--- title: "Keeping Kids & Pets Safe from Toxic Houseplants" description: "Discover which common houseplants are toxic to children and pets, learn how to spot poisoning symptoms, and implement effective preventative measures to keep your home safe." url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/toxic-houseplants-kids-pets" published: "2026-10-01T11:01:52.905Z" modified: "2026-10-01T11:01:53.060Z" author: "Planta" --- # Keeping Kids \& Pets Safe from Toxic Houseplants Ensuring the safety of your children and furry friends around houseplants is incredibly important. Many common household plants contain compounds that can be irritating or even toxic if ingested. By learning which plants pose a risk, recognizing potential symptoms, and taking simple preventative steps, you can create a safe indoor garden for everyone. ## Which common houseplants are toxic to kids and pets? Many popular houseplants can cause adverse reactions if ingested, ranging from mild irritation to more severe symptoms. It's crucial to know your plants and understand their potential risks, especially if you have curious children or pets. Always identify your plants correctly to ensure you have accurate care and safety information. ### Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a ubiquitous and easy-to-care-for houseplant. However, all parts of the Pothos plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, these crystals can cause oral irritation, burning of the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The reaction is typically mild to moderate. ### Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) Peace Lilies are elegant plants known for their beautiful white bracts. Like Pothos, they contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant. Ingestion can lead to similar symptoms: intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. While rarely fatal, it causes significant discomfort. ### Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia seguine) Often called Dumb Cane, Dieffenbachia is another common plant containing calcium oxalate crystals. However, the concentration in Dieffenbachia tends to be higher, leading to more severe reactions. Ingestion can cause intense pain, burning, swelling of the mouth and throat, and in some cases, temporary inability to speak, hence its common name. Swelling can sometimes be severe enough to obstruct airways, making it a more serious concern. ### Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) The Sago Palm is a popular choice for its exotic appearance, but it is highly toxic, particularly to dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous, with the seeds (nuts) being the most dangerous due to their high concentration of cycasin, a potent hepatotoxin. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, liver damage, liver failure, and even death. Immediate veterinary attention is critical if any part of a Sago Palm is ingested by a pet. ## What are the signs of plant poisoning in children or pets? Recognizing the signs of plant poisoning quickly is vital for effective intervention. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the plant involved, the amount ingested, and the individual's sensitivity. Always err on the side of caution and seek professional advice if you suspect poisoning. ### Symptoms in Pets If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, look for a combination of these symptoms. These can manifest rapidly or develop over several hours: - **Gastrointestinal distress:** Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive drooling. - **Oral irritation:** Pawing at the mouth, redness or swelling around the mouth, difficulty swallowing. - **Behavioral changes:** Lethargy, weakness, unsteadiness, seizures, or hyperactivity. - **Respiratory issues:** Difficulty breathing, coughing, or sneezing. - **Skin irritation:** Redness, itching, or rashes if sap comes into contact with skin. - **Organ-specific damage:** Yellowing of gums or eyes (jaundice) indicating liver issues, or increased urination/thirst indicating kidney problems (less common for most houseplants). ### Symptoms in Children Children's symptoms can be similar to pets but might also include specific complaints: - **Oral discomfort:** Burning sensation in the mouth or throat, excessive drooling, difficulty speaking or swallowing. - **Stomach upset:** Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. - **Skin contact:** Redness, rash, or irritation on skin if they touched plant sap. - **Behavioral changes:** Drowsiness, agitation, or confusion. - **Choking hazards:** Even non-toxic plant parts can be a choking risk for very young children. **What to do if poisoning is suspected:** If you believe your child or pet has ingested a toxic plant, act immediately: 1. Remove any remaining plant material from their mouth or skin. 2. Identify the plant. Take a sample or photo if possible. 3. For pets, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center (e.g., ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline) immediately. 4. For children, contact Poison Control (in the US, call 1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention. ## How can I prevent plant poisoning in my home? Prevention is always the best approach when it comes to plant safety. By implementing a few thoughtful strategies, you can minimize risks and enjoy your indoor garden worry-free. Planta recommends these preventative measures to keep your family and pets safe around your botanical beauties. ### Safe Placement is Key The most effective way to prevent ingestion is to keep toxic plants out of reach. Think creatively about where you place your plants. - **High shelves and hanging baskets:** Utilize vertical space. Place toxic plants on shelves that are too high for children or pets to reach, or in hanging baskets. - **Closed rooms:** If you have particularly dangerous plants, consider keeping them in rooms that are typically inaccessible to children or pets, like a home office or guest room with a closed door. - **Secure terrariums or display cases:** For smaller toxic plants, an enclosed terrarium or a locked display case can provide both beauty and safety. ### Supervision and Training Active supervision and some basic training can go a long way in preventing accidental ingestion. - **Educate children:** Teach older children that plants are not food and should not be put in their mouths. Explain that only adults should handle certain plants. - **Train pets:** Discourage pets from chewing on plants by providing plenty of appropriate chew toys. You can also try using bitter-tasting sprays on plant leaves (ensure they are pet-safe and don't harm the plant). - **Constant vigilance:** Keep a close eye on young children and new pets when they are in rooms with plants. ### Other Important Safety Tips - **Know your plants:** Always identify your plants by their botanical name. This makes it easier to look up toxicity information if needed. - **Clean up regularly:** Promptly remove any fallen leaves, flowers, or berries from toxic plants, as these can be just as dangerous as the live plant material. - **Avoid using plants as toys:** Do not allow children to play with plant pots, soil, or plant cuttings. - **Choose non-toxic alternatives:** If you're concerned, opt for completely non-toxic plants, especially in areas frequently accessed by children or pets. Some great non-toxic options include African Violets (Saintpaulia spp.), Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'), and Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii). - **Wear gloves:** When handling potentially irritating plants, wear gloves to prevent skin contact with sap. By taking these simple yet effective steps, you can create a thriving indoor jungle that is both beautiful and safe for every member of your household. Being mindful of which houseplants can be harmful and how to prevent access to them is key to a happy and healthy home. With proper placement, supervision, and a quick response plan, you can confidently enjoy your green companions while keeping your children and pets out of harm's way. ## Ofte stilte spørsmål ### Are all parts of a toxic plant equally dangerous? No, toxicity can vary significantly between different parts of a plant. For example, Sago Palm seeds are much more toxic than its leaves, while for plants like Pothos, all parts contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals. ### What should I do if my pet eats a small piece of a known toxic plant? Even small ingestions of toxic plants should be taken seriously. Immediately contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center, providing them with the plant's name and the estimated amount ingested. ### Are there any apps or resources to help identify toxic plants? Yes, plant identification apps like Planta can help you identify your plants. You can then use reliable sources like the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant list for pets or national poison control centers for human safety information. ### Can plant sap cause skin irritation? Absolutely. The sap from many plants, including Dieffenbachia and Pothos, contains irritating compounds that can cause dermatitis, redness, or itching upon contact with skin. Always wear gloves when handling such plants, especially during pruning. ### Is it safe to have houseplants in a child's bedroom? It is safe to have houseplants in a child's bedroom, provided you choose non-toxic varieties or ensure any potentially toxic plants are completely out of reach. Prioritize plants that pose no risk of ingestion or skin irritation in children's spaces. --- _Planta (https://getplanta.com), plantepleie-appen for iOS og Android. Last ned appen: https://getplanta.com/download_