The list of houseplants that don’t suit animal roommates is long. We present twelve of them that are frequently found indoors. <\/p>\n\n
Aloe Vera<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n For thousands of years, aloe vera has been valued not only for skin care, but also as a medicinal plant – whether for treating wounds, skin diseases, gastrointestinal complaints, joint pain or sunburn. However, pets should be kept away from this plant, which belongs to the lily family: Firstly, they can injure themselves on the barbs on the edge of the leaves, and secondly, it is poisonous to them. The sap contained in the fleshy leaves can lead to nausea, vomiting, cramps, paralysis and severe irritation of the mouth, throat and digestive tract. <\/p>\n\n Cyclamen<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Since houseplants, also known as cyclamen, are among the most poisonous roommates, pet owners should be particularly careful. The triterpene saponins contained in the plant, but especially in the bulb, can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, circulatory problems and cramps. In severe cases, life-threatening respiratory problems can also occur. <\/p>\n\n Amaryllis<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Amaryllis is a real feast for the eyes in many households, especially in the run-up to Christmas. However, the plant poses a great danger to pets: This is because the entire plant, and especially the bulb, is highly poisonous to them. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea as well as cardiac arrhythmia, a reduced heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, movement disorders, salivation, cramps and tremors. Incidentally, larkspur, which belongs to the amaryllis family, is also poisonous to pets. <\/p>\n\n Azaleas<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Azaleas(Rhododendron obtusum) <\/em>are popular roommates mainly because of their lush flowers. However, the plant, which originally comes from Japan, specifically the acetylandromedol it contains, is poisonous to four-legged friends – from dogs and cats to tortoises. Signs that the plant has been nibbled on include increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering and convulsions. In particularly severe cases, even coma and heart failure can be the result. <\/p>\n\n Ribwort<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n The tropical variegated root (Caladium hybride) stands out above all with its eye-catching, brightly colored leaves. However, the houseplant, which originates from the tropics of South America, is poisonous to most pets – from dogs and cats to rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and birds. Typical symptoms of poisoning include profuse salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty swallowing. <\/p>\n\n Calla<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n The arum, which belongs to the arum family, originally comes from the swampy regions of South Africa. But as beautiful as it is, the sap contained in the entire plant is poisonous to pets. Please note: The sap does not necessarily have to be nibbled to be released from the plant. In fact, it often leaks from the tips of the leaves on its own and may then drip onto the ground. Signs that your pet has come into contact with it include vomiting, diarrhea, irritation of the mucous membranes, but also loss of balance, convulsions and, in the worst case, respiratory arrest. <\/p>\n\n The symptoms it triggers range from abdominal discomfort and irritation of the oral cavity to loss of balance, tremors, seizures, respiratory arrest and subsequent death. <\/p>\n\n Dieffenbachia<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Dieffenbachia is easy to care for and decorative – and therefore extremely popular. What many people don’t know, however, is that it is one of the most poisonous houseplants. It contains poisonous oxalic acid, alkaloids, triglochinine, saponin and calcium oxalate crystals. And not only if the sap is ingested. Even just touching the plant, even dead plant parts, leads to skin and eye irritation. If the animal roommates have nibbled on the Dieffenbachia, the irritation of the oral mucosa and tongue quickly manifests itself through strong salivation and vomiting. Many animals also show that their mouth and\/or tongue are burning or hurting by changing their behavior. In severe cases, it can even lead to swelling in the throat and thus to breathing difficulties – in which case there is a danger to life! Incidentally, even the water in the saucer can lead to symptoms of poisoning. <\/p>\n\n Lily<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Not every species of lily, but many of them, are poisonous to pets. These include plants of the genera Lilium <\/em>(lilies) and Hemerocallis <\/em>(daylilies). The entire plant is poisonous, even pollen or pollen can cause symptoms of poisoning. <\/p>\n\n Dogs and cats react differently to the poison: in the latter, even a little nibbling on all parts of the plant can lead to severe, possibly even fatal, poisoning. Alarm signs include vomiting, gastrointestinal complaints, salivation, loss of appetite and apathy. <\/p>\n\n Monstera<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n As with almost all species of the arum family (Araceae), nibbling on a Monstera, as well as the Philodendron, can lead to symptoms of poisoning in pets. This is due to substances contained in the plant such as oxalic acid, calcium oxolate or bitter substances, which can cause gagging, vomiting, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, but also diarrhea, staggering or trembling. <\/p>\n\n Palm fern<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Palm ferns, especially the Japanese palm fern, are decorative and easy to care for. This is what makes them one of the most popular houseplants. The entire plant, which contains the glycoside cycasin, is poisonous to pets. Typical symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, possibly bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and weakness. Incidentally, the seeds of the palm fern are particularly poisonous: just two seeds can be fatal for dogs! <\/p>\n\n <\/a><\/a>Yucca palm<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n The undemanding yucca palm can be found in many homes. However, it is also poisonous to pets. The saponins contained in the trunk and leaves can trigger salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and apathy in pets that nibble or eat them. However, this is not the only reason why the potted plant is dangerous for pets: the sharp-edged leaves can cause injuries to the mouth. <\/p>\n\n Poinsettia<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n The spurge plant is particularly popular during the Christmas period and may even be popular with care professionals all year round. However, the milky sap of the plant has a corrosive effect. This can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes, (bloody) diarrhea or even paralysis in pets that feast on the plant. <\/p>\n\n The question of what to do in the event of poisoning is probably on every pet owner’s mind. Probably the most important recommendation in this case is: go to a veterinary practice immediately, especially in the case of poisoning, every second may count! If necessary, take a sample of the vomit or droppings with you to enable a quick diagnosis – unless you can already tell at first glance which plant your pet has eaten. <\/p>\n\n If the animal is unconscious, place it in the recovery position and keep the airway open.<\/p>\n\n Another important tip: remember that even mild poisoning can lead to organ damage under certain circumstances.<\/p>\n\n If you want to protect your pets from being poisoned by toxic houseplants, you have three options: The first is to avoid them altogether. The second is to place the plants where they are out of reach of animal roommates. The third alternative is to choose non-toxic houseplants. But which ones actually fall into this category? <\/p>\n\n If you have pets, you don’t have to do without houseplants. Mountain palms and dwarf palms can be purchased with a clear conscience, as can calathea, bromeliads, money tree or hibiscus. You are also on the safe side with lucky chestnut, Cyprus grass, green lily, indoor fir and real ferns. <\/p>\n\n Related posts:<\/p>\n\n Furnishing a dog-friendly home made easy <\/a><\/p>\n\n New Year’s Eve with your pet: How to protect your dog & cat from stress<\/a><\/p>\n\n![\"Poisonous](\"https:\/\/myhome.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Azalee_Foto-von-Karolina-Grabowska_pexels-684x1024.jpg\")
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First aid for poisoning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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How do I make my home plant-safe for pets?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
These houseplants are non-toxic for pets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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