Plant Lab Discussion: Houseplant Toxicity & Pet Friendly Plants

We love that our houseplants can add beauty and interest to any home, but an important call out from our Plant Lab Team is the potential toxicity of some plants. Many houseplants contain varying compounds that can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning can vary depending on the plant and the amount ingested, and can require a visit to the veterinarian or a specialist but may include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.

If you have pets or young children, it's important to do your research before bringing any new houseplants into your home. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants for both humans and pets.

Here are some of the most common toxic houseplants:

• Anthurium

• Azaleas/Rhododendron

• Calla lilies

• Christmas trees

• Daffodils

• Dieffenbachia

• English ivy (Hedera spp.)

• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

• Hyacinths

• Jade plants (Crassula ovata)

• Jasmine*

• Kalanchoe

• Oleander

• Philodendron

• Poinsettia

• Snake Plants (Sansevieria spp.)

• Spathiphyllum (peace lily)

• String of Pearls (Seneccio rowleyanus)

• Sweet peas (Polygala myrtifolia)

• Tulip bulbs

If you think your pet or child may have ingested a toxic plant, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of a full recovery.

For background, we’ve researched a little more information on some of the most common toxic compounds, their symptoms, and which plants they are commonly encountered:

• Alkaloids - A group of nitrogen-containing compounds that are often poisonous. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. Some common plants that contain alkaloids include belladonna, foxglove, and nightshade.

• Glycosides - A type of sugar that can be poisonous when ingested. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems. Some common plants that contain glycosides include oleander, poinsettia, and lily of the valley.

• Oxalates - A type of salt that can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and stomach. They can also cause kidney damage. Some common plants that contain oxalates include philodendron, dieffenbachia, and rhubarb.

• Saponins - A type of detergent that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Some common plants that contain saponins include castor bean and soapwort.

• Tannins - A type of compound that can cause stomach upset and constipation. Some common plants that contain tannins include oak, tea, and walnut.

It is important to note that the toxicity of a plant can vary depending on the species, the part of the plant that is ingested, and the amount ingested. If you think that you or your pet may have ingested a toxic plant, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Pet Friendly Houseplants
As many of us at Propagate are pet owners or parents ourselves, we understand the concern around plant toxicity and try to maintain a variety of safe, non-toxic specimen available in the shop to make choosing your next house plant as easy as possible. Some of the most popular plants or plant families are listed below:

Tropical Houseplants

• African violet

• Maranta

• Calathea

• Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Pilea spp.

• Banana tree (musa spp.)

• True Palms (does not include Cycads or Zamias)

• True Ferns

  • Most ferns: Boston, Bird’s-Nest, Staghorn, Maiden Hair, Rabbit’s Foot, Kangaroo Foot) are non-toxic, but a quick fact check is always recommended;

    *Excludes Asparagus Ferns - Common names can be deceiving, as both Asparagus setaceus and Asparagus densiflorus are not ferns, and both have been classified as toxic.

• Polka Dot Plants (Hypoestes)

• Air Plants (Tillandsia)

• Peperomia spp.

• Orchids

  • Common Phalaenopsis

  • Jewel Orchid (Ludisia)

• Fittonia

• Bromeliad

• Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

• Hoya

• Lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus)

• Purple passion (Gynura aurantiaca)

• Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

• Cast Iron plant (Aspidistra)

• Fishpole Bamboo, Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

  *Not to be confused with ”Lucky Bamboo” often found available as a gift plant, Dracaena sanderiana is classified as toxic

• Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarious)

• Ric-Rac, Zigzag & Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)

• Jasmine & Star Jasmine (Jasminum officinale, Trachelospermum)

Succulents

• Echeveria spp.

• Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra)

• Burros Tail (Sedum morganianum)

• Haworthia spp.

• Gasteria spp.

• Sempervivum spp.

• Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)

• Holiday Cacti

  • Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)

  • Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera spp., zygocactus)

  • Christmas cactus (Schlumergera spp.)

These plants are all classified as non-toxic to humans and pets, making them a safe choice for any home. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect pet friendly houseplant to add to your home.

Additional Tips

In addition to choosing pet friendly houseplants, there are a few other things you can do to keep your pets safe from plant poisoning:

• Keep plants out of reach of pets.

• Plant pots should be placed on a high shelf or table where pets cannot reach them.

• If you have a curious pet, you may want to consider placing plants in a room that they are not allowed in.

• Be sure to supervise your pets when they are around plants.

• If your pet does ingest a plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center immediately.

That’s about as much as we can say on the subject, and since you’ve made it this far we thought it would be nice to share some of our favorite photos of our own shop dogs!