Knowing which plants are safe is crucial to keeping your bird healthy. If you, like me, enjoy having indoor plants—especially those known for purifying the air—it’s important to be aware that some of the most effective oxygen-producing plants can be harmful to birds. While these plants are often praised for their air-purifying qualities, they may pose a risk to your feathered friends if ingested. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to remove these plants from your home entirely. Instead, the best approach is to keep them out of reach of your bird, ensuring they can’t nibble on leaves or come into contact with any toxic parts.
Many popular air-purifying plants, such as peace lilies, pothos, and snake plants, are often listed among the top oxygen-producing plants but can be toxic to birds if consumed. While these plants can still be a part of your indoor garden, it’s essential to place them in areas where your bird cannot access them, such as high shelves or rooms your bird doesn’t frequent. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of cleaner air and a greener living space without compromising your bird’s safety. Always research the specific plants you own and consult with a veterinarian if you’re unsure about their potential effects on your pet.
Common Toxic Indoor Plants for Birds
- Philodendron:
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Mouth irritation, difficulty breathing, and vomiting