Guide to Poisonous Houseplants & Safe Alternatives

Plants make our homes look so nice with their green leaves and pretty flowers. They’re like little bits of nature inside! A plant in the corner can make a room feel alive, fresh, and cozy. Some people even name their plants and take care of them like pets. But while they look nice and are fun to grow, some plants are not as friendly as they seem. Some houseplants can be poisonous—that means they can make you, your pets, or your family feel sick if you touch them or try to eat them. These are called poisonous house plants.

That doesn’t mean you need to get rid of every plant right now. It just means you should know which ones could be risky, and how to keep them safely out of reach. You can still enjoy the beauty of houseplants while keeping everyone—especially pets and kids—safe. Think of this guide like a treasure map. It shows you which plants might be dangerous and gives you tips to keep you and your furry friends happy and healthy.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are popular because they’re super easy to take care of. They don’t need a lot of water or sunlight, and their shiny, heart-shaped leaves look great hanging down from a pot. Some people even grow them in hanging baskets or let them climb up walls. But this plant is not safe to eat. If someone chews on a philodendron leaf, it can make their mouth hurt badly. It might feel like burning or tingling, and it can make your throat swell up. It’s even worse for pets like cats and dogs—they can drool a lot, have trouble swallowing, or even throw up. To stay safe, put this plant up high—on a tall bookshelf or hanging basket that’s hard to reach. If a leaf falls to the ground, pick it up or ask an adult to help. If you think your pet or a small child tried to eat it, tell an adult right away. They should call a doctor or veterinarian just to be safe.

Pothos

Pothos is another popular houseplant. People love it because it grows quickly, and its leaves have fun patterns in green, white, or yellow. It’s sometimes called “devil’s ivy” because it stays green even in tough conditions. But despite the pretty name, pothos is not something you should chew on. If you bite into a pothos leaf, your mouth could get sore or even swell up. It might make your stomach feel upset, and some people get itchy just from touching it. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep pothos out of reach. Try hanging it from the ceiling or placing it on a high shelf. Pets like cats love to swat at long, dangling vines, so make sure those are tucked away or trimmed back. If you find leaves or pieces of vine on the ground, clean them up quickly before your pet tries to play with them—or worse, eat them.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia is also known as “dumb cane,” and it has big, colorful leaves with white or yellow spots. It can grow quite tall, so it’s a favorite for making a bold plant display in the corner of a room. But this one comes with a serious warning. The nickname “dumb cane” comes from what happens if someone eats it. The plant can cause your mouth and throat to swell so much that you can’t talk—that’s where the “dumb” part comes from. It can also cause pain, drooling, and even choking in pets. Because it’s a big plant, it might be hard to put it out of reach. The best thing you can do is keep it in a room where pets and small children don’t usually go. Make sure to tell guests, babysitters, or pet sitters that the plant is not safe to touch or eat. And if anyone does chew it—call for help immediately.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is known for its elegant white flowers and smooth, dark green leaves. It looks peaceful and gentle—just like its name. But don’t let that fool you. The peace lily is toxic if eaten or chewed. If a child or pet chews on it, they might feel pain in their mouth, get a tummy ache, or even throw up. Cats especially can get very sick from eating this plant. To avoid any trouble, place your peace lily on a tall piece of furniture, like a dresser or a floating shelf. Don’t leave it on the floor or on low tables where pets might get curious. If a piece falls off the plant, clean it up right away. This plant might be peaceful to look at, but it’s best to admire it from a distance.

Sago Palm

The sago palm is a cool-looking plant that looks like a tiny version of a real palm tree. It has soft, feathery leaves and makes a great indoor decoration. But this plant is extremely poisonous—especially for dogs. Every part of the sago palm is toxic, but the seeds are the most dangerous. If your dog eats just one seed, it can cause vomiting, liver damage, or even death. That’s why many vets say it’s better to avoid this plant altogether if you have pets. If you still want to keep it, make sure it’s in a spot that’s impossible for pets and children to reach. Maybe in a room they’re never allowed in, or up high where even jumping won’t help. And always check around the plant for fallen pieces or seeds and clean them up right away.

English Ivy

English ivy grows long and fast, with green leaves that hang down in pretty vines. Some people let it climb along walls or place it in hanging pots. But English ivy is another plant you should be careful around. If someone eats it, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, or even trouble breathing. Touching it might also cause red, itchy skin. That’s especially true if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Keep this plant well-trimmed and out of reach. Hang it high or place it on a shelf where the vines don’t dangle too low. If you notice any parts falling off, don’t leave them lying around—clean them up before anyone can touch them.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is famous for being helpful. People use the clear gel inside its leaves to soothe sunburns and small cuts. That part of the plant is okay. But the rest—the thick green leaves and yellow sap near the edges—can make you sick if you eat them. If a child or pet eats the wrong part of aloe vera, it can cause tummy problems like cramps or diarrhea. Dogs and cats may throw up or feel weak. To keep aloe vera safe, put it on a windowsill where it can get sun but is out of reach. Cats like to sit on windowsills, so pick a spot they can’t get to or block the path. It’s a helpful plant, but only when used the right way.

Snake Plant

The snake plant is also called “mother-in-law’s tongue” because of its long, pointed leaves. It’s super strong and doesn’t need much water or care. Some people even keep it in their bedrooms because it helps clean the air. But even though it looks like a sword of green and yellow, it’s not safe to chew on. If someone eats a piece of the snake plant, it can cause nausea or vomiting. Pets can feel sick too. Cats might try to chew the upright leaves like grass, but that’s not a good idea. Put snake plants somewhere sturdy but out of reach—on a high shelf or a plant stand that pets can’t climb. If any leaves snap or fall off, pick them up right away. It’s a strong, tough plant, but not one to mess with.

ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is perfect for busy people because it barely needs any water or light. Its shiny leaves stay looking fresh even if you forget about it for days. But don’t let its low-maintenance charm fool you—it’s not safe to eat. If someone chews on it, they could feel a burning feeling in their mouth and stomach. Pets can feel sick too, with vomiting or drooling. Luckily, ZZ plants are small and easy to move around. Put them up high, like on a shelf or table. Make sure they’re not in places where curious hands or paws can reach. And just like the others, clean up any fallen leaves or pieces right away.