What parents and pet owners really need to know
The most beautiful flowers are sometimes the most dangerous. That sounds dramatic, but if you have cats, dogs, or small children, there are a few things you should know.
In Austria, almost every home has houseplants and cut flowers. Most are harmless. But some popular varieties are toxic - to people, to cats, to dogs. And very few people know it.
This guide is not meant to cause panic. It is about being informed and making conscious decisions. If you have a cat, you do not need to ban plants from your home - you simply need to choose the right ones.
Toxic to cats
Cats are especially at risk because they love nibbling on plants. And some plants that are harmless to humans can be fatal to cats.
Lilies (Lilium) - Extremely toxic to cats. Even the pollen can trigger kidney failure. No lilies in a home with cats - no exceptions. This applies to all true lilies and daylilies.
Lily of the valley - All parts of the plant are highly toxic, including the water in the vase. Cardiac glycosides can cause heart rhythm disturbances.
Tulips and daffodils - The bulbs are the most toxic, but the stems and leaves can also cause gastrointestinal problems.
Other plants toxic to cats: dumb cane, pothos, monstera, poinsettia, azalea, oleander, cyclamen.
Toxic to dogs
Dogs are less likely to nibble on plants than cats, but puppies in particular love to try everything. These plants are problematic:
- Oleander - Highly toxic; even small amounts can be fatal
- Rhododendron / Azalea - Contains grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting and heart problems
- Autumn crocus - Contains colchicine, which is similarly toxic to arsenic
- Yew - Almost all parts of the plant are poisonous (except the red flesh of the berry)
- Tulip bulbs - If your dog digs in the garden and eats a bulb
Toxic to children
Small children put everything in their mouths. With most houseplants, this causes nothing more than nausea at worst. Only a few are truly dangerous:
- Lily of the valley - Contains cardiac glycosides and can be life-threatening
- Dumb cane - Its sap severely irritates the mucous membranes and can cause swelling in the mouth
- Oleander - all parts highly toxic
- Angel's Trumpet - hallucinogenic alkaloids, very dangerous
Emergency: If you suspect plant poisoning, call the poison control center immediately: +43 1 406 43 43 (Vienna Poison Information Centre, 24/7). Bring plant parts with you or take photos.
Safe Alternatives
Good news: there are plenty of beautiful plants that are safe for children and pets:
Gerbera - non-toxic, colorful, cheerful
Roses - non-toxic (watch out for thorns)
Sunflowers - non-toxic and resilient
Orchids (Phalaenopsis) - non-toxic
Spider Plant - non-toxic, easy to care for
Kentia Palm - non-toxic
Calathea - non-toxic, decorative
Haworthia - non-toxic, easy to care for
Pet-friendly plants at MoBlumen Vienna
Non-toxic houseplants and flowers - safe for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toxic Plants
Yes. True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are extremely toxic to cats. Even drinking the vase water or licking pollen can cause acute kidney failure. In the worst case, it can be fatal within 72 hours.
Monstera contains calcium oxalate crystals. When chewed, they cause pain and swelling in the mouth. Unpleasant for humans and larger pets, but not life-threatening. For small cats and rabbits, however, it can be more problematic. It’s best to keep it out of reach.
Roses, gerberas, sunflowers, snapdragons and freesias are safe choices. If in doubt, ask your florist and mention that you have cats at home. We’ll be happy to create a cat-safe bouquet for you.
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