Growing indoor plants has become hugely popular in the past year. And whilst indoor greenery can live up a home and boost mental wellbeing, some plant species can also be harmful to us and our pets.

With Google searches for ‘toxic plants to cats’ rising by 50% in the past week*, London Furniture Disposal sought to find out which houseplants are the most harmful and how common they are in our homes.

Highly Toxic Houseplants
Pathos (Devils Ivy) – 355,000 monthly searches

Devils Ivy as it’s commonly referred to is an extremely popular houseplant because of its attractive drape and ease of care. It’s a great houseplant for kitting your home out on a budget. Like the Peace Lily, it’s safe to touch, but toxic to pets when consumed.

Peace Lily – 326,000 monthly searches

The Peace Lily not only has detoxifying qualities for the home, but it’s also beautiful to look at. Considered one of the most popular flowering houseplants with its dark leaves and low maintenance, it’s a good spring/summer décor addition to your home. But be warned, it’s toxic if consumed.

Caladium or Elephant Ear – 181,000 monthly searches

Known for its bright aesthetic colours, this houseplant is great for adding sass to your home – the leaves are velvety to the touch. But be cautious when around pets and children as it can cause swelling, eye pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting when eaten.

Calla Lily – 166,000 monthly searches

Although this plant is typically cared for outdoors, it’s becoming increasingly fashionable to stylise indoor spaces with. However, like its family counterparts, this lily is harmful to humans when ingested because of calcium oxalate crystals which can cause swelling and pain when swallowed.

Sago Palm – 63,000 monthly searches

These houseplants are super fun additions to the home because of their spiky and ancient look. However, don’t be fooled, as they’re highly toxic when ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes liver failure.​

Moderately Toxic

Philodendron – 680,000 monthly searches

This spectacular looking houseplant originated from the South American rainforests and most certainly deserves its Greek name of ‘loving tree’ thanks to its heart-shaped leaves. But be wary that it’s potentially harmful.

Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s-Tongue) – 468,000 monthly searches

This plant is primarily known for its long sword-like leaves and for being a slow-growing plant, making it incredibly low maintenance. And whilst the Snake Plant may be among the top plants known by NASA to be useful for its air-purifying qualities, it is moderately harmful to humans and pets.

Dieffenbachia – 217,000 monthly searches

Dubbed as the Dumb Cane or Leopard Lily, it is one of the easiest indoor houseplants to care for, whilst being one of the most common. This tropical shrub has beautiful hues of cream, yellow and white making it the perfect plant to brighten your home.

Arrowhead – 99,000 monthly searches

Related to the Philodendron plant, the Arrowhead is relatively easy to care for. Bushy in its appearance and with heart-shaped leaves, this plant is mild in toxicity.

English Ivy – 81,000 monthly searches

English Ivy is probably one of the most well-known plants, probably for its pointed leaves and delicate tree-climbing abilities. It is also famous to cause weakness, vomiting, throat swelling, dermatitis, rash, and ataxia.