Safety
Animals
Many popular houseplants contain natural chemical substances that protect them from predators in the wild. While these defenses are harmless to us when touched, they can become dangerous if ingested by our children or pets.
Why are some houseplants toxic?
According to veterinary poison control centers, over 30% of calls involve poisoning from houseplants. The good news? With the right information, these accidents are completely preventable.
💡 Verdeia Transparency
We clearly indicate the toxicity level on each product page for our plants. This way, you can make informed choices with confidence for your home.
The 10 most common toxic houseplants
| Plant | Toxicity | Substance | Main symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monstera | Moderate to high | Calcium oxalate | Oral irritation, salivation |
| Pothos | Moderate | Calcium oxalates | Mouth burns, swelling |
| Dieffenbachia | High | Calcium oxalates | Severe pain, swelling |
| Philodendron | Moderate to high | Calcium oxalates | Throat irritation |
| Spathiphyllum | Moderate | Calcium oxalates | Oral irritation |
| Sansevieria | Low to moderate | Saponins | Nausea, vomiting |
| Zamioculcas | Moderate | Calcium oxalates | Skin irritation |
| Aloe Vera | Moderate (animals) | Aloin | Vomiting, diarrhea |
| Ficus | Low to moderate | Irritating latex | Skin irritation |
| Syngonium | Moderate | Calcium oxalates | Oral irritation |
How to recognize poisoning?
In cats and dogs:
- Excessive salivation or unusual drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sudden loss of appetite
- Lethargy or unusual behavior
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the mouth or tongue
- Tremors or seizures (severe cases)
In children:
- Unexplained crying or irritability
- Redness or swelling around the mouth
- Excessive salivation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
⚠️ Emergency
In case of severe symptoms (breathing difficulties, seizures), contact a veterinarian or poison control center immediately.
The best non-toxic alternatives
Good news: many beautiful plants are completely safe for your companions!
100% safe plants for pets and children:
- Calathea - Graphic foliage and completely harmless
- Pilea Peperomioides - Trendy and harmless
- Ferns - Lush and safe
- Areca Palm - Tropical and non-toxic
- Maranta (Prayer Plant) - Decorative and safe
- Peperomia - Multiple varieties, all harmless
- Chlorophytum (Spider Plant) - Purifying and risk-free
- Phalaenopsis Orchids - Elegant and safe
- Chamaedorea Palm - Perfect for homes with pets
- Haworthia - Non-toxic succulent
🌿 Dedicated collections
Discover our non-toxic plants collection for a peaceful home with pets and children.
What to do in case of ingestion?
For pets:
- Stay calm - Keep calm to act effectively
- Remove residues - Gently remove plant pieces from the mouth
- Do NOT induce vomiting - This can worsen burns
- Contact a veterinarian immediately - Have the plant name if possible
- Photograph the plant - For quick identification
For children:
- Remove the plant from the mouth
- Rinse the mouth with clean water
- Do not induce vomiting
- Contact your doctor or a poison control center
- See a doctor if symptoms persist
Everyday prevention tips
- Place plants up high - Out of reach of children and pets
- Use hanging planters - Ideal for toxic trailing plants
- Create no-go zones – Train your pets to avoid certain rooms
- Watch for fallen leaves – Clean regularly
- Offer alternatives – Catnip for felines, toys for dogs
- Label your plants – To quickly know which ones are toxic
- Browse our dedicated collections – Easily filter by toxicity on Verdeia
📍 Good to know
Check out our plant guide by room to place your plants safely.
Mini FAQ
No! Many plants like Calathea, Pilea, ferns, and palms are completely safe for pets and children. Discover our full selection in our non-toxic plants collection.
It depends on the amount ingested. Watch for symptoms (salivation, vomiting) and contact your vet if you notice signs of discomfort. The Monstera contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth.
Yes, if you place them in completely inaccessible spots (high shelves, closed rooms). But the safest option is to choose non-toxic plants to avoid any risk.
Most are irritating but rarely dangerous for adults, except in large amounts. The main risk concerns children and pets who might chew the leaves out of curiosity.
Always check before buying! On Verdeia, each product page clearly indicates the plant's toxicity level. You can also consult the ASPCA list or ask for advice at a garden center.
Some are toxic (Pothos, Spathiphyllum), others are not (Areca Palm, Chlorophytum). There are safe, air-purifying alternatives!
Gently remove plant residues from their mouth, DO NOT induce vomiting, and contact a veterinarian immediately. Photograph the plant for quick identification. Keep the number of a veterinary poison control center handy.
The most dangerous are Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, Pothos, Monstera, and Spathiphyllum. They all contain calcium oxalates that cause mouth irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting.
Yes, most toxic plants only cause problems if ingested. Some, like the Zamioculcas, can irritate the skin on contact with sap. Wash your hands after handling and wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.
Create a green and safe home with Verdeia
Having indoor plants and pets (or children) is not incompatible! You just need to make informed choices and take a few simple precautions.
At Verdeia, we believe a green interior should be a peaceful haven for the whole family, including four-legged friends.
Our non-toxic plant collections:
✅ Toxicity level indicated on each product page
✅ 6 collections dedicated to non-toxic plants
✅ Personalized advice available
