Plant Toxicity

Many tropical plants that are grown indoors are toxic to varying degrees. The best defense against suffering the effects of toxic plants is education and proper cultural practices. Don't let your children or pets chew or eat your plants - period. Even a completely non-toxic plant can kill a loved pet if it is allowed to chew stems, leaves or flowers and the fibrous material can choke your pet. Be a responsible pet and plant owner. That being said, there are plants that are toxic and care should be exercised in where and how you keep your plants and where and how you keep your children and pets.

Let's start a list of plants that may present toxicity issues that should be addressed:
  • Cycas revoluta      King Sago Palm   all parts of the plant are toxic to pets and small children. Luckily when used indoors, most plants are small enough to keep out of the reach of children and pets. The leaves are also hard and sharp, usually enough of a deterrent.