Keep Your Family & Pets Safe: Some Common Indoor and Outdoor Plants Toxic to Pets and Humans in Australia

Plants bring life, colour, and fresh air to our homes and gardens, but did you know that some of our favourite plants can be dangerous to our beloved pets and even to us? While many plants are perfectly safe, others contain toxins that can cause anything from mild irritation to serious illness in animals and humans. Knowing which plants to avoid (or at least keep out of reach) can help keep your furry, feathered, or scaly companions—and your family—safe and happy.

Some Indoor Plants Toxic to Pets and Humans

Houseplants add charm and freshness to indoor spaces, but some can be harmful to curious pets and small children who might accidentally touch or ingest them. Here are some common indoor plants in Australian homes that are toxic to both pets and humans:

Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) – Highly toxic to cats; even a small amount can cause kidney failure. Some species may cause skin irritation in humans.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – Toxic to dogs, cats, and humans; can cause swelling, irritation, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) – Extremely toxic to dogs, cats, and humans; ingestion can cause liver failure.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Can cause mouth irritation and drooling in cats and dogs. In humans, it may cause mild irritation if handled excessively.
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – Can irritate the mouth and digestive tract of cats and dogs; also causes skin irritation in humans.
Aloe Vera – While great for human skin externally, ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats, dogs, and humans.
Philodendron – Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and swelling in pets and humans.

Some Outdoor Plants Toxic to Pets and Humans

Aussie gardens are full of vibrant plants, but some of our most popular outdoor choices can be harmful to both animals and people. Keep an eye out for these:

Oleander (Nerium oleander) – Highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans; can cause severe heart problems if ingested.
Brunfelsia (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow plant) – Dangerous to dogs and toxic to humans; can cause seizures and tremors.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – Can affect heart function and be fatal to dogs, cats, and humans.
Lantana – Toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans; can cause liver damage.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons – Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart problems in pets and humans if ingested.
Tulip and Daffodil Bulbs – The bulbs are especially toxic, leading to stomach upset and serious health issues in both pets and humans. Always plant your Tulips and Daffodils, and other flowering bulbs away from your vegetable garden where they could be mistaken for onions.
Autumn Crocus – Can cause severe vomiting, organ damage, and even death in dogs, cats, and humans.

What to Do If Your Pet or a Human Ingests a Toxic Plant

If you suspect your pet or someone in your household has eaten a toxic plant, act quickly! Symptoms can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing, or more severe reactions. Contact your vet for your pets, a doctor for you, or an Australian poison hotline immediately for advice. If someone in your human family has ingested a poisonous plant and is experiencing chest pain, heart attack symptoms, difficulty in breathing or the throat and/or tongue is swelling, don’t delay, call an ambulance.

Safe Alternatives

Luckily, there are plenty of pet- and human-safe plants to choose from! Consider growing pet-friendly and non-toxic options like:

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Non-toxic and great for air purification.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) – A lovely, pet-safe indoor palm.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – Safe for pets and adds a lush touch to any space.
Marigolds – Bright, beautiful, and non-toxic to pets and humans.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) – A favourite for feline friends!

Final Thoughts

Keeping your pets and family safe doesn’t mean you have to give up on greenery. By choosing pet- and human-friendly plants and keeping toxic ones out of reach, you can enjoy a lush indoor and outdoor space without worry. If you’re unsure about a plant, it’s always best to check before bringing it home! If you can’t find anything on the common name, look up the Latin name on the tag.