| 17 November 2004
If you have pets or small children, houseplants can be dangerous, as many interior plants are poisonous. Here is a list of some common houseplants that are poisonous, as well as a little information on  how poisonous they are, and symptoms they may cause:
(If  a plant is simply listed as “toxic”, it means they may cause many forms of poisonous reactions, such as skin irritation, swollen mouth, lips, and tongue, or vomiting, diarrhea, and other abdominal problems.)
- Croton – Some species contain croton oil, which can cause gastroenteritis.
- Dieffenbacia (Dumb Cane) – The entire plant is toxic.  In severe cases, they may cause death in small animals or children. This is definitely a plant you should be wary of!
- English Ivy – The leaves and berries are toxic.
- Geranium – May cause skin irritation.
- Philodendrons – Toxic
- Aloe vera – Great for healing skin problems, but may cause diarrhea if eaten.
- Arrowhead Vine – Toxic
- Bird of Paradise – The fruit and sees are the only toxic part, so this shouldn’t be a
- problem if you have one in your home. They usually only sprout fruit or flowers in ideal conditions, such as in a greenhouse.
- Schefflera – Toxic
- Pothos – Toxic
- Chrysanthemum – Skin irritation.
- Asparagus fern – Toxic.
- Spathiphyllum (Peace Lilly) – Toxic.
Ficus and Euphorbia varieties have toxic sap, so be careful when pruning. It may
cause temporary blindness if it gets in your eyes. Also remember that any chemicals you may use on your plants may also be poisonous. If your pet or child ingests these or any plant, contact the poison control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting with syrup of Ipecac, unless directed to do so by medical or poison control personnel. Take a sample of the plant and the plant label, (if you still have it) to the hospital. If you currently have any of these plants in your home, and you are concerned, you don’t necessarily need to throw them out. You can usually teach a child or pet to stay away from them, but as a precaution, move the plant out of reach. We have children and pets in a house full of plants, and have never had a problem. The phone number for the Arizona Poison Control Center is 1-800-222-1222.