Collection
Toxic Houseplants
Beautiful but harmful to cats, dogs and children: how to keep them safely.
Many of the most popular houseplants are classified as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, including pothos, philodendron, monstera, peace lily, dieffenbachia, alocasia, snake plant, dracaena, aloe, jade plant and kalanchoe. For most of them, chewing causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting rather than life-threatening poisoning, but true lilies are deadly to cats and sago palm is dangerous to all pets. Keep toxic plants out of reach or out of the house, and if a pet or child eats one, call for advice right away.
What these plants have in common
- Listed as toxic to cats and/or dogs on the ASPCA plant lists
- Commonly kept as a houseplant or brought home as a gift plant
Alocasia
Alocasia spp. (incl. Alocasia × amazonica)- Bright indirect; at an east window or 5–6 ft back from a south window, no direct midday sun
- When the top 2 in. are dry: every 4–6 days in summer, every 12–20 in winter
- Toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA): insoluble calcium oxalates
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera (syn. Aloe barbadensis)- 4+ hours of direct sun; south or west window; acclimate over 10–14 days
- Soak, then dry completely: every 10–14 days in summer, every 4–6 weeks in winter
- ASPCA: toxic to cats, dogs and horses (saponins, anthraquinones): vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea
Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum hybrids- Bright indirect, 3–5 ft from an east or west window; no hot direct sun
- When the top 1–2 in. are dry; about every 7–10 days; less in winter
- ASPCA: toxic to dogs, cats and horses (insoluble calcium oxalates)
Begonia
Begonia spp.- Bright indirect; flowering types tolerate gentle morning sun
- When the surface is dry to the touch; never leave wet
- Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA)
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai- Brightest window: south or west with several hours of direct sun; summer outdoors helps
- Spring–summer when top 1 inch is dry; from late November let the top 2 inches dry
- ASPCA: Strelitzia reginae toxic to cats, dogs and horses; mild, mainly fruit and seeds
Croton
Codiaeum variegatum- Bright; east or west window with a few hours of gentle sun, or 2–4 ft from a south window behind a sheer
- When the top 1/2–1 in is dry: every 4–7 days in summer, 7–10 in winter; room-temperature soft water
- Mildly toxic to cats and dogs (Pet Poison Helpline); irritant milky sap; RHS: all parts poisonous
Crown of thorns
Euphorbia milii- Full sun indoors: south or west window, 3-4+ hours of direct sun
- When the top inch is dry in spring-summer; sparingly in winter
- Toxic: irritant milky sap, harmful if eaten (not individually listed by ASPCA)
Dracaena
Dracaena (D. marginata, D. fragrans, D. reflexa, D. deremensis)- Bright indirect; 3–6 ft from a south window or near an east/west one; green types tolerate medium light, variegated need more
- When the top 1.5–2 in are dry: every 5–7 days in summer, 12–18 days in winter; rain, distilled or RO water
- Toxic to cats and dogs: saponins (ASPCA)
Ficus
Ficus spp.- Bright indirect: 1–5 ft from an east or west window, or behind a sheer at a south window
- When the top 1–2 in are dry: about every 5–10 days in summer, 10–16 in winter
- Toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA: ficin, ficusin); sap irritates skin
Fiddle leaf fig
Ficus lyrata- Very bright indirect light 6+ hours; within 3 ft of an east or south window (sheer curtain on south/west)
- When the top 2 in. are dry: every 7–10 days in summer, 12–16 days in winter
- ASPCA: mildly toxic to dogs and cats (GI irritation); sap can irritate skin
Florist's cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum- Bright indirect; winter morning sun is fine
- From below for 15–20 minutes, then drain; check daily, water when the surface is dry
- Toxic to dogs, cats and horses: terpenoid saponins, highest in the tuber (ASPCA)
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata- 4+ hours of direct sun; south or west window
- Soak, then let dry completely: every 7–14 days in summer, every 4–6 weeks in a cool winter
- ASPCA: toxic to cats, dogs and horses (vomiting, depression, incoordination)
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana- Full sun is best (Clemson HGIC); the sunniest south or west window you have
- Let the soil dry most of the way, then soak; much less often in winter
- Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA): bufadienolides; vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm (rare)
Lucky bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana- Bright indirect; east or north window; no direct sun
- In a vase: roots plus about 1 in. of stalk covered, changed weekly. In soil: water when the top 1/2 in. is dry
- Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA, Dracaena spp.: saponins)
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa- Bright indirect; tolerates medium light, but leaves stay smaller and less split
