Many of the most popular houseplants and garden favorites are surprisingly toxic. As a plant parent, knowing which species are dangerous to pets and children isn’t optional — it’s essential. Here’s what you need to know.
Why this matters
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, plants are among the top 10 most common toxin exposures for pets. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports over 60,000 plant-related calls annually involving children under 6.
Most plant poisonings are mild — but some can be life-threatening. Knowing what you have in your home is the first step.
The most common toxic houseplants
Highly toxic (seek medical/veterinary attention immediately)
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) — Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning, swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing and breathing. Extremely dangerous for cats and dogs.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) — All parts are toxic, but the seeds are most dangerous. Contains cycasin, which causes liver failure in dogs. Fatality rate is approximately 50% even with treatment.
Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) — Extremely toxic to cats. Even small ingestion of petals, leaves, or pollen can cause acute kidney failure. Not all lilies are equally dangerous — peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) cause only mild oral irritation.
Oleander (Nerium oleander) — Every part of this plant is toxic. Contains cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. Dangerous to pets, children, and adults.
Moderately toxic (monitor and contact poison control)
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) — Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in pets. Rarely life-threatening but very uncomfortable.
Philodendron — Similar to pothos in toxicity. All philodendron species contain calcium oxalate. Heartleaf philodendron is particularly common in homes.
Monstera deliciosa — The popular Swiss cheese plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. Causes oral and GI irritation if ingested by pets or children.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) — All parts contain calcium oxalate. The sap can also irritate skin on contact.
Mildly toxic (may cause GI upset)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) — Mildly toxic to cats, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Cats are particularly attracted to the dangling leaves.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) — Causes vomiting, depression, and incoordination in pets. Exact toxin is unknown.
Aloe Vera — The gel is safe topically for humans, but the latex layer (yellow sap between the skin and gel) contains saponins and anthraquinones that cause GI upset in pets.
Safe alternatives
If you have pets or children, consider these non-toxic alternatives:
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) — Safe for pets, loves humidity
- Spider Plant — Mildly toxic to cats but generally safe for dogs and children
- Calathea / Maranta — Beautiful, pet-safe, and excellent for low light
- Peperomia — Wide variety of shapes and colors, all non-toxic
- Haworthia — Succulent alternative to aloe, completely safe
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra eliator) — Nearly indestructible and non-toxic
- Air Plants (Tillandsia) — No soil needed, safe for all
Using GardenGenius toxicity alerts
When you scan a plant with GardenGenius, the app automatically checks our toxicity database and shows a clear warning if the plant is dangerous to pets or children. The alert includes:
- Toxicity level (mild, moderate, severe)
- Which parts of the plant are toxic
- What animals or people are affected
- Symptoms to watch for
- What to do if ingestion occurs
This is especially useful when you visit a nursery, move into a new home with an existing garden, or receive a plant as a gift.
What to do if exposure occurs
For pets: Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). Have the plant name ready — this is where a GardenGenius scan can be lifesaving.
For children: Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US). Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. Bring the plant or a photo to the emergency room.
An ounce of identification is worth a pound of antidote. Know your plants before they become a problem.