Inconspicuous is also harmless? Not always. Here you can see ten plants that can be dangerous for cats, dogs and Co.
Whether as a potted plant or arrangement - plants simply beautify every room. But our indoor plants are not always as harmless as it might seem at first glance. Some plants can be life-threatening, especially for our pets: if we're not careful for a moment, our four-legged friends could harm the potted plant and bite it without harm, which could lead to full-blown poisoning. We will show you which plants should definitely be kept out of the reach of dogs and cats.
Please note: Many of the plants listed below are harmless to animals in small doses. However, if your pet shows signs of poisoning, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
Poisonous Houseplant 1: Geranium
It is and will remain the number one balcony flower: the geranium (Pelargonium), also known as pelargonium, has become an integral part of German households. The geranium cuts a fine figure not only on the balcony but also in a pot. Its vigorous bloom in particular enchants people's hearts. In addition, the geranium is also relatively easy to care for and robust, which is why it is particularly suitable for beginners. However, the plant also has a huge disadvantage: it has a toxic effect on animals. Fortunately, dogs and cats get off relatively lightly with geraniums. On the one hand, they usually avoid the flower because of its smell, on the other hand, eating the flower triggers a strong urge to vomit - the remaining plant material is thrown out before a highly harmful or even fatal dose of the toxins contained can be ingested. However, care should be taken with small rodents such as hamsters, rabbits or guinea pigs: Due to their small size, even the smallest amounts of the plant can have a serious effect.
Poisonous Houseplant 2: Dragon Tree
Dragon trees (Dracaena) are considered to be particularly easy to care for and are therefore very popular as houseplants.The small tree with the yellow-green leaves is not only robust, but also a visual eye-catcher and contributes to a better indoor climate. But for animals, the dragon tree can pose a he alth risk - the plant sap contains so-called saponins, which are poisonous. Fortunately, the taste of the plant is quite bitter, so often only small amounts are consumed, which often do not pose a he alth risk. If, on the other hand, the animal is already weak or if large amounts are consumed, diarrhea and vomiting, circulatory disorders and cramps can occur.
Poisonous Houseplant 3: Azalea
The azalea (Rohdodendron obtusum) is a Japanese beauty and enchants every room with its magnificent flowers. No wonder, then, that the azalea is a welcome guest in many houses and gardens. Species that stay small in particular have been grown in pots for decades and are ideal for the house. But the innocent beauty is deceptive - all plant parts of the azalea are poisonous for four-legged friends and humans. Consuming the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, salivation and cramps. But the azalea can not only be dangerous as a houseplant - horses and turtles, who see a juicy meal in the green leaves, are particularly sensitive to the toxic ingredients in the azalea.
Poisonous houseplant 4: Aloe vera
She is the queen of care products - Aloe vera (Aloe vera) is found in almost all care products for skin and body. The plant is also an insider tip for irritated skin and small wounds. Especially in recent years, the plant has not only experienced a real boom as a beauty treatment and remedy, but also as a houseplant. The aloe vera is considered to be easy to care for and robust and also looks attractive. Few people know that a medicinal plant can also be dangerous: While aloe vera is a blessing for damaged skin, consumption of the plant is not recommended. The plant contains saponins, which can lead to cramps, gastrointestinal problems and signs of paralysis.
Poisonous houseplant 5: Calla
Noble and beautiful - the calla is not only popular as a houseplant but also as a bouquet. Especially thatcurved and often colorful petals give the plant an unusual, almost extravagant touch. Unfortunately, the beauty is not quite as innocent as it looks: the sap in particular is poisonous to animals. If the four-legged friends nibble on the plant, swelling and irritation in the area of the oral mucosa can occur. But choking, vomiting and diarrhea as well as cramps can also be triggered by eating calla. The bulb of the plant should also be kept out of the reach of animals - it is also poisonous.
Poisonous Houseplant 6: Yucca Palm
After "The Spider in the Yucca Palm" at the latest, there is hardly a houseplant that is so well known and about which there are so many rumours. Even if we can't clear up the myth surrounding the famous spider, we'll air another of the well-known rumours: Yes, the yucca palm (Yucca) is poisonous. As with aloe vera and dragon tree, saponins, which have a toxic effect, are found particularly in the stem and leaves. Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and apathy can occur after eating the plant. But this is not the only reason why the plant is dangerous for pets: the leaves of the yucca palm are extremely sharp-edged and can lead to painful cuts in the mouth area when playing with the plant. Therefore, the yucca palm should always be kept out of the reach of animals.
Poisonous Houseplant 7: Miracle Shrub
The miracle shrub (Codiaeum variegatum), also called croton, offers colorful leaves in all autumn colors all year round. Paired with a height of up to one meter and the large leaves, the miracle shrub is a real eye-catcher and is often used as a houseplant. At the same time, the miracle shrub is easy to care for - so a perfect choice? Unfortunately not, because all parts of the miracle shrub are poisonous to both humans and animals. Typical symptoms of poisoning by the miracle shrub are irritation of the mucous membranes as well as vomiting and diarrhea, which can even be bloody. People should also be careful when handling the miracle shrub: frequent skin contact can lead to allergic reactions, which is why the plant should only be touched with gloves.
Poisonous houseplant 8:Leaflet
A real long runner among indoor plants is probably the single leaf (Spathipyllum). With its dark green leaves and bright white flowers, the single leaf is a real eye-catcher and not half as boring as its name might suggest. The single leaf also serves well as an air freshener: the plant is known above all for contributing to a good indoor climate. Inside the beautiful plant, however, there is an unpleasant surprise for pet owners. Leaves and stems of the plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and oxalic acid, which cause symptoms of poisoning. Irritation of the mucous membranes, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea occur in the event of poisoning with one leaf. Long-term kidney damage can also result from taking Einblatt.
Poisonous Houseplant 9: Cycad
He is the dinosaur among plants: The palm ferns (Cycads) are among the oldest groups of plants that still exist on earth. In this country, the cycad is often kept as a house or container plant. Their sweeping fronds in particular are a real eye-catcher and bring a touch of nature into the home. For four-legged friends, however, the palm farm is anything but suitable. All parts of the plant are poisonous to animals and cause abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. But the seeds are particularly dangerous - two seeds can be deadly for a dog.
Poisonous Houseplant 10: Lilies
Beguiling, exotic, beautiful - lilies (Lilium) come in all shapes and colours. But no matter how different they may be, all lilies have one thing in common: the lilies are highly toxic, especially for cats. Even the smallest amounts of the plant, even flower water or soil from lilies, can lead to symptoms of poisoning. Increased thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite and vomiting are among the main symptoms of such poisoning. But the insidious nature of the poisoning is really dangerous - acute kidney failure only occurs several days after contact with the plant, from which only every second cat fully recovers. That's why lilies have no place near cats. On the other hand, owners of dogs and rodents can breathe a sigh of relief: Even large quantities of lilies have no lethal effect on them.
See a list of pet friendly plants here.