Temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing, and before you know it the holidays will be upon us once again. Which also means that holiday houseplants will be gracing the shelves of our local supermarkets and grocery stores in the dozens. Whether you’re a houseplant lover or just like to add a festive touch to your home with some greenery, adding a holiday houseplant to your space can be an alluring idea.
However, if you have pets you should also be aware that many holiday houseplants can be toxic if ingested. Here are 10 of the most popular holiday houseplants to avoid if you have pets.
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1. Poinsettia
Poinsettias are some of the most popular holiday houseplants during Thanksgiving and Christmas thanks to their colourful foliage and flowers. However, they are extremely toxic to both cats and dogs and can even be lethal in high quantities1.
For this reason, I completely avoid bringing poinsettias into my home during the holidays – I don’t want to risk my cat or dog getting too curious! Parents of young kids should also be aware that poinsettias can be toxic to humans if ingested too.
2. Amaryllis
Amaryllis are also popular during the winter holidays as well as spring holidays like Easter. They are usually sold in bulb form in shallow vases or glasses so you can watch the roots and stunning flowers develop. If you have curious pets at home Amaryllis is definitely one to avoid. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested2.
3. Norfolk Pine
Norfolk pine (Araucaria heterophylla) make the perfect mini living Christmas trees during the holiday season. However, they are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested3. The good news is that your pet would have to consume a lot of this plant to get seriously ill, so if your cat or dog tends to ignore your plants, it is probably safe to have a Norfolk pine in your home.
4. Anthurium
Anthurium is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Araceae family. They are popular Christmas flowers thanks to their red and green colouring, and poinsettia-like shape. Unlike poinsettias though, Anthurium blooms can last up to twelve weeks. Unfortunately, like all plants in the Araceae family, Anthuriums are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested4. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause burning and irritation of the mouth, leading to drooling, vomiting, and stomach upset.
5. Holly
Holly (Ilex opaca) is a classic Christmas plant, but unfortunately all parts of holly plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested5. This includes the leaves and berries. Luckily, ingestion is generally not fatal, but can make your pet feel quite sick nonetheless. If you’ve got curious or mischevious pets at home, it’s best to avoid this iconic Christmas plant!
6. Cyclamen
Cyclamen are cool-loving plants that bloom during the winter months, making them a popular holiday houseplant. They are known to sport red, pink, or white flowers on two-toned green leaves. In large quantities, cyclamen can be fatal to your pet if ingested6. That said, small amounts will likely just cause vomiting, salivation, and stomach upset.
7. Paperwhite Narcissus
Narcissus, commonly known as daffodils, are iconic springtime flowers, but the paperwhite narcissus is also popular during Christmas. Paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus ‘Grand Soleil d’Or’) is a bulb that is commonly planted in shallow containers and ‘forced’ for the winter holidays. They are popular for their gorgeous, fragrant blooms. Unfortunately, every part of this plant is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if ingested7.
8. Lavender
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is usually grown outdoors, but this fragrant herb is becoming increasingly popular during the holidays as well. You can find ‘lavender trees’ sold during the holidays as living topiary decor, perfect for tabletops, mantles, and more. While lavender can be consumed and used topically by humans safely, it is considered toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested or inhaled8.
9. Juniper
Junipers (Juniperus) are evergreens, which make them popular during the winter holidays alongside other evergreens like cedar, pine, boxwood, spruce, and more. You can find juniper stems, wreaths, and garlands sold for both indoor and outdoor decorating. Unfortunately, juniper is considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested9. While it likely won’t be fatal, your pet may experience stomach upset and vomiting.
10. Mistletoe
Looking to add a little romance to your holiday decor? It’s probably best to opt for faux mistletoe if you have pets at home. All parts of mistletoe plants are toxic to most mammals if ingested10 – including humans! The good news is that your pet would have to consume quite a lot of this plant to get seriously sick, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
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