ZZ plants (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) have grown in popularity due to their hardiness and tolerance of neglect. They are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and able to handle low light conditions. Furthermore, they have been found to improve air quality and have purification qualities. Many plant parents may find themselves wondering, “is the ZZ plant toxic to cats, dogs or people?”.
The short answer is yes. According to the University of Florida, all parts of the plant are toxic to cats, dogs and humans. While “toxic” sounds like a scary word, it is very unlikely the ZZ plant will kill or cause significant harm to you or your pets. The main symptoms of ZZ plant contact include irritation when touched or stomach pain and nausea if ingested.
Keep reading to learn more about why ZZ plants are poisonous and how to safely keep them in your home.
Find everything you need to know about taking care of your ZZ plant in this ZZ Plant Care Guide.
What makes the ZZ plant toxic to cats, dogs and people?
The ZZ plant is part of the Aracae family, along with the popular Pothos and Philodendron houseplants. Many members of this family, including the ZZ plant, have calcium oxalate crystals (the same crystals that are found in some kidney stones). These crystals have sharp edges, which is what causes skin irritation.
This makes the entire plant toxic, including the seeds, foliage, roots, and sap, so ingesting any part of the plant or handling it without gloves is not recommended.
What happens if you or your pets come in contact with the ZZ plant crystals?
If sap of the plant containing the crystals comes in contact with skin, you may experience burning or swelling. This is because the crystals have sharp edges that cause irritation and rub against the skin, which leads to pain and swelling.
Ingesting the sap or leaves is more harmful than simple contact. If the plant is ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach ache while your body tries to expel the sap. The symptoms last for a few hours. Encourage your pet to drink lots of water because it helps them expel the toxins and avoid dehydration from the diarrhea.
It is unlikely that the ZZ plant could kill you. A very significant amount of the sap would have to be ingested for it to be that toxic. Most of the contact just causes stomach upset or irritation. Chances are, if you cat or dog tries to eat a ZZ leaf, they will quickly stop before that point because it tastes so bad.
Does the ZZ plant cause cancer?
In the past, there was a common misconception that ZZ plants cause cancer. While ZZ plants are irritative if eaten, they do not cause cancer. As long as you do not ingest them and wear gloves when handling, they are safe.
How to handle your ZZ plant
To protect your hands from the sap, wear gloves when you are repotting your plant, getting cuttings, propagating it, or planting the rhizomes.
If you do come in contact with the sap, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to reduce the irritation.
Keep it out of the way of dogs, cats or curious children. In small quantities, the plant usually causes mild irritation. However, if a lot of the plant is consumed and you notice your pet or child appears very ill or the symptoms have not resolved after a few hours, call your veterinarian/pediatrician immediately.
How to grow a ZZ plant safely
Many people are able to keep ZZ plants in their house safely, even if they have pets or children. By being aware of the ZZ plant’s toxicity, you can take appropriate steps to ensure safety.
Keep the plant in an area your kids or pets do not easily have access to. Luckily, ZZ plants can grow almost anywhere due to their hardiness. Educate your older children about the plant’s toxicity.
Add deterrents to further keep your pets away. Sprinkle orange peels or coffee grounds in the soil around the ZZ plant. You can also spray the ZZ plant with diluted vinegar (don’t worry this does not harm your plant). The strong odors help keep dogs and cats away.
Wash any tools you use with the plant after use. Scissors or shovels may still have the sap on them, so cleaning them off after use is important.
Alternatives to ZZ plants
If you are still worried about having the ZZ plant in your house, there are many alternative houseplants that are non-toxic to you and your pets. According to the ASPCA, some pet friendly plants include:
- American Rubber Plant
- Spider Plant
- Cast Iron Plant
- Christmas Cactus
- Echeveria
- African Violet
- Boston Fern
How to Care for a ZZ Plant
ZZ plant’s ideal conditions are summarized below:
| Sunlight | Indirect light is ideal, but they will tolerate low light. Does not like direct sunlight, which could cause sunburn. |
| Water | About once every 2 weeks in the summer and once every 3 weeks in the winter. Check that the soil is completely dry before watering. |
| Temperature | 65 – 85 °F (18 – 30 °C). Do not keep in temperatures below 60 °F (15 °C). |
| Humidity | Prefers drier conditions. Do not mist the leaves. |
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…
ZZ plants are hardy and help purify the air. They are able to tolerate conditions that other plants may not be able to, making them a great houseplant even for people with a black thumb. If proper precautions are taken, there is no reason not to add this lovely plant to your home.
Have any more questions about ZZ plant toxicity that I did not answer? Let me know down below!
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