- When top 2–3 in. are dry: about every 5–7 days in summer, 10–14 in winter
- Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA): insoluble calcium oxalates
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum spp.- Bright indirect light for blooms; tolerates low light (no direct midday sun)
- When the top 1 inch is dry or leaves begin to sag; every 5–7 days in summer, 10–14 in winter
- Toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA (insoluble calcium oxalates)
Philodendron
Philodendron spp. (heartleaf P. hederaceum and others)- Bright indirect; heartleaf tolerates low light
- When the top 1-2 inches are dry; about every 7-10 days in summer
- Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA)
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum- Bright indirect; east or west window, south behind a sheer; tolerates medium light, variegated types fade in shade
- When the top 1–2 in. are dry: about every 5–8 days in summer, every 10–14 days in winter
- Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA): insoluble calcium oxalates; sap can irritate skin
Rubber plant
Ficus elastica- Bright indirect, best at an east window; green types tolerate medium light
- When the top 2 in. are dry: about every 7–10 days in summer, every 12–18 days in winter
- Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA, Indian rubber plant/Ficus); milky sap irritates skin and stomach
Snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata (syn. Sansevieria trifasciata)- Low to bright indirect; tolerates some direct sun
- When soil is fully dry: every 2–3 weeks summer, 4–8 weeks winter
- Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA): saponins
String of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus (syn. Senecio rowleyanus)- Bright light; gentle morning sun is fine, shade from hot afternoon sun
- Only when the mix is fully dry; about every 2–3 weeks in summer, 3–5 in winter
- Toxic to pets per ASPCA (vomiting, lethargy); sap may irritate skin
Umbrella plant
Schefflera arboricola, Schefflera actinophylla (now Heptapleurum)- Medium to bright indirect; 3-6 ft from a south window, or at an east or west window
- Soak, then let the top 1/2-1 in. dry; in winter let the top third of the pot dry
- Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA): oral irritation, drooling, vomiting; sap is a skin allergen
Wandering Dude (Tradescantia)
Tradescantia zebrina, T. fluminensis, T. pallida- Bright light with 2–3 hours of morning or filtered sun; east window ideal
- When the top 1 inch is dry: every 3–5 days in summer, 8–12 days in winter
- ASPCA: Tradescantia fluminensis is toxic to cats, dogs and horses (dermatitis)
Yucca
Yucca gigantea (syn. Yucca elephantipes)- Full sun to very bright light; south window in winter, east or west window or light shade from hot summer sun
- Soak, then water when the top 2 in. are dry: about every 7-12 days in summer, every 3-8 weeks in winter
- Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA, Yucca spp.): vomiting
ZZ plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia- Low to bright indirect; no hot direct sun
- When fully dry: every 2–3 weeks summer, 4–6 weeks winter
- Toxic if eaten (calcium oxalates); not pet-safe
Comparison: which one fits your conditions
| Plant | Light | Water | Difficulty | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alocasia | Bright indirect; at an east window or 5–6 ft back from a south window, no direct midday sun | When the top 2 in. are dry: every 4–6 days in summer, every 12–20 in winter | Demanding | Toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA): insoluble calcium oxalates |
| Aloe Vera | 4+ hours of direct sun; south or west window; acclimate over 10–14 days | Soak, then dry completely: every 10–14 days in summer, every 4–6 weeks in winter | Easy | ASPCA: toxic to cats, dogs and horses (saponins, anthraquinones): vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea |
| Anthurium | Bright indirect, 3–5 ft from an east or west window; no hot direct sun | When the top 1–2 in. are dry; about every 7–10 days; less in winter | Moderate | ASPCA: toxic to dogs, cats and horses (insoluble calcium oxalates) |
| Begonia | Bright indirect; flowering types tolerate gentle morning sun | When the surface is dry to the touch; never leave wet | Moderate | Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA) |
| Bird of Paradise | Brightest window: south or west with several hours of direct sun; summer outdoors helps | Spring–summer when top 1 inch is dry; from late November let the top 2 inches dry | Moderate | ASPCA: Strelitzia reginae toxic to cats, dogs and horses; mild, mainly fruit and seeds |
| Croton | Bright; east or west window with a few hours of gentle sun, or 2–4 ft from a south window behind a sheer | When the top 1/2–1 in is dry: every 4–7 days in summer, 7–10 in winter; room-temperature soft water | Moderate | Mildly toxic to cats and dogs (Pet Poison Helpline); irritant milky sap; RHS: all parts poisonous |
| Crown of thorns | Full sun indoors: south or west window, 3-4+ hours of direct sun | When the top inch is dry in spring-summer; sparingly in winter | Easy | Toxic: irritant milky sap, harmful if eaten (not individually listed by ASPCA) |
