It is important to familiarize yourself with common toxic plants which are placed in homes or gardens. Even though many toxic plants would have to be ingested in large quantities to have a serious effect, it is important to prevent possible harm.

If you find that your pet is prone to chewing on houseplants, consider planting a ‘cat grass’ planter with oats, barley or even lawn seed, to safely satisfy their needs.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list. Your pet’s health is very important, so it is always a good idea to deter your pet from eating house plants, and unknown garden plants

HOUSEPLANT TOXICITY

NON-TOXIC PLANTS

  • African Violet (Saintpaulia sp.)
  • Sword Fern (most other ferns too) (Nephrolepis exaltata )
  • Orchids  (Orchidaceae)
  • Prayer Plants (Maranta sp., Calatheas sp.)
  • Polka Dot Plants (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
  • Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
  • Air Plants (Tillandsia sp.)
  • Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
  • Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
  • Most Echeverias (Echeveria sp.)
  • Hoyas, wax plant (Hoya sp.)
  • Rex Begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum)
  • Most Palms (pony tail, elephant foot) (Beaucarnea sp.)

MIDLY TOXIC

(May cause mild symptoms but no lasting damage ***Unless ingested in large quantities. Most common symptoms include, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy)

  • Tradescantia (pink panther, tricolour ect) (Zebrina, Callisia, Nanouk, Fluminensis)
  • Philodendrons (Philodendrons sp.)
  • Pothos (Pothos, Scindapsus and Epipremnum)
  • Dumb Cane, Leopard lily (Dieffenbachia sp.)
  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
  • Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
  • Aloe Vera (Aloe sp.)
  • Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
  • ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
  • Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe sp.)
  • Snake Plants, Mother-in-law’s tongue (Dracaena trifasciata, name change 2014)
  • Dracaena (Dracaena sp.)

VERY TOXIC

(May cause lasting damage and/or death) Contact your veterinarian.

  • Alocasias (Alocasias sp.)
  • Caladium (Caladium sp.)
  • Colocasia (Colocasia sp.)
  • English Ivy (In large quantities) (Hedera helix)
  • Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

TOXIC GARDEN PLANTS

  • Apple Tree: Stems, leaves, and seeds are toxic if ingested in large amounts.
  • Apricot: Keep dogs, cats, and horses away from apricot stems, leaves, and seeds.
  • Castor Bean (Ricinus): Seeds highly toxic when chewed.
  • Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum)
  • Datura: Leaves and seeds are most toxic.
  • Delphinium
  • Foxglove (Digitalis)
  • Hydrangea
  • Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
  • Monkshood (Aconitum)
  • Nicotiana
  • Oleander (Nerium oleander)
  • Poppy (Papaver)
  • Rhododendron
  • Yew (Taxus)

TOXIC BULBS

  • Amaryllis: Bulbs, leaves and stems are toxic.
  • Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
  • Elephant ear (Colocasia)
  • Hyacinths 
  • Lilies (Lilium): Leaves, pollen and flowers are toxic, especially to cats.
  • Tulips (Tulipa)
  • Narcissus (Narcissus)