Certain plants used in holiday decorations, like holly berries and mistletoe, can be toxic for kids and pets if they ingest them. Find out which alternatives look just as festive and are safe.
Cats, dogs and curious kiddos might ingest certain plant parts that can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mildly upset tummies to cardiac issues. You’ll want to rule out any dangers and instead, deck your halls with safer choices.
The Naughty List
Holly berries- These bright red berries look beautiful bedecking wreaths and evergreen swags, but holly berries can be really toxic if kids or pets ingest them.
Mistletoe– There’s a well-known holiday tradition of kissing under this plant, but mistletoe has many poisonous parts if ingested. Its leaves, stems and especially its berries should be avoided, unless you keep it high up and way out of reach. Even its sap can cause irritation, if touched.
Lilies- These large-flowered plants are a common sight during holidays and are often included in flower arrangements. Depending on the type, lilies can be poisonous if ingested by dogs and are especially toxic to cats. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists symptoms ranging from mild mouth irritation to kidney failure, depending on the type of lily and the amount your pet consumed. Even a lily’s pollen or the water collected in the plant’s container can cause harm to cats.
It’s best to err on the safe side and keep these plants out of your home if you have a curious pet who likes to chew on your greenery. And it’s not just pets who should steer clear — calla lilies and lily of the valley can be toxic to humans if eaten, as well.
Poinsettia- This one comes with a caveat. Poinsettia flowers have become a symbol of the holidays around the world, and they grow as large shrubs in their native Central America. These plants are in the euphorbia family and have a milky sap in their stems. If you have a latex allergy, the sap can cause an allergic reaction. It can be an eye irritant, too. And though this plant is considered toxic to ingest, an animal would have to consume a lot of poinsettia leaves to have a serious reaction, so these are considered safer than other plants on this list.
The Nice List
African violets- These perennial plants come in a large variety of colors, and though it is never encouraged, these are safe if ingested.
Bromeliad- These pet-friendly and non-toxic plants grow on trees in their native environments in tropical North and South America as epiphytes. In your home, these boldly colored plants prefer a humid spot.
Holiday cactus- Any of the blooming holiday cactuses, like the Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter cactus, are considered safe to have in your home and around children and pets. (Of course, take care around their sharp needles!)
Moth orchid- These plants can be part of your holiday centerpiece and won’t be toxic to people or pets. They grow with broad petals and dramatic blossoms that come in multiple colors. And these orchids also don’t require soil to grow.
Miniature roses- Florist shops will often stock mini roses in their stores this time of year, as these little plants make great gifts. And roses are edible, so that’s a safe bet!
All of these plants can provide a pop of holiday color and be equally festive as holiday decor. And if you’ve got curious pets and kids, these choices are the safer options.
For pet owners or folks who have pets visit often, keep this handy list of toxic and non-toxic plants from the ASPCA.
Another thing to consider, too, if you keep a live Christmas tree in your home during the holidays, cover the water basin in the tree stand. This will help keep your dog or cat from drinking it, as the water could become stagnant and harbor unhealthy bacteria and mold.
Keeping holiday plants and decor up off the ground can help with curious dogs but cats, of course, can climb and nibble.