| Dracaena | Bright indirect; 3–6 ft from a south window or near an east/west one; green types tolerate medium light, variegated need more | When the top 1.5–2 in are dry: every 5–7 days in summer, 12–18 days in winter; rain, distilled or RO water | Easy | Toxic to cats and dogs: saponins (ASPCA) |
| Ficus | Bright indirect: 1–5 ft from an east or west window, or behind a sheer at a south window | When the top 1–2 in are dry: about every 5–10 days in summer, 10–16 in winter | Moderate | Toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA: ficin, ficusin); sap irritates skin |
| Fiddle leaf fig | Very bright indirect light 6+ hours; within 3 ft of an east or south window (sheer curtain on south/west) | When the top 2 in. are dry: every 7–10 days in summer, 12–16 days in winter | Moderate | ASPCA: mildly toxic to dogs and cats (GI irritation); sap can irritate skin |
| Florist's cyclamen | Bright indirect; winter morning sun is fine | From below for 15–20 minutes, then drain; check daily, water when the surface is dry | Moderate | Toxic to dogs, cats and horses: terpenoid saponins, highest in the tuber (ASPCA) |
| Jade Plant | 4+ hours of direct sun; south or west window | Soak, then let dry completely: every 7–14 days in summer, every 4–6 weeks in a cool winter | Easy | ASPCA: toxic to cats, dogs and horses (vomiting, depression, incoordination) |
| Kalanchoe | Full sun is best (Clemson HGIC); the sunniest south or west window you have | Let the soil dry most of the way, then soak; much less often in winter | Easy | Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA): bufadienolides; vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm (rare) |
| Lucky bamboo | Bright indirect; east or north window; no direct sun | In a vase: roots plus about 1 in. of stalk covered, changed weekly. In soil: water when the top 1/2 in. is dry | Easy | Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA, Dracaena spp.: saponins) |
| Monstera | Bright indirect; tolerates medium light, but leaves stay smaller and less split | When top 2–3 in. are dry: about every 5–7 days in summer, 10–14 in winter | Easy | Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA): insoluble calcium oxalates |
| Peace Lily | Bright indirect light for blooms; tolerates low light (no direct midday sun) | When the top 1 inch is dry or leaves begin to sag; every 5–7 days in summer, 10–14 in winter | Easy | Toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA (insoluble calcium oxalates) |
| Philodendron | Bright indirect; heartleaf tolerates low light | When the top 1-2 inches are dry; about every 7-10 days in summer | Easy | Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA) |
| Pothos | Bright indirect; east or west window, south behind a sheer; tolerates medium light, variegated types fade in shade | When the top 1–2 in. are dry: about every 5–8 days in summer, every 10–14 days in winter | Easy | Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA): insoluble calcium oxalates; sap can irritate skin |
| Rubber plant | Bright indirect, best at an east window; green types tolerate medium light | When the top 2 in. are dry: about every 7–10 days in summer, every 12–18 days in winter | Easy | Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA, Indian rubber plant/Ficus); milky sap irritates skin and stomach |
| Snake plant | Low to bright indirect; tolerates some direct sun | When soil is fully dry: every 2–3 weeks summer, 4–8 weeks winter | Easy | Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA): saponins |
| String of Pearls | Bright light; gentle morning sun is fine, shade from hot afternoon sun | Only when the mix is fully dry; about every 2–3 weeks in summer, 3–5 in winter | Moderate | Toxic to pets per ASPCA (vomiting, lethargy); sap may irritate skin |
| Umbrella plant | Medium to bright indirect; 3-6 ft from a south window, or at an east or west window | Soak, then let the top 1/2-1 in. dry; in winter let the top third of the pot dry | Easy | Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA): oral irritation, drooling, vomiting; sap is a skin allergen |
| Wandering Dude (Tradescantia) | Bright light with 2–3 hours of morning or filtered sun; east window ideal | When the top 1 inch is dry: every 3–5 days in summer, 8–12 days in winter | Easy | ASPCA: Tradescantia fluminensis is toxic to cats, dogs and horses (dermatitis) |
| Yucca | Full sun to very bright light; south window in winter, east or west window or light shade from hot summer sun | Soak, then water when the top 2 in. are dry: about every 7-12 days in summer, every 3-8 weeks in winter | Easy | Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA, Yucca spp.): vomiting |
| ZZ plant | Low to bright indirect; no hot direct sun | When fully dry: every 2–3 weeks summer, 4–6 weeks winter | Easy | Toxic if eaten (calcium oxalates); not pet-safe |
Toxic doesn't mean you can't own a plant. It means knowing who lives with it and where it sits. This collection lists houseplants that the ASPCA classifies as toxic, what kind of risk they carry, and practical ways to keep them.
How toxicity is classified
We follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's lists of plants toxic and non-toxic to cats and to dogs. The ASPCA lists cover plants reported to have systemic effects or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract, so "toxic" covers a wide range, from mouth irritation to organ damage.
Common toxic houseplants
| Plant | Main concern | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Pothos, philodendron, monstera, peace lily, dieffenbachia, alocasia, Chinese evergreen, arrowhead plant, anthurium | Insoluble calcium oxalates: mouth pain, drooling, vomiting | Usually mild to moderate |
| Snake plant, dracaena, corn plant | Vomiting, drooling | Usually mild |
| Aloe vera, jade plant, kalanchoe | Vomiting; kalanchoe can affect the heart in large amounts | Mild to serious |
| Fiddle-leaf fig, rubber plant, English ivy, schefflera, begonia | Mouth and stomach irritation | Usually mild |
| Cyclamen, amaryllis, azalea | Gift plants: vomiting; azalea can affect the heart | Moderate to serious |
| Lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis) | Kidney failure in cats | Life-threatening for cats |
| Sago palm | Liver failure | Life-threatening |
Aroids such as pothos, philodendron and monstera contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals; the immediate pain usually stops pets after a bite or two, which is why serious poisoning from them is uncommon.
Keeping toxic plants with pets and kids
- Know which plants you have. Check the plant's card or the ASPCA lists before buying.
- Place by risk: a mildly toxic plant on a high shelf may be fine with a dog; nothing is out of reach of a determined cat.
- Never keep lilies in a home with cats, including cut flowers.
- Pick up fallen leaves and flowers.
- Prune with gloves and wash your hands; some saps irritate skin and eyes.
- Teach children not to eat plants, and keep the plant's name on a label.
If someone eats a toxic plant
For pets, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply). For a child, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if the child has trouble breathing, is very drowsy or has a seizure. Have the plant's name or a photo ready. We don't give treatment advice; poison-control specialists will tell you what to do.
Looking for alternatives? See pet-safe plants.
Often mislabeled: plants that don't belong here
| Plant | Why it doesn't really fit |
|---|---|
| Spider plant | Cats love chewing it, which worries owners, but ASPCA lists it as non-toxic. |
| Calathea and prayer plant | Often assumed toxic because of their exotic look; both are non-toxic per ASPCA. |
| Christmas cactus | Non-toxic per ASPCA, unlike the similar-looking kalanchoe sold at the same time of year. |
Frequently asked questions
What houseplants are most toxic to cats?
True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are the most dangerous: small exposures can cause kidney failure in cats. Sago palm is also severely toxic. Common aroids such as pothos and philodendron usually cause mouth pain and vomiting.
Is pothos toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists pothos as toxic; it contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which cause mouth irritation, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Is monstera toxic to pets?
Yes, ASPCA lists Monstera deliciosa as toxic to cats and dogs, with the same calcium oxalate effects as other aroids.
Are toxic houseplants dangerous to touch?
For most people, no, though the sap of some, such as dieffenbachia and crown of thorns, can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves when pruning and wash your hands afterward.
What should I do if my child ate part of a houseplant?
Wipe out the mouth, give a small sip of water and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 with the plant's name or a photo. Call 911 if the child has trouble breathing, is drowsy or has a seizure.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these publications. Links open in a new tab.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List — cats plant list www.aspca.org
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List — dogs plant list www.aspca.org
- Pet Poison Helpline www.petpoisonhelpline.com
- poison.org www.poison.org