These are some toxic houseplants that you should never keep in your home, and some of their safer alternatives:
Hello again! I’m Madison, your fellow greenthumber, and for today’s article, I want to discuss a topic that has been on my mind for quite some time. Many readers have also asked us about the best houseplants that are non-toxic to both humans and pets.
Having plants at home offers numerous benefits; research indicates that they can enhance our mental and physical health and even speed up recovery after illness or injury. However, keep in mind that not all houseplants are equally healthy and happy before investing in a few for your home.
Below, I will list all the toxic houseplants that you shouldn’t keep in your household, but don’t be sad because instead, I will also give you safer alternatives. Happy gardening!
Don’t choose the Jade plant…
One of the toxic houseplants is that, despite their cute look, they’re dangerous to both kids and pets. The jade plant is a popular succulent because most of us will take any chance we can get. Native to Southern Africa, this plant is easy to care for and is thought to bring luck and prosperity.
Be sure to keep it away from children because, as I previously mentioned, it contains toxins that can be harmful, causing skin irritation in adults and fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
…Instead, go for the Chinese money plant
However, if you’re still hoping that a plant will bring you luck, don’t give up! Instead of adopting one of the toxic houseplants, try a Chinese money plant, Pilea peperomioides, which represents wealth as its name and coin-shaped leaves might suggest.
This attractive plant is low maintenance, grows quickly and easily, and purifies the air—all of which should help your bank account. At the base, they also produce a large number of baby plants that you can repot and give as gifts to friends.
Don’t choose the peace lily….
The peace lily is a lovely houseplant with its white blooms and thick green leaves. The peace lily, a native of South America, is renowned for its ability to purify the air and earned its name because it resembles the white flags of peace.
Nevertheless, this houseplant has some harmful drawbacks despite its serene name. Calcium oxalate crystals, which are found in peace lilies, are mildly toxic to both humans and pets and, if consumed, can result in symptoms ranging from nausea to breathing difficulties.
…Instead, go for the Orchids
If you like the way the peace lily looks but you’re now reticent because it is among the toxic houseplants, swap it for another beauty, the orchid. Moth orchids are the most popular indoor orchids, often chosen as gifts. They’re a fantastic option for a long-lasting, safe, and simple houseplant. They are just as beautiful and air-purifying as peace lilies, but without the toxicity.
The best part is that they require little care—just give them regular watering, repot them every one to two years, and keep them in good light and warmth—and they can continue to grow and bloom for up to 20 years.
The majority of orchid houseplants prefer bright light, but not direct sunlight, like that found on a windowsill facing north or east. They prefer frequent misting and watering, ideally with boiled water or rainwater instead of tap water. Instead of using regular houseplant compost, many must be grown in orchid compost made from wood.
Don’t choose Alocasia…
Widely known as the elephant’s ears, Alocasia became super popular in many American households. I agree that their large, heart-shaped leaves, which are frequently deep green with noticeable veins and have a tropical appearance, make them visually stunning. Elephant’s ears are native to Asia and thrive in warm, humid climates. They also need to be watered frequently to keep the soil moist.
However, the calcium oxalate crystals in this plant make it toxic to children and pets if they eat it by accident. If handled, it can cause pain and swelling, so gloves are best when repotting. If consumed, it can cause unpleasant symptoms like vomiting, oral irritation, and excessive drooling.
…Instead, go for the Paperplant
I am sorry I disappointed you if you wanted to buy an Alocasia, since it’s one of the toxic houseplants, but the good news is that the paperplant is pretty cool too. Like the alocasia, it is indigenous to Asia, notably Japan, and has stunning glossy leaves and lovely white blooms.
This laid-back houseplant is safe for kids and pets, easy to care for, and adaptable to various conditions, making it a great choice for first-time plant parents. It thrives when planted in partial to complete shade. It’s best to position the plant in diffused morning light rather than in harsh afternoon sunlight, as direct sunlight can bleach the leaves. Additionally, keep in mind that the variegated variety of the plant requires more light compared to the standard green variety.
To guarantee that the soil never dries out, water it frequently until it is completely saturated and water flows out of the drainage holes in the container. Reduce watering a little bit in the fall and winter to give the plant time to rest.
Don’t choose the Snake plant…
You may see the snake plant everywhere, in almost every household lately. However, few people realize that the snake plant is one of the toxic houseplants that should be avoided. Despite its widespread use, children or pets may inadvertently consume the snake plant, which can be mildly toxic. Its poisonous leaves can make the tongue swell and go numb.
Native to West Africa, the snake plant is a common houseplant because of its low maintenance requirements and attractive appearance.
These adorable and safer alternatives to toxic houseplants need some cute pots as well. So why not take advantage of this amazing offer from Amazon, a set of 3 pots with saucers that have drainage holes, at the price of $29.99?
…Instead, go for the Coconut palm
A coconut palm is a wonderful plant to grow if you want neat, minimal foliage. And since it’s not among the toxic houseplants, you can safely grow it in your home too. Watering and spritzing should be done regularly because the coconut palm prefers a moist environment and thrives in warmth and sunlight. To help it flourish, try an in-room humidifier.
Regular fertilization is also necessary for coconut palms. Additionally, as your palm grows, you will need to repot it. Additionally, if you are growing your palm indoors, make sure it has plenty of humidity, moist but not soggy soil, and as much sunlight and warmth as possible.
Don’t choose the English ivy…
Any home would benefit from a hanging planter, but before purchasing the lush English ivy, give it some thought. Despite its attractive appearance and rapid growth, this evergreen perennial is poisonous to both people and animals.
Toxins found in English ivy can cause unpleasant symptoms such as allergic reactions, vomiting, respiratory problems, or skin irritation in both humans and pets who handle or eat the plant.
…Instead, go for the String of Hearts
If you like how the English ivy looks but you already know it’s among the toxic houseplants, then you’re going to love the String of Hearts. The string of hearts is a hanging planter that is equally beautiful without being invasive or poisonous. Originally from South Africa and Zimbabwe, this lovely trailing houseplant can produce pink flowers in the summer and has heart-shaped, marbled leaves.
With its leaves spilling over the sides, a string of hearts looks stunning in a vibrant pot on a shelf. For a little low-maintenance greenery, keep it in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom. Avoid direct sunlight and cultivate a string of hearts in bright indirect light. Throughout the spring and summer, water frequently, but let the soil completely dry out in between applications.
Watering should be reduced in the winter, and the plant should never be left in water, as the moisture can cause the roots to rot and kill the plant.
Which of these safer alternative plants is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.
You may also be interested in: Top 7 Hardest Houseplants to Keep Alive.
