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Avoid growing these 15 toxic houseplants (plus their safe alternatives)

Hazardous houseplants and what you should grow instead
Toxic plant: peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Safe swap: Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Toxic plant: jade plant (Crassula ovata)
Safe swap: Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Toxic plant: poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Safe swap: Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)
Toxic plant: elephant's ears (Alocasia)
Safe swap: paperplant (Fatsia japonica)
Toxic plant: snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Safe swap: coconut palm (Cocos nucifera)
Toxic plant: English ivy (Hedera helix)
Safe swap: string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Toxic plant: arrowhead (Syngonium podophyllum)
Safe swap: spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Toxic plant: Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum)
Safe swap: vase plant (Guzmania)
Toxic plant: sago palm (Cycas revoluta)
Safe swap: areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Toxic plant: ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Safe swap: cast iron plant (Aspidistra)
Toxic plant: asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus)
Safe swap: maidenhair fern (Adiantum Raddianum Fragrans)
Toxic plant: Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Safe swap: money tree (Pachira aquatica)
Toxic plant: dragon tree (Dracanea marginata)
Safe swap: parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Toxic plant: Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Safe swap: prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Toxic plant: aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Safe swap: zebra cactus (Haworthia fasciata)
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SeventyFour/Shutterstock

Hazardous houseplants and what you should grow instead

Keeping plants at home has myriad benefits, with research showing they can be good for our stress levels and mental health, and can even help speed up recovery from illness or injury. But before splashing on a pot or three for your home, bear in mind that not all houseplants equal health and happiness.

Click or scroll as we reveal the houseplants that are toxic for both humans and pets – and suggest which safe alternatives you should buy instead.

If ever in doubt about which of your plants are safe, or if you’re worried about a pet or child accidentally consuming a toxic plant, consult a vet or doctor for advice.

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Deborah Cicurel

12 November 2024

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