David Domoney has been a consistent presence on our screens for almost a decade, teaching us everything and anything about horticulture. Every year, he has designated the second week of January to be Houseplant Week UK. During the winter months, we’re less tempted to venture out into the garden, so it can be a great opportunity to liven up your home instead. Houseplants can provide many benefits from purifying the air to reducing stress levels and helping concentration. Unfortunately, there are thousands of species of houseplants that can be harmful to your pets. For Houseplant Week UK, we have put together just a few of the more common ones.
Aloe Vera
Although a fantastic plant for humans, with its skin-smoothing properties, the Aloe plant can be very harmful to both cats and dogs. If chewed on or eaten, it can cause irritation to a pet’s digestive system and cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, depression and a change in urine colour.
Lily
There are many varieties of lilies that are highly toxic; some for dogs but most are extremely dangerous for cats if ingested. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, lethargy and some species could even cause kidney failure and death. Our friends at International Cat Care run an ongoing campaign about the dangers of lilies for cats.
Jade Plant
Also known as a rubber plant or money plant, the jade plant is toxic to both cats and dogs. Causing vomiting, depression, ataxia (causing loss of muscle control and coordination) and a slow heart rate.
Ivy
There are many species of ivy that are harmful to pets. English Ivy is poisonous for dogs, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, while Devil’s Ivy can additionally cause oral irritation and difficulty breathing in both cats and dogs. Even ivy that grows in the garden can give off harmful spores that cause a rash and breathing problems if eaten.
Dracaena
Also know as a Dragon Tree, the Dracaena is a large indoor plant that can cause problems for both cats and dogs. If ingested it causes drooling, vomiting and weakness and also causes dilated pupils in cats.
Fig
The Weeping Fig or Indian Rubber Plant is troublesome for all pets. If it has contact with the skin it can cause irritation and dermatitis and, if ingested, causes oral irritation, vomiting and salivation.
There are many more plants that can cause mild and serious symptoms if they are ingested by your cat or dog. If you are worried about which plants you have in your home, see this more comprehensive list of houseplants that are poisonous to pets and if you are concerned about anything your pet has ingested, check this list of common poisonous plants, household items and foods.
Houseplants that are Safe for Pets
Money Tree
Not to be confused with the Jade plant (also known as the money plant), the Money Tree is a symbol of luck and prosperity in East Asia. Usually, these are sold with their trunks woven together to create a beautiful braided look.
Moth Orchid
Moth Orchids have long-lasting flowers produced all year round and grow well indoors due to the consistent temperature, making them one of the most popular orchids.
Spider Plant
One of the easiest houseplants to keep alive, for those with less than perfect green thumb, is the spider plant. These tough plants can grow in a wide range of conditions and frequently produce ‘spiderettes’ which can themselves be potted and eventually separated from the mother plant for a whole new plant.
