounded leaves also | Needs more water than typical cacti |
Holiday Plants that are Toxic and What You Can Use Instead
Toxic Plants | Alternatives |
Holly (Ilex) | Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) |
Mistletoe (Rhipsalis baccifera) | African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) |
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) | Roses (Rosa) |
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) | Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) |
Laurel (Laurus nobilis) | Magnolia |
Yew (Taxus baccata) | Grapevine (dried) |
Snowdrops (Galanthus) | Orchids (Orchidaceae) |
Nandina (Berberidaceae, Heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo) | White mulberries (Morus alba) |
Hellebore (Helleborus) | Cranberries (Vaccinium) |
Achira (Canna) | |
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) |
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, consult your veterinarian and take preventative steps by removing the plants and replacing them with safe alternatives.
Source: My Home Weekly, Architectural Digest, Wikipedia,
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