This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy to learn more.
If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy having plants in your home. They make your space look more beautiful and inviting. However, not all plants are suited for indoor living. In fact, there are a few plants that you should never bring into your home. Find out why these 8 plants may not belong inside.
English Ivy
English Ivy is a popular houseplant, but it’s also one of the plants you should never bring into your home if you have sensitive skin. The plant may cause an allergic skin reaction in some individuals, resulting in itching, a rash, or blisters. English Ivy can also cause respiratory problems in both humans and pets. It is also poisonous to pets; if they consume it, it can cause breathing issues, paralysis, or coma. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid English Ivy.
Oleander
Oleander is a striking plant known for its beautiful pink flowers, but it comes with a serious warning. Every part of the plant is highly toxic; just one leaf can be harmful to humans or pets. Ingesting oleander can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and, in severe cases, even death. While its blooms are eye-catching, it’s important to keep this plant out of reach of children and animals, or avoid planting it altogether.
Bonsai Trees
Bonsai trees are a popular choice for indoor plants, but they’re also one of the plants you should avoid bringing home. The problem is that the plant is extremely irritating to those who are allergic to trees. Even if you don’t have allergies, be cautious when watering or trimming them. The tree produces a sap that can cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling. So, if you’re prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid bonsai trees.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are a popular choice for indoor plants because they’re easy to care for, and they add some greenery to your space. However, they’re also one of the plants you should avoid bringing into your home. The problem with Boston Ferns is that they can become moldy very quickly if not given enough water or humidity. If you’re not careful, the mold can cause respiratory problems in susceptible individuals. So, it’s best to avoid Boston Ferns if you have allergies or asthma.
Dumb Cane
Dumb Cane is one of a kind, but it isn’t the sort of houseplant you want to have in your home if you have pets. If your pet consumes it, he or she may develop mild swelling and burning of the mouth to difficulty breathing or even death as a result of the calcium oxalate crystals. So, if you have pets, it’s best to avoid the Dumb Cane.
Lily
Lilies are beautiful flowers that grow both indoors and outdoors. Some lilies are completely safe to cultivate indoors, while others may be severely toxic, especially to cats. Cats are unable to tolerate any part of the lily plant and will experience vomiting, tiredness, and hunger (even licking pollen or drinking water from a vase can be fatal). If not treated swiftly, it can lead to death. Lillies may also cause stomach discomfort, vomiting, headache, skin rashes, or vision problems in people. If you have cats, it’s safest to avoid lilies altogether.
Caladium
Caladium is a popular houseplant for outdoor landscaping, often known as elephant’s ears or angel’s wings. It comes in a variety of hues, including red, pink, and white, and is frequently employed to add color to the house garden or patio. The major issue is that all of the caladium plant’s parts are hazardous to humans and animals. Even a tiny quantity ingested can result in mouth, lip, tongue, throat, and neck burning and swelling. It can also induce breathing problems and, in the most severe situations, restricted airways that might result in death. If you have animals or small children, it’s best to avoid caladium.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are one of the most common houseplants; they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re often used as climbing plants or ground covers. While they’re not as poisonous as some of the other plants on this list, they can still cause skin irritation, burning, and swelling if you come into contact with their sap. So, if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid philodendrons or wear gloves when working with them.
*There are several plants you should avoid bringing into your home if you want to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Some, like Oleander and Bonsai trees, can cause skin irritation or respiratory problems. Others, like the Lily and Caladium, are poisonous and can result in death if ingested by animals or humans. So, before you bring any new plants into your home, be sure to do your research, so you know which ones are safe and which ones to avoid.
- PERFECT CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DÉCOR BUNDLE: This 3-pack offers incredible value to instantly decorate multiple spaces with live houseplant room decor. Perfect for shelf or desk décor, or as party favors. Varieties will vary — examples include Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Fern, Dieffenbachia, Pothos, and others
- EASY TO MAINTAIN, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY INDOOR PLANTS: This pack of three Assorted Indoor Houseplants are an effortless way to start your collection. These low-maintenance varieties are easy to grow and require minimal attention, making them a perfect match for new plant parents
- CREATE A CALMING SANCTUARY: Group these gorgeous varieties together for an instant mood-boosting display that supports your wellbeing and brings life to any room
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: This living and thoughtful present is ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, holidays, or just because. Brighten a loved one's day with a beautiful indoor plant
- FRESH PLANTS, READY FOR YOUR HOME: Your collection of healthy, vibrant live indoor plants, fresh from our farm, arrives secured in specialized packaging right to your home
- PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT & CHRISTMAS DECOR: The pure white blooms of the Peace Lily bring timeless sophistication to any space. Ideal as a tabletop centerpiece, living room accent, or serene office décor, this plant makes a thoughtful Christmas or holiday gift for plant lovers and home décor enthusiasts
- BREATHE EASIER WITH A NATURAL AIR PURIFIER: Beautiful Peace Lily Plant helps to filter the air, removing toxins for a healthier indoor environment. Elevate your indoor garden with this air-cleaning houseplant for a fresh home
- CREATE A CALMING SANCTUARY: The Peace Lily's elegant white blooms and deep green leaves are perfect for setting a tranquil mood and enhancing your space's sense of wellbeing
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: Features beautiful, colorful flowers, making it a unique and thoughtful gift for any occasion. A memorable present for friends and family
- FRESH PLANT, READY FOR YOUR HOME: Your beautiful, healthy live indoor plant, fresh from our farm, arrives secured in specialized packaging right to your home
- Live, Fully Rooted Plant: Shipped alive and fully rooted in a 2-inch nursery pot, ready for display or transplanting.
- Compact Rosette Succulent: Forms a neat, symmetrical rosette with plump leaves, ideal for small spaces.
- Low Maintenance Care: Drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering and simple care.
- Indoor Home Decor Accent: Perfect for desks, windowsills, shelves, offices, and apartment decor.
- Healthy Plant Selection: Each plant is hand-selected before shipping; color and size may vary naturally.
- LIVE HOUSEPLANTS: A growers choice 6-pack plant collection featuring these easy plants: a live Fittonia plant, a live Pothos plant, a Dieffenbachia plant, an Aralia plant, and other green plants.
- NATURAL HOME DECOR: Use your plants for living room decor or even home office decor. A foliage plant like a Pothos live plant or Fittonia live plant are the easiest, low-maintenance live plant decor.
- GIFTS FOR PLANT LOVERS: Surprise someone special with these plant gifts along with other live plants like a snake plant, Hawaiian pothos live plant, tradescantia, and plant accessories like plant terrariums, houseplant soil and plant pots.
- MORE INDOOR HOUSE PLANTS: Your mix may include a chlorophytum comosum spider plant, heart leaf philodendron live plant, scindapsus live plant, ficus repens, peperomia live plant, and more.
- HOUSEPLANT DELIVERY: Your grower’s choice plant pack includes 6 healthy plants, delivered right to your doorstep. Each plant ships in a 2” container. The plants in each pack will vary.
