My child ate a houseplant leaf — what should I do?

Stay calm, remove plant material from the mouth, identify the plant (photo or label) and call poison control (+49 228 19240). Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk — both can worsen absorption.

Which plants are most dangerous for children?

Highly toxic are lily of the valley, autumn crocus, oleander, yew and angel's trumpet, among others. With cut flowers, vase water is an underestimated risk when toxic species are in the bouquet.

Are 'mildly toxic' plants okay with children?

Plants rated 'mildly irritating' usually only cause mouth irritation or stomach ache in small amounts. With crawling children we still recommend keeping them out of reach.

Which houseplants are safe for a child's room?

Spider plant, calathea, areca palm or pilea are non-toxic and robust. Our non-toxic houseplants list shows all safe entries.

Can I call poison control on mere suspicion?

Yes — poison control is explicitly there for suspected cases and uncertainty. Better to call once too often; the service is free and staffed 24/7.

Plant encyclopedia

Plants toxic to children

Toddlers put leaves, berries and blossoms in their mouths — usually it's just a stomach ache, but some plants are seriously dangerous. Lily of the valley, autumn crocus, oleander or laburnum seeds should be out of reach in households with small children.

This overview comes directly from our encyclopedia: all entries with a children rating, most dangerous first. The most important advice: if you suspect a child has eaten plant material, stay calm, secure the plant remains and call poison control (Bonn: +49 228 19240, 24/7).

In an emergency: German poison control Bonn +49 228 19240 (24/7), for pets contact an emergency vet. This page does not replace medical or veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

My child ate a houseplant leaf — what should I do?: Stay calm, remove plant material from the mouth, identify the plant (photo or label) and call poison control (+49 228 19240). Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk — both can worsen absorption.
Which plants are most dangerous for children?: Highly toxic are lily of the valley, autumn crocus, oleander, yew and angel's trumpet, among others. With cut flowers, vase water is an underestimated risk when toxic species are in the bouquet.
Are 'mildly toxic' plants okay with children?: Plants rated 'mildly irritating' usually only cause mouth irritation or stomach ache in small amounts. With crawling children we still recommend keeping them out of reach.
Which houseplants are safe for a child's room?: Spider plant, calathea, areca palm or pilea are non-toxic and robust. Our non-toxic houseplants list shows all safe entries.
Can I call poison control on mere suspicion?: Yes — poison control is explicitly there for suspected cases and uncertainty. Better to call once too often; the service is free and staffed 24/7.

190 entries from our encyclopedia

Yew

Monkshood

Foxglove

Hellebore

Autumn Crocus

Lily of the Valley

Oleander

Star of Bethlehem

Delphinium

Glory Lily

Flame Lily

Andromeda

Desert Rose

Flowering Tobacco

Chinese Evergreen

Columbine

Elephant Ear

Amaryllis

Anemones

Flamingo Flower

Anthuriums

Wisteria

Squill

Boxwood

Calla Lilies

Clematis

Dumb Cane

Mandevilla

Ivy

Pothos

Peace Lily

String of Pearls

Eucalyptus

Fritillary

Garden Hydrangea

ZZ Plant

Wallflower

False Queen Annes Lace

Crinum Lily

Bluebell

Hydrangeas

Hyacinths

African Milk Tree

Cherry Laurel

Clivia

Snowflake

Croton

Chinese Lantern

Chinese Lantern Lily

Arborvitae

Floss Flower

Privet

Lobelia

Lupins

Summer Snowflake

Poppies

Monstera

Daffodils

Nerine

Philodendron

Ranunculus

Rhododendron

Umbrella Plant

Snowdrop

Satin Pothos

Dusty Miller

Skimmia

Spindle

Holly

Arrowhead Plant

Heliotrope

Lantana

Winter Aconite

Cyclamen

Indoor Azalea

Elecampane

Allium (Ornamental Onion)

Aloe Vera

Asparagus Fern