Houseplants do more than just beautify our homes. Houseplants add life, beauty, and improved air quality to our homes. But while these houseplants have countless benefits, they also have some hidden dangers. Did you know that several popular houseplants, while cherished for their beauty and ease of care, can be harmful or poisonous to humans?
So, the question is, are all houseplants poisonous to humans? According to botanists, the answer is no. But there are some popular indoor plants that are poisonous and can cause adverse reactions in humans. If a poisonous plant is ingested, it can cause anything from skin irritation to more serious effects like respiratory problems or organ damage.
So, what should you do if you have a poisonous houseplant in your home? Luckily, you don’t have to throw them away. You can keep your home beautiful and safe by knowing how to properly handle these plants, understanding their risks, and what to do if someone accidentally eats one. So let’s find out which houseplants are poisonous to humans.
Table of Contents
Toxic house plants to humans
1. Toxic House plants to Humans is Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
One of the houseplants that is toxic to humans is the peace lily. The peace lily is famous for its green leaves and elegant white flowers. Due to its minimal care, it is an excellent choice for homes and offices. In addition to its beauty, the peace lily improves indoor air quality by filtering out toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. However, it can be mildly toxic to humans if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. It can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and stomach, leading to symptoms such as a burning sensation, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Although its effects are rarely life-threatening, they can be more serious for children. So if you have a peace lily in your home, keep it away from children to avoid accidents. And wash your hands thoroughly after handling it too.
2. Toxic House plants to Humans is Philodendron
Philodendrons are popular houseplants. These plants are easy to care for and grow well in bright, indirect light, making them a favorite among plant enthusiasts. However, philodendrons are toxic to humans due to the calcium oxalate crystals they contain. If ingested, they can cause immediate discomfort, including mouth and throat irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. Even skin contact with the sap of this plant can cause mild irritation or a rash in sensitive individuals and children. Although its toxicity is rarely serious, it is important to keep it out of the reach of children and to wash hands after handling it.
3. Toxic House plants to Humans is Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
The plant Dieffenbachia is commonly known as the dumb cane. It is popular as a houseplant due to its shade tolerance. It is a toxic houseplant to humans. Dieffenbachia is highly toxic to humans due to the calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes it contains. Chewing its leaves can cause severe irritation and swelling of the tongue and throat, potentially causing difficulty speaking, swallowing, or even breathing. In severe cases, chewing can cause excessive salivation, gastrointestinal problems, or, rarely, life-threatening airway obstruction. According to the Wikipedia page, 70% of patients exposed to poisonous plants are children under the age of five. So keep it away from children to avoid accidents. However, if someone eats Dieffenbachia, for first aid, they should rinse their mouth with water to reduce irritation and drink milk to dissolve the crystals. And if swelling or difficulty breathing occurs, they should see a doctor immediately.
4. Toxic House plants to Humans is English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a beautiful and attractive houseplant. People often grow it in hanging baskets. English ivy improves indoor air quality by filtering pollutants. However, this plant is toxic to humans due to the presence of glycosides known as saponins as well as other harmful compounds. All parts of this plant, especially the berries, can have adverse effects if ingested. Eating or chewing it can cause burning in the mouth and throat, excessive salivation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can cause difficulty breathing and neurological symptoms such as drowsiness or restlessness. Skin contact with the plant sap may cause redness, itching, or a rash, especially in people with sensitive skin. If you accidentally eat English ivy, rinse your mouth with water. For severe symptoms or if a child is involved, be sure to contact a poison control center or seek medical advice.
5. Toxic House plants to Humans is Pothos
Pothos is a popular house plant. It is in almost every plant enthusiast’s home. It is well known for purifying the air. But pothos is toxic to humans due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves and stems. If someone chews or eats it, they can embed themselves in the tissues of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. This can cause severe irritation, swelling, vomiting, and irritation. Although it is less life-threatening, it is more serious for children and sensitive individuals. Even skin contact with the sap can cause mild irritation or a rash. So keep it out of reach of children to avoid accidents. Wear gloves when pruning or repotting. However, if someone accidentally eats pothos, rinse their mouth thoroughly with water. Drinking milk or eating yogurt can help bind with the oxalate crystals and soothe the irritation. Avoid inducing vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. If you experience swelling of the tongue, throat, or lips or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately or contact a poison control center.
6. Toxic House plants to Humans is Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Plant is a favorite houseplant for its low maintenance needs. According to NASA data from the 1970s, this plant effectively purifies the air by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. Which makes it ideal for bedrooms. However, despite its benefits, the snake plant is mildly toxic to humans because it contains saponins, natural chemical compounds. If eaten or chewed, it can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Although the plant is mildly toxic, you should still keep it away from children. Additionally, when pruning or re-pruning, wear gloves to prevent skin irritation from the sap.
7. Toxic House plants to Humans is ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is an excellent choice for busy plant owners. It is also known to purify the air. However, it is one of the toxic house plants to humans. This is because it contains calcium oxalate crystals. Its sap can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Ingestion can also cause swelling of the mouth or tongue, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions if the sap comes into contact with their skin.
8. Toxic House plants to Humans is Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Sago palm is a tropical ornamental plant. It grows very slowly. Sago palm is highly toxic to humans and pets. Its seeds are especially toxic. All parts of this plant contain Cycasin, a powerful toxin. If ingested, it can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to liver damage. According to ASPC data, the fatality rate when ingested is up to 50%. So keep it out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidents. And when handling it, especially its seeds, wear gloves.
9. Toxic House plants to Humans is Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)
Anthurium, also commonly known as flamingo flower or laceleaf. It is an attractive house plant. However, it is toxic to humans due to the calcium oxalate crystals it contains. Its sap can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Even eating or chewing it can cause burning and swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, nausea, and vomiting. While it is not life-threatening, its symptoms are quite painful.
10. Toxic House plants to Humans is Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
Crown of thorns is a low-maintenance succulent houseplant. Its milky sap contains compounds called diterpenoid esters, which are toxic to humans. Its sap can cause temporary to permanent corneal damage if it comes into contact with the eyes. It can also cause vomiting, stomach upset, and blistering of the lips if ingested. In some cases, it can cause a more serious rash or allergic reaction. If symptoms are severe, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately or contact a poison control center.
11. Toxic House plants to Humans is Kalanchoe (Mother of Thousands)
Kalanchoe is an attractive succulent small plant. It is often used as a houseplant due to its low maintenance. It is toxic to humans due to the presence of compounds known as bufadianlides, which are a type of cardiac glycoside. If it is eaten or chewed, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can occur. Eating large amounts of Kalanchoe can cause heart arrhythmia, dizziness, or lethargy. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to the plant’s toxicity. So keep it away from them.
12. Toxic House plants to Humans is Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a charming flowering houseplant. It is among the houseplants that are toxic to humans. Its roots contain compounds called saponins. These saponins are the primary cause of the plant’s toxicity. If ingested, especially the tubers, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, severe reactions can occur, including seizures or an irregular heartbeat, especially if large amounts are ingested.
13. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Fiddle leaf fig is a popular tropical houseplant. It thrives in bright, indirect light. However, it is mildly toxic to humans. This is because its sap contains compounds like ficin and calcium oxalate crystals. Its sap can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing. So wear gloves while handling the plant to avoid any risk. And keep it away from children and pets.
14. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus)
Asparagus fern is an erect, perennial plant. However, it is not a true fern. It is in high demand as a houseplant due to its low maintenance. Asparagus fern is mildly toxic to humans due to compounds in its berries and sap. Its berries, in particular, contain toxins called sapogenins, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. If a person, especially a child, eats the berries, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Additionally, the sap of the plant can cause skin irritation or rashes in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin.
15. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant is an evergreen succulent and a popular houseplant. Its easy care, drought tolerance, and minimal water requirements make it a favorite choice.
Although it is more commonly known to be toxic to pets, it is also considered mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, it can cause mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While it is not life-threatening, some individuals may experience skin irritation upon contact with its sap.
16. Toxic House plants to Humans is Lantana
Gardens often grow lantana, a vibrant, flowering plant, both indoors and outdoors. Its bushy growth habit makes it suitable for baskets or decorative containers. Lantana is highly toxic to humans, especially its ripe berries, which contain toxic compounds called triterpenoids. Eating these berries can cause serious symptoms, especially in children. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and weakness. More serious complications, such as liver damage or, in rare cases, death, can occur if left untreated. Other parts of the plant, such as the leaves, can cause irritation or toxicity if ingested in significant amounts. So avoid growing lantana in homes with young children to prevent accidents, or make sure it is kept out of their reach.
What makes certain houseplants toxic?
Some houseplants can be toxic due to natural chemicals in their roots, bark, or sap. Although these chemicals are protective for the plants, they are harmful to humans if eaten, touched, or inhaled. Common toxic compounds include calcium oxalate crystals, which are sharp and irritate the skin, mouth, and digestive tract; saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; and cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function. Also, plants like Dieffenbachia contain enzymes that irritate mucous membranes. Lantana contains compounds that can damage organs if ingested in large quantities. These natural toxins are part of the plants’ survival strategies but require careful handling when bringing them into the home.
What precautions should be taken for children, the elderly, or allergy-prone family members?
To keep children, the elderly, or allergy-prone family members safe, it’s important to take proper precautions. Start by choosing non-toxic plants that are beautiful and safe. But if you have poisonous plants, keep them out of reach on high shelves, in hanging baskets, or away from children and pets. Make everyone in the family aware of the potential risks of certain plants. When pruning or repotting, always wear gloves to avoid skin irritation and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
What to Do if Someone Ingests a Poisonous Houseplant?
If someone has eaten a poisonous houseplant, identify the plant if possible and check how much of the plant was eaten to minimize damage. Look for immediate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, swelling, or irritation of the mouth or throat. Remove any remaining plant material from the person’s mouth and rinse thoroughly with water to remove residue. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional. Contact a poison control center or healthcare provider immediately. Provide as much information about the plant as possible.
Poison Control Number: In the United States, the Poison Control number is 1-800-222-1222.
Conclusion:
Knowing about toxic house plants to humans can help keep your family safe. Many houseplants add beauty and improve air quality. However, some of them can be harmful if eaten or come into contact with the sap. So learn which plants are poisonous and handle them safely. And enjoy the benefits of your indoor plants.
