Tag: Houseplant safety

According to the ASPCA, snake plants are toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. While this popular houseplant, scientifically known as Dracaena trifasciata, is a favorite for its air-purifying qualities and low-maintenance nature, it is not safe for consumption. The plant contains saponins, a chemical compound that is poisonous when chewed or swallowed, and can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress.

While cultivated globally as a popular ornamental houseplant, the Ming Aralia, or Polyscias fruticosa, has a complicated relationship with edibility. Though traditionally consumed in certain regions of Southeast Asia, its sap contains irritating compounds, and the plant is widely considered toxic, especially to pets.

Native to the wetlands of Central and South America, the money tree (*Pachira aquatica*) was traditionally harvested for its edible nuts, a purpose less known than its modern ornamental appeal. This tropical houseplant's prominent, palmate leaves have sparked curiosity: are money tree leaves edible?

With over 10,500 identified species of ferns worldwide, it is a common misconception that all are dangerous to pets or people. Fortunately, many true ferns are entirely non-toxic, making it safe to choose from a variety of lush and beautiful options for your home and garden. This guide will help you identify which ferns are not toxic, distinguishing safe species from harmful look-alikes.

According to the ASPCA, alocasia plants are known to be toxic to both humans and pets. This toxicity is caused by insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found in all parts of the plant, which can cause significant irritation if ingested or handled improperly.

While true philodendron plants are entirely toxic due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, the edible fruit often attributed to them actually belongs to the closely related but distinct plant species, Monstera deliciosa. This common confusion has led many to question whether philodendron fruits are edible.

For centuries, certain species of the aquatic arrowhead plant (*Sagittaria*) were a valuable food source for Native Americans, who consumed the starchy, potato-like tubers. However, the popular houseplant also called 'arrowhead' is toxic if ingested, making the question 'Can an arrowhead be eaten?' far more complex and dangerous than it seems.

The term 'spider plant' can refer to two very different plants, which is why many people wonder: Are spider plant flowers edible? While the decorative houseplant *Chlorophytum comosum* is non-toxic, its flowers are not a food source, whereas the flowers of the African vegetable *Cleome gynandra* are both safe and nutritious.

Every part of the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which makes it toxic and not edible for humans or pets. Ingestion can cause immediate and painful irritation, swelling, and other severe symptoms that require medical attention.

Belonging to the toxic spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), all parts of the croton plant are poisonous if ingested. This means that despite their vibrant colors, croton leaves are not edible and pose a significant risk to humans and animals alike.