10 common houseplants that can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Houseplants add colour, life and beauty into our homes, but did you know that some of our favourites can be toxic if ingested? From Devils Ivy to the Peace Lily, there are many plants that should be kept away from pets or young children.

'Bringing the outdoors in has always been hugely popular. Not only do they brighten up the living space, and can feel therapeutic when caring from them, but they also improve air quality,' explain the team at Clearitwaste.co.uk. 'However, although some plants help improve the quality of indoor air, they can also be poisonous without knowing.'

Not sure which ones to be careful of? Take a look at the 10 common houseplants which can be toxic if ingested..

The Peace Lily is native to tropical rainforests, making it an excellent plant to have growing in your bathroom (it also looks gorgeous, too). With deep, glossy green leaves and bright white flowers, it loves moisture and prefers to be kept in low light locations.

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Pathos, also known as the Devils Ivy, is the perfect houseplant for beginners. It's a climbing and hanging plant which can impressively grow in all kinds of directions. These plants are also poisonous if ingested, so ensure you are careful.

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This leafy tropical plant — famous for its distinguishable bright aesthetic — is a great way to add some vibrancy to the home. The experts at Clear It Waste explain: 'Be cautious when around pets and children as it can cause swelling, eye pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting when eaten.'

'These houseplants are super fun additions to the home due to their spiky and ancient look. However, don't be fooled, as they're highly toxic when ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and in some cases liver failure,' explain Clear It Waste.

While this is commonly an outdoor plant, many households are bringing them indoors. Despite its beautiful appearance, the Calla Lilly has calcium oxalate crystals which can cause pain and swelling if ingested by humans.

Looking for a fast-growing bathroom plant? Thanks to their moisture-loving leaves, Ivy plants are great air purifiers — and are brilliant for the bathroom.

Ivy's beautiful trailing tendrils can be left to hang or clipped to encourage them to creep along a wall, shower curtain rod or even a door frame: 'They grow really quickly, so you can start to make use of all that vertical space in your bathroom.'

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Do you have this plant in your home? Despite its popularity and air purifying qualities, it can be moderately harmful to humans and pets if ingested.

This striking houseplant contains needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals called raphides, which, when ingested, can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms. Be careful if you have small children or pets.

'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,' say Clear It Waste.

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With heart-shaped leaves, this easy-to-care-for plant is popular with many households. If you do have one, however, be careful with their leaves as the sap can be dangerous if ingested.

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