URMC / Encyclopedia / Content Search Encyclopedia How Much Do You Know About Poisonous Houseplants? Houseplants help keep your indoor air clean, make a dramatic statement in your interior design, and provide a sense of well-being around the house. But some plants can poison children or pets. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about the safety of common houseplants. 1. One of the most common houseplants in the U.S. is the philodendron. It grows quickly and soon fills your home with lush, green growth. But chewing on those lush leaves can cause what? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Philodendrons come in many varieties, but the most common type of leaf is heart shaped. Calcium oxalate is the primary poison in philodendrons, and all parts of the plant contain it. Other symptoms of philodendron poisoning include burning skin and upset stomach. Dieffenbachia and caladium—also popular house plants—contain similar toxins and cause comparable symptoms when chewed or eaten. A. Irritation to the mouth, lips, and tongueB. DiarrheaC. Slurred speechD. All of the above 2. Potted daffodils, hyacinth, and narcissus are common in early spring. What parts of these popular plants are poisonous to humans? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Bulbs from these plants resemble shallots and garlic, so it’s important to keep them separate from any foods. Eating these bulbs can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may be fatal if early symptoms are left untreated. A. FlowersB. StemsC. BulbsD. All of the above 3. Cats love to chew on green things, but chewing on an Easter lily can cause a cat to have which of these symptoms: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Several species of lily are poisonous to cats. If a cat eats these, they can cause kidney failure. Keep all lilies out of the reach of your cat. Get help right away from your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has been eating lilies. A. RestlessnessB. VomitingC. More appetite than usualD. Itchiness 4. Rhododendrons and azaleas produce beautiful blooms. But those flowers, and especially the leaves and stems of these 2 plant species, contain a toxin that causes what symptoms in animals? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The toxins in these plants can cause many problems in the animals that eat them. The problems include drooling, tearing, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, muscle weakness, and convulsions. If you suspect that your pet has eaten either of these plants, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. These poisons can cause coma and death. A. DroolingB. VomitingC. Trouble breathingD. All of the above 5. English ivy is easy to grow, both indoors and out. This makes it a popular choice as a hanging houseplant. What part of the plant can poison your child or your dog? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Eating the leaves, fruit, berries, or seeds of English ivy can cause belly pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. A. LeavesB. Fruit or berriesC. SeedsD. All of the above 6. Colocasia, also known as elephant ear, is prized for its large leaves and makes a delightful addition to your interior. But if eaten, it can cause: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is This attractive and showy houseplant can cause irritation of the skin, mouth, and tongue. It can also cause throat swelling, trouble breathing, and upset stomach. A. Trouble breathingB. Abnormal heartbeatC. ComaD. All of the above 7. The castor bean plant is a large tropical plant. What might happen if part of it is accidentally eaten? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The entire castor bean plant is poisonous. The seeds are especially so. It may cause severe symptoms such as intense vomiting and bloody diarrhea, and may lead to death. A. Severe vomitingB. Bloody diarrheaC. DeathD. All of the above Your score was: Medical Reviewers: Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN Sather, Rita, RN Wojcik, Stacey, MBA, BSN