For the Skimmers:
- Aloe, The Healing Houseplant
- English Ivy, The Allergy Busting Houseplant
- Jade, The Independent Houseplant
- Pothos, the Multiplying Houseplant
- Spider plant, the Cat Toy… Houseplant
Growing houseplants aren’t as fun when you’re constantly worrying about your pet getting sick from them.
And it’s not just the silly things like too much catnip. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to keep them safe and happy while they’re here with us. So let’s keep our pets safe by learning about these 5 houseplants that are toxic and their common poisoning symptoms.
While the best way of preventing poisoning is not getting the plant in the first place, sometimes, we don’t know! And it’s okay, as long as we take further measures so that we can enjoy our gardening in peace!
An Important Statement: If your pet is experiencing severe poisoning symptoms from any of these toxic houseplants, such as trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, collapsing, or excessive drooling, please call your vet immediately or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435. Stay safe with your pets!
1. Aloe Vera, The Healing Houseplant
Aloe is known for being painfully easy to grow and perfect for beginners. Its succulent leaves are also great for soothing burns and minor cuts! When used topically, it is safe and non-toxic, save for the slight irritation if you didn’t drain the latex. Here’s an ultimate guide on growing and using aloe.
When ingested by pets, aloe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. To keep your pets away, grow aloe in a regular pot where your pets can get to it. And when you are cutting it up and using it, don’t leave the leaf on a counter or table where your pet can snatch it!.
2. English Ivy, The Allergy Busting Houseplant
English Ivy is an elegant plant perfect for being displayed as a hanging plant. And it’s not just a pretty plant! English Ivy is a NASA-approved air purifier for allergens and airborne mold! So if you can’t sleep at night from allergies, this might be the plant for you! Read more about 5 Houseplants That’ll Help You Sleep Tonight!
Sadly, it is also one of the 5 houseplants that are toxic for pets. Not just for pets, but for humans too! When ingested, English Ivy can cause stomach pain, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you’re going to grow it, make sure to keep it in a hanging basket away from reach and clip any spilling vines!
3. Jade, The Independent Houseplant
Jade is one of the easiest houseplants for beginners. It’s cute and doesn’t require daily care. If you travel a lot, this is the plant for you.
But this cute houseplant is one that is dangerously toxic to pets. When ingested, it can cause vomiting and a slow heart rate. So make sure to keep this plant out and away!
4. Pothos, The Multiplying Houseplant
Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow indoors. It’s beautiful and easier to propagate faster than you can say, “fertilizer”. If you need a guide on propagating plants in a fool-proof way, here’s an ultimate guide just for you. It’s perfect for hanging baskets as their elegant vines droop over the pot, but is also a houseplant that is toxic to pets.
When ingested, pothos can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. When growing this plant, keep it in a hanging pot away from reach. You might want to clip the vines as well.
5. Spider Plant, The Cat Toy… Houseplant
One of the 5 houseplants that are toxic to pets has the same effect as catnip?
This one goes out to the cat lovers. To your cat, this is the perfect toy. I mean, look at all of those dangling leaves and spiderettes! Perfect to swat around and play with, in my opinion. Not to mention it’s crazy easy to grow and propagate!
According to the ASPCA, spider plants cause hallucinogenic properties just like catnip to cats due to opium-related chemicals. These compounds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and an upset stomach.
To keep your cat safe from spider plants, trim back the mini plants or spiderettes from dangling off the pot. Also, have your spider plant in a hanging pot away from where your cat can climb or jump to it.
So What, Sarika?
If you have one of these plants right now, it does not mean you’re a terrible pet parent! You’re a good one for the fact that you want to make sure you’re not growing any houseplants that are toxic to them!
I recommend that you move those plants away from your pets or restrict that area so your pets can’t get to it. Also, indulge in pet-safe plants for both you and your pet to enjoy!
Before you go, don’t forget to snag your gardening dictionary! I collected and defined more the 100 of the most common gardening terms you’ll come across. So that next time you encounter a gardening word, you’re not scratching your head and saying, “Huh?”.
If you’d like to learn more about plants to grow in pots, subscribe to my Plant of the Month! I share my gardening experiences and teach you about a new plant to grow every month! You can always unsubscribe!
And that’s all for now. Happy Gardening, till we meet again.
