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5 Common Houseplants That Are Actually ‘Hidden Dangers' for Your Pets, Say Vets

By Leslie Leon Parade Pets

Updated May 25, 2026 10:15 PM

Houseplants are undoubtedly a beautiful way to spruce up any home. Between colorful flowers and lush green leaves, they definitely add life and joy to any decor. Unfortunately, some of the houseplants we know and love may also pose a significant danger to our furry friends. While they don't look like it, there are several common houseplants that are truly toxic to pets, and they may even be lethal in some cases. Like any item that might pose a danger to your pets, it's best to avoid them altogether to avoid any unfortunate accidents.

The tricky part? Many of these plants are wildly popular-you may even have one sitting on your windowsill right now without realizing the risk. Veterinarians warn that pet owners are often caught off guard simply because these plants look so harmless and are so widely sold. Whether you have a curious cat who likes to nibble or a dog who explores everything with their mouth, knowing which plants to watch out for could one day save their life. Thankfully, we spoke to some experts to give us insight into which houseplants we need to toss and which alternatives are pet-friendly and still beautiful enough to add to your home. Here's what they had to say.

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Our Panel of Vets

These are the experts we spoke with to learn more about which toxic houseplants to avoid.

Dr. Liza Cahn: Dr. Liza Cahn is a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance with five years of experience in clinical practice and a background in all areas of medicine across multiple species.

Dr. Tony Coronado: Dr. Tony Coronado is the vice president of emergency medicine for Thrive Pet Healthcare and a seasoned veterinarian.

Dr. Jordyn Zoul: Dr. Jordyn Zoul is a Georgia-based veterinarian and vet advisor to pet nutrition and wellness company Spot & Tango.

Common Houseplants That Are "Hidden Dangers" for Pets

These are the houseplants these three veterinarians say are toxic to pets.

Lilies

Lilies may be happy flowers that add color to any table or nightstand, but these blooms aren't exactly pet-friendly.

"These flowers are extremely common in floral arrangements, yet many people don't know that they can cause deadly kidney failure in cats," says Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. "Even nibbling on a petal, licking pollen from their fur or drinking water from a vase containing lilies can be toxic. Lilies are also considered toxic for dogs, although symptoms are usually limited to stomach upset."

Sago Palm

A tropical and luscious plant, the sago palm is typically found outside of the home, adding a splash of green curb appeal to your landscaping. Unfortunately, these plants are highly toxic to both dogs and cats.

The sago palm is "extremely toxic to dogs," says Dr. Tony Coronado, vice president of emergency medicine for Thrive Pet Healthcare. "All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, cause severe liver failure."

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum Autumnale)

Cluster of autumn crocus. Pawel Andrzejczak/Unsplash

When the spring season arrives, the autumn crocus tends to be one of the most visible flowers you see. A low-maintenance garden plant, these plants bring a splash of happy purple to any yard. However, like the others above, it's also highly toxic to our pets. It "causes vomiting, liver and kidney damage, and can be fatal to dogs and cats," Dr. Coronado says.

Pothos (Devil's Ivy)

Pothos in gold container. Kelsey Brown/Unsplash

A popular plant for filling up a space with greenery, pothos is a common sight in businesses and homes because of the large green leaves and the length it can achieve. While these plants certainly do add a touch of nature to any indoor space, pet parents should steer clear of this plant in their own homes.

Coronado says they may cause "mild to moderate toxicity," and notes that the pothos plant "can cause mouth irritation, excessive drooling and vomiting in pets."

Tulips

Unlike the other houseplants on this list, the only part of the tulip that is toxic to pets is the bulb. As the most colorful and vibrant part of the flower, the tulip bulb can be dangerous for pets in the home.

"Tulips, with the bulb being the most toxic part, can cause severe GI signs and lethargy," says Dr. Jordyn Zoul, veterinarian and vet advisor at Spot & Tango.

What to Do If Your Pet Takes a Bite

A kitty cat gets a checkup at a veterinary clinic in Pocatello, Idaho. Judy Beth Morris/Unsplash

Although pet parents should be careful with their pets around these plants, accidents may happen. If your pet takes a bite of one of these or another toxic plant, it's important to seek help immediately.

"If your pet eats a toxic plant, time is of the essence," Cahn says. "Contact your veterinarian, a hotline such as ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline (expect a fee), or an emergency vet immediately. They will be able to advise you on what type of testing and treatment, if any, is needed. This may include inducing vomiting, fluid therapy, activated charcoal and supportive care to manage symptoms. Be sure to take pictures or bring samples of the plant to the vet. Don't attempt to make your pet vomit unless instructed to do so by a vet."

What to Grow in Your Home Instead

A dog laying down next to a small fern plant. feey/Unsplash

It's not all bad news for plant-loving pet parents. Thankfully, there are still plenty of options to pick from if you're looking to bring a bit of nature into your home.

"Marigolds, roses, sunflowers and zinnias are great swaps for toxic blooms like tulips and daffodils," Zoul says. "Indoors, calatheas, moth orchids, money trees, Boston ferns and air plants are all non-toxic options that are widely available and easy to care for."

Coronado also suggests options like Areca palm, ponytail palms, African violet or a spider plant.

When in doubt, be sure to ask your veterinarian or visit tools like the ASPCA website to double-check whether a plant may be toxic for your pet.

While we all love adding gorgeous houseplants to our decor, keeping your pets in mind when choosing them can help you avoid costly and possibly lethal accidents. At the end of the day, there are still plenty of options to cater to your plant needs and your pet's health.

This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 9:55 PM.