Why this matters to me: When I got my first cat, I had no idea my beautiful Monstera was toxic. She chewed a leaf and got sick. Thank god it wasn't serious, but it was a wake-up call. This guide would have saved me a lot of worry.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This is a reference guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet or child has ingested a plant and is showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately. Symptoms can vary from mild irritation to severe illness depending on the plant and amount ingested.

Quick Reference: Common Houseplants

🚫 Highly Toxic Plants (Keep Away from Pets & Kids)

  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) — Contains calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing
  • Philodendron — All parts toxic, especially stems and leaves. Oral pain, swelling, vomiting
  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) — Contains insoluble calcium oxalates. Oral irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing
  • Monstera Deliciosa — Calcium oxalate crystals cause oral irritation, can cause more serious issues if large amounts ingested
  • Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) — Extremely irritating to mouth and throat, can cause temporary speechlessness
  • Schefflera — Can cause oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset
  • English Ivy (Hedera helix) — Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain
  • Aloe Vera — Toxic to cats and dogs, causes vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
  • Jade Plant (Crassula) — Can cause vomiting, slow heart rate, depression in pets
  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria) — Mildly toxic, causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

⚠️ Mildly Toxic Plants

  • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) — Generally safe but can cause mild GI upset if large amounts ingested
  • Dracaena — Can cause vomiting (with blood), depression, dilated pupils in cats
  • Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) — Mildly toxic, skin irritation and GI upset possible
  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas) — Mildly toxic, similar to Philodendron but less severe

✅ Pet-Safe Plants (Non-Toxic)

  • Boston Fern (Nephrolepis) — Completely safe, great for bathrooms
  • Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) — Safe for cats and dogs
  • African Violet (Saintpaulia) — Completely non-toxic
  • Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) — Pet-safe and low light tolerant
  • Peperomia — All varieties are pet-safe
  • Calathea — Non-toxic and pet-safe (though demanding care-wise)
  • Prayer Plant (Maranta) — Safe for pets
  • Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra) — Tough, safe, low light tolerant
  • Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes) — Completely non-toxic
  • Haworthia (Zebra Cactus) — Safe succulent alternative
  • Echeveria — Non-toxic to cats and dogs
  • Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) — Generally safe

If Your Pet Eats a Toxic Plant

  1. Stay calm — Panicking won't help
  2. Remove plant material from your pet's mouth if possible
  3. Identify the plant — take a photo or sample for the vet
  4. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435)
  5. Monitor symptoms and follow professional advice
  6. Don't induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a professional

Pro tip: Place toxic plants on high shelves or in rooms pets can't access. Training helps too — but physical barriers are more reliable.

Want to add pet-safe plants to your collection? See our guide to low-light plants →