Baby-proofing your home? Your to do list probably includes safety plugs, covering sharp-edged corners, or latch-closing any drawers. Does it include plants? Chances are not very likely. Creating a safe space for your little one or pets, should include making sure the houseplants are verified safe. Researching each of the plants you have at home to check toxicity will help give you peace of mind and safeguard your home from accidents. Houseplants that are poisonous to babies are actually very common, popular varieties. Not all of the entire plant may be toxic. Sometimes only the leaves, stem, or bulb sections are poisonous. If you are worried that your baby might ingest a poisonous houseplant, it is best to remove any of the plants in this article from your house.
Symptoms of poisoning may range from mild to severe or even death. If you suspect ingestion of a toxic plant, get hold of your doctor immediately, who will be able to advise you on the steps to take.
If you suspect a certain houseplant that you don’t know the name of, may be unsafe, getting in touch with a national poison center in your country is your best bet. They will help identify houseplants that are poisonous to babies and pets. Email them with a photo of the plant/s or take the relevant plant to them for identification.
American Association of Poison Control Centers: Call 1-800-222-1222
Symptoms of houseplant poisoning
Skin irritation
Irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Heart arrhythmia
Paralysis
Death (rare)
How to identify a poisonous houseplant
Shiny leaves
Milky sap
Umbrella shaped plants
Plants that have white or yellow berries
Print out this list of 40 houseplants that are poisonous to babies, to take a long next time you visit the local nursery.
For a more complete list of toxic plants, you can visit the California Poison Control System’s page.
| Amaryllis | Foxglove |
| Arrowhead Plant | Hemlock |
| Asian Lily | Holly |
| Azalea | Hyacinth |
| Balsam Fir | Mistletoe |
| Aloe Vera | Morning Glory |
| Calla Lily | Mother in Law’s Tongue |
| Century Plant | Nightshade |
| Chinaberry | Oleander |
| Coffee tree | Peace Lily |
| Cyclamen | Philodendron |
| Daffodils | Plumeria |
| Day Lily | Poinsettia |
| Dumb cane | Golden Pothos |
| Easter lily | Rebrum Lily |
| Caladium | Sago Palm |
| African lily | String of Beads |
| English Ivy | Tiger Lily |
| Ficus or Weeping Fig | Tulip |
| Umbrella plant | Asparagus fern |
10 most popular houseplants that are poisonous to babies
1. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii)
A firm favorite, the Swiss cheese plant spruces up any corner in the house with its lush tropical-looking leaves. All the parts of this houseplant contain glycosides. ingestion or chewing may cause oral irritation as well as swelling of the tongue, lips, and palate
2. Oleader (Nerum oleander)
The beautiful Oleander is also considered to be a houseplant that is poisonous to babies. The entire plant contains glycosides. The leaves may cause heart arrhythmia, severe circulatory problems and may be fatal if ingested.
3. Flamingo flower (Anthurium)
The stunning Flamingo plant with its shiny leaves and striking flowers is another popular houseplant that is poisonous to babies. All parts of this plant contain toxic calcium oxalates, which cause severe oral irritation and swelling of the tongue and lips.
4. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
All the parts of the very popular and pretty Peace lily contain poisonous calcium oxalate. Ingesting this compound will cause oral irritation and the swelling of the tongue, lips and palate.
5. Pointsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
A favorite potted plant in many homes. Be aware though that Pointsettia’s milky sap contains toxins such as terpenes and diterpenes. This milky sap if ingested causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Skin irritation has been reported too.
6. Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
Philodendrons are included in the list of common houseplants that are poisonous to babies. The entire plant contains calcium oxalate. The poison may cause oral irritation, swelling of the tongue, lips, and palate.
7. Golden pothos
The pretty Golden pothos houseplant is poisonous to babies and pets. If ingested or chewed, uncomfortable side effects may result, such as swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, may The sap may also cause some skin or eye irritation.
8. Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb cane should be kept out of the home if you have a little one. All parts of this plant is poisonous. The toxic calcium oxalate may cause severe oral irritation, swelling of the tongue, lips and palate.
9. English ivy (Hedera helix)
The popular English ivy plant contains calcium oxalate in all of its parts, which may cause severe oral irritation and swelling of all of the mouth area.
10. Amatyllis (Hippeastrum)
Most if not all bulbous plants are toxic for both humans and pets. They contain a licorine, which may cause nausea and diarrhea, if ingested.
Last thoughts on houseplants that are poisonous to babies
Note these references
California Poison Control System: Find a comprehensive list of houseplants that are poisonous for babies here.
National Capital Poison Center: Find an illustrated list of poisonous and non-poisonous plants here.
Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service: Find an extensive list of poisonous plants here.
Disclaimer: As a digital magazine for entertainment, we are not here to diagnose or treat any health or medical conditions. This article serves to alert parents with little ones to potentially poisonous houseplants. It is by no means meant to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you suspect or see any of the symptoms listed above, get in contact with a medical professional.
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