The Pothos plant is commonly called Devil’s Ivy because it is very difficult to kill. These plants are low-maintenance and can survive suboptimal growing conditions, making them great for busy plant owners or those with brown thumbs. Pothos plants are a great addition to low light bathrooms or offices needing a bit of extra greenery because they do not need full sun to survive. Due to their popularity, many plant parents may find themselves wondering, “are Pothos toxic to cats, dogs or people?”.
The short answer is yes. While Pothos are easy to care for, they are poisonous to dogs, cats and people. While rarely fatal, eating this houseplant causes stomach pain and vomiting if it is ingested. With prolonged skin contact, the sap can also cause a rash or skin irritation.
Continue reading to learn more about what makes Pothos plants poisonous, how to safely keep them in your home, and other pet-safe alternatives for plants.
Learn about general Pothos care with this complete care guide
What makes the Pothos plant toxic to cats, dogs and people?
The Pothos plant is part of the Aracae family, along with other popular houseplants such as the ZZ plant and Philodendron. Many members of this plant family have insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the sap. The sharp edges on the crystals cause inflammation, leading to skin irritation and gastrointestinal pain.
Since the crystals are found in the sap of the plant, the entire Pothos (including seeds, leaves, stems, and sap) is toxic. Ingesting any part of the plant or handling it without gloves is not recommended.
What happens if your pet comes in contact with calcium oxalate crystals?
Symptoms of contact with calcium oxalate crystals include:
- Skin rash or irritation
- Burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue or lips
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach ache
The symptoms typically last for a few hours after contact. Encourage your pet to drink plenty of water to help decrease irritation from the crystals and avoid dehydration from vomiting. Call your vet for further guidance and provide information about the plant your pet ate so he or she can provide treatment as necessary.
While Pothos plant poisoning is uncomfortable, it is highly unlikely that it will kill your pet. A very significant amount of the sap would have to be ingested for it to be that toxic. Most pets stop eating the plant pretty quickly when they realize it tastes bad.
How to handle Pothos plants to avoid irritation
Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands whenever you need to repot, obtain cuttings, propagate or prune the plant. If the sap comes in contact with your skin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to reduce the irritation.
Place the Pothos out of the way of dogs, cats or curious children. In small quantities, the plant usually causes mild irritation. However, if you notice your pet or child appears very ill or the symptoms have not resolved after a few hours, call your veterinarian or pediatrician immediately for further guidance.
How to grow Pothos plants safely
Many people are able to keep Pothos plants in their house safely even if they have pets or children. Often, pets may not even be interested in the plant and leave it alone from the start.
Place the Pothos in an area your kids or pets do not easily have access to. Fortunately, Pothos plants are hardy and able to grow even in low light. Educate your older children about the plant’s toxicity and tell them to avoid excess contact.
Sprinkling orange peels or coffee grounds in the soil of the plant helps keep pets away. You can also spray your Pothos with a diluted vinegar solution, which will not harm your plant, but does help to repel pets due to the odor.
Wash any scissors or shovels you use with soap and warm water after use to remove any sap.
Alternatives to Pothos plants
If you do not want to have a Pothos plant in your house, there are many alternative houseplants that are safe for humans and animals.
Some pet friendly plants, according to the ASPCA, include:
- Spider Plant
- Rubber Plant
- Cast Iron Plant
- Christmas Cactus
- Echeveria
- Boston Fern
- African Violet
How to Care for a Pothos Plant
Pothos plant’s ideal conditions are summarized below:
| Sunlight | Prefers bright, indirect light, but is able to tolerate low-light environments. Avoid direct sunlight because it burns the leaves. |
| Water | Water about once a week when the top two inches of soil are dry. Pothos prefer moist, but not soaking, soil. Do not over water because that causes root rot. |
| Soil | Well-draining, porous soil. |
| Temperature | Is able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but is happiest in the warmth, from 70 to 90 °F (21 to 32 °C). |
| Humidity | Thrives in humid environments. If the air is too dry, it could lead to brown leaf tips. |
| Propagation | Propagate by stem cuttings. |
If your plant is kept in the above conditions, it will thrive! The main thing to remember with these plants is to keep them out of direct sunlight and avoid over watering.
In summary for “are Pothos toxic to cats, dogs, and humans?”
Pothos plants are a great, easy way to add greenery to a small corner. They survive even in low light conditions and require little daily care, making them great for busy plant parents. If proper precautions are taken, there is no reason not to add this lovely plant to your home. You may find that your pet is not interested in the plant at all, or quickly stops eating it after a small taste.
Have any more questions about Pothos plants being toxic to cats, dogs or humans that I did not answer? Let me know down below!
Related Articles
Plant Species Specific Care Guides
12 Best Plants for Low Light Bathrooms
