Is pothos toxic to babies?

Author: Mr. Stanford Hand III  |  Last update: Saturday, January 17, 2026

The Devil's ivy contains invisible needle-shaped crystals, which make the golden pothos toxic to cats, dogs and people, especially to young children and babies. So, it is best to keep the plant out of reach from your furry friends and kids.

Is pothos plant poisonous to babies?

  1. Pothos plants are poisonous to children, pets, and adults. ...
  2. Pothos is poisonous to children, toddlers and babies. ...
  3. Pothos is toxic for dogs of all ages but ingestion is not fatal. ...
  4. Pothos is toxic for cats of all ages but exposure is not fatal.

How toxic are pothos?

Golden Pothos is considered to be only mildly harmful in small quantities but can produce uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects in animals and people. In humans, it can cause burning of the mouth, skin irritation, swelling of lips, tongue, and throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Are pothos poisonous to kittens?

According to the ASPCA, all varieties of pothos are considered toxic to cats if ingested. 1 This is because these tropical plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause irritation upon contact.

Is pothos toxic to puppies?

Pothos/Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)

All parts of this exotic-looking plant can cause problems for your pet dog. This includes the roots, leaves and even the seeds. They're all poisonous and ingesting any part of the plant can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and even liver failure.

10 Poisonous Indoor Plants Your Children And Pets Should Avoid!

Can puppies get sick from eating plants?

Most toxic plants cause harm by irritating the dog's mouth and gastrointestinal tract, resulting in oral pain, oral swelling, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Are pothos good for air quality?

Studies conducted by NASA have shown that Golden Pothos plants, also known as Epipremnum Aureum, are one of the most effective plants for eliminating formaldehyde. It's also a great filter for carbon monoxide. Besides removing dangerous chemicals from the air, this plant grows quickly and is super hardy!

How long does it take pothos to make cat sick?

How Long Does It Take Pothos to Make a Cat Sick? The side effects of chewing a golden pothos show immediately after a cat eats any plant parts. Take your cat to a vet straight away or contact Pet Poison Control. The toxic crystals can affect adversely your cat's kidneys, heart, or lungs if no immediate action is taken.

What plants are toxic for kittens?

Houseplants poisonous to cats

Care should be taken when purchasing house plants, as varieties such as ficus, cheese plants and aloe vera are not cat friendly. Seasonal plants like mistletoe and poinsettia should be avoided. Cycads are lethal so do not have these either indoors or outdoors.

Can pothos poison fish?

You often see pothos used not only in aquariums, but also in hydroponic systems and bioactive terrariums. The only caveat is that it is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, but we have not found any reports of aquarium fish having problems with this plant.

What houseplant is the safest to grow indoors where children are around?

Philodendron Heartleaf

These easy-to-grow plants are incredibly adaptable. They can also handle anything a kid might throw at them (literally or figuratively!). Plus, their trailing stems are easy to propagate—just place the cut end in water and wait for roots to develop!

Can I keep pothos in my room?

Regarded as a 'super air purifier' the Golden Pothos makes a great addition to any bedroom. Use a traditional plant pot or for extra efficiency, plant in a hanging basket.

What's wrong with pothos?

The most common diseases that might affect your Pothos are bacterial leaf spot and root rot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and appears as a yellowish brown spot with a yellowish halo. The spot can grow progressively larger and spread to the entire leaf. Root rot occurs from overwatering and poor drainage.

What part of pothos is toxic?

All parts of the plant contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which if chewed or eaten, can cause immediate pain or a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. The sap may cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation.

Are indoor plants safe for babies?

The good news is that most houseplants are safe for infants and toddlers. “Even if they put a small piece of a poisonous plant in their mouth, it typically doesn't taste very good, so a child will usually spit it out and will very rarely go for a second helping,” Friedman says.

Do pothos make babies?

Yes! Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate, especially when using the cutting method and rooting water. All you need is water, a jar, your pothos plant, and some scissors.

Are pothos safe for cats?

Since pothos plants are toxic to cats, it is best to avoid them in a household with feline family members if possible. If pothos and cats must coexist, responsible pet owners should keep the plants out of kitty's reach and know the symptoms of pothos plant poisoning.

How do I keep my kittens away from toxic plants?

Tips for Discouraging Plant Snacking

Spray Bitter Apple, a well-known repellent, on your plants. Cats hate the odor, but it is unnoticeable to humans and safe for your plants. Citrus and diluted vinegar has a similar effect. The smell will often be enough to keep them away, but the taste will turn them off if not.

What are the most poisonous plants to humans?

Don't touch these plants!
  • Giant hogweed. Heracleum mantegazzianum. Giant hogweed in bloom | Image Details. ...
  • Poison hemlock. Conium maculatum. Poison hemlock in bloom | Image Details. ...
  • Spotted water hemlock. Cicuta maculata. ...
  • Cow parsnip. Heracleum maximum. ...
  • Wild parsnip. Pastinaca sativa. ...
  • Queen Anne's lace. Daucus carota.

Can a pothos cause liver failure in cats?

Signs of pothos poisoning can be pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, trouble swallowing and even respiratory distress. In some cases, pothos can even cause liver damage. Be very careful if you own both a pothos and a pet. If you see these symptoms, make sure to see your veterinarian immediately.

How do you reverse cat toxicity?

Most of the treatment will involve alleviating symptoms and keeping the cat in stable condition until the toxins have been processed out of her system. Your veterinarian might induce vomiting, give the cat activated charcoal to absorb toxins in the gut, give the cat intravenous fluids, or provide other medications.

How to treat a cat that ate a toxic plant?

What Should I do if My Cat has Eaten a Poisonous Plant?
  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's fur and skin.
  2. If necessary, wash your cat with warm water and a small amount of non-irritating dish soap.
  3. If you have identified the plant as poisonous, call your vet immediately.

Which indoor plant does NASA recommend?

MONEY PLANT

Featured by NASA, the Money Plant is renowned for its ability to remove chemicals and other pollutants from the air, specifically benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Does pothos release oxygen at night?

Pothos also known as Money Plant gives Oxygen during the day as well as the night. Snake plant is one of the few plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. Weeping figs are not only popular and beautiful, but also release oxygen at night.

Does pothos like being misted?

The Satin Pothos likes a humid environment, so regularly mist your plant to keep it hydrated. You could also pop it in a bathroom to take the hard work out of keeping it hydrated. Although it likes a tropical environment, it prefers slightly dry soil so make sure you allow it to dry out a bit in between waterings.

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