Plants Mistaken as “Pet-Friendly” (But Aren’t)

Even if a plant is advertised as “pet-friendly,” it can still hurt your cat or dog. In fact, several common houseplants contain toxins or irritants that can make pets very sick. Below we discuss six plants often sold as safe for homes with pets – Polyscias Ming (Ming Aralia), other Polyscias (Aralia plants), Caryota mitis (Fishtail Palm), Radermachera sinica (China Doll plant), Picea glauca (White Spruce), and Araucaria spp. (e.g. Norfolk Island Pine) – and explain why they really aren’t pet-friendly.

Polyscias Ming (Ming Aralia)

Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa) is a lush, fern-like indoor plant that some sellers list as non-toxic. In reality, all parts of Ming Aralia are poisonous if eaten. Sources warn that “all parts of these plants are poisonous to humans and pets, if ingested”. Polyscias contain saponins and related compounds that irritate the mouth and gut. In pets, ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. Contact with the sap can also trigger skin or mouth irritation. For example, the ASPCA notes Polyscias’ toxic principles are saponins, and lists clinical signs like vomiting, anorexia and depression for both cats and dogs. In short, Ming Aralia is not safe for pets despite any “non-toxic” label – handle it with gloves and keep it well out of reach.

• Symptoms: Ingestion causes gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), drooling or weakness.
• Contact effects: Sap can irritate skin and mouth (contact dermatitis, inflammation).
  

Other Polyscias (Aralia) Species

Ming Aralia is one of many Polyscias (Aralia) plants. Other species and cultivars – like Polyscias guilfoylei (“Geranium-Leaf Aralia”), Polyscias balfouriana, etc. – behave similarly. They too contain saponins and related toxins. The symptoms are essentially the same as above: gastrointestinal upset and possible skin irritation. Even if some pet-care websites claim “Polyscias are safe,” authoritative sources caution otherwise. When in doubt, treat any Aralia as toxic – better safe than sorry.

• Symptoms: Same as Ming Aralia – vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite if eaten.
• Contact effects: Sap can cause rashes or oral irritation (swelling of lips/mouth).
  

Caryota mitis (Fishtail Palm)

Fishtail palms (Caryota mitis) are popular tropicals with jagged leaves. They are not pet-friendly. The leaves and berries contain calcium oxalate crystals that inflict intense pain when chewed. In pets, eating any part of this palm typically causes drooling, pawing at the mouth, and stomach pain. The fruits are especially dangerous: if the plant flowers and makes berries, those berries have concentrated oxalates and are clearly toxic to pets and humans. A pet that eats fishtail palm may vomit, refuse food or show pawing/licking at its mouth. These palm toxins are painful (though rarely fatal) – yet some vendors still list Fishtail Palm as safe merely because it’s not deadly. That’s misleading: always assume Caryota is harmful to pets.

• Symptoms: Severe oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Animals often paw at the face due to mouth pain.
• Toxic parts: All parts contain oxalate crystals (especially berries) – ingestion of the berries can lead to intense burning pain.
• Exposure caution: Skin contact may cause itching or rash (from the same needle-like crystals).
  

Radermachera sinica (China Doll Plant)

The China Doll tree is a glossy-leaved shrub often sold as a decorative indoor plant. Its pet-toxicity is conflicted in sources. Some retailer lists (and even ASPCA-based lists) claim Radermachera is non-toxic. Other guides warn it’s only “mildly toxic.” Ingestion mainly causes minor irritation: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling or loss of appetite. For example, one houseplant-care guide flatly states “China Doll is not pet-safe. It is toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested” causing vomiting, diarrhea and irritation. In practice, most cases are mild. Still, because reports conflict, the safest approach is to keep this plant out of paw’s reach. If a pet chews Radermachera, watch for mild gastrointestinal upset or mouth irritation.

• Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) and oral discomfort if chewed.

Picea glauca (White Spruce)

White Spruce (often sold as a miniature Christmas tree) is generally not chemically toxic, but its needles can hurt pets. Veterinarians report that ingesting spruce needles causes irritation of the gut. A pet nibbling pine or spruce needles often shows vomiting (sometimes with clear or bile-stained vomit), abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and general depression. The needles are sharp and resinous, and prolonged chewing can scratch the mouth or esophagus. In most cases symptoms are mild and self-limiting, but treatment may be needed if a lot is eaten. Thus, even though White Spruce isn’t “toxic” in a poisonous compound sense, it can harm pets via needle ingestion. Don’t assume a little spruce branch is safe just because it’s natural – it can still upset your pet’s stomach.

• Symptoms: Vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain and lethargy after needle ingestion.
• Hazard: The needles mechanically irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Large amounts can even cause blockages or reflux.
  

Araucaria spp. (e.g. Norfolk Island Pine, Monkey Puzzle)

Houseplants in the Araucariaceae (like Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria heterophylla or Monkey Puzzle A. araucana) are often listed as pet-safe. However, practical reports suggest caution. Ingestion of Araucaria foliage can cause mild illness. In dogs, cases of Araucaria ingestion produced “abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy”. Cats have shown similar symptoms (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea) and even skin irritation. The exact toxins in Araucaria aren’t well-defined, but the plant’s sap can cause contact dermatitis and the needles can scratch the mouth. Because sources disagree (ASPCA says “safe” but vets report cases of poisoning), it’s safest to assume some risk. Keep Araucaria trees and ferns out of reach; if your pet eats a branch or needle clippings, monitor for GI upset or drooling.

• Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal upset – vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite – and sometimes lethargy.
• Caution: Although called “non-toxic” officially, ingestion of foliage can still irritate and should be avoided.
  

In all cases above, “pet-safe” is a relative term. Even plants officially labeled non-toxic can cause discomfort, irritation, or digestive upset in pets. Always research each plant species from veterinary or botanical sources (not just seller claims) and err on the side of caution. If your cat or dog nibbles any of these plants, watch for signs like vomiting, drooling or lethargy and call your veterinarian if you’re concerned. Ultimately, no plant that causes gut upset or dermatitis can be truly considered pet-friendly – it’s best to keep these houseplants well out of reach of curious paws and mouths.