HOUSEPLANT SAFETY for pets
With the ever growing popularity of keeping houseplants , it ’ s important to consider the welfare of our animals when choosing and placing plants around the home .
Toxicity levels in houseplants vary and can cause different symptoms . Some plants may pose risk of physical injury , such as cacti , but ingestion is the primary and most likely cause of harm to our pets .
This list focuses on toxicity to cats and dogs , but it is also important to consider and research safe plants for other animals you may have around the house , such as rabbits , ferrets and indoor birds .
Low Toxicity
ZZ Plant ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia ) Parts : The whole plant Symptoms : Excessive drooling , irritation of the mouth , lips and tongue , intense burning , mucous membrane irritation .
Snake Plant / Mother in Law ’ s Tongue ( Sansevieria ) Parts : The whole plant Symptoms : Nausea , vomiting , diarrhoea .
Moderate Toxicity
Rubber Plant ( Ficus elastica ) Parts : Stems and leaves Symptoms : Vomiting , diarrhoea , skin irritation .
Jade Plant / Money Tree ( Crassula ovata ) Parts : The whole plant Symptoms : Nausea , retching .
Alocasia Varieties Parts : The whole plant Symptoms : Excessive drooling , irritation of the mouth , lips and tongue , intense burning , mucous membrane irritation , difficulty swallowing , vomiting .
Aloe Varieties Parts : Pulp and juices Symptoms : Vomiting , diarrhoea , loss of appetite , depression , urine discolouration .
Dumb Cane ( Diffenbachia ) Parts : The whole plant Symptoms : Excessive drooling , irritation of the mouth , lips and tongue , intense burning , mucous membrane irritation , difficulty swallowing .
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Pothos Varieties ( Philodendron ) Parts : The whole plant Symptoms : Excessive drooling , irritation of the mouth , lips and tongue , intense burning , difficulty swallowing .
Caladium Varieties Parts : The whole plant Symptoms : Excessive drooling , irritation of the mouth , lips and tongue , intense burning , mucous membrane irritation , difficulty swallowing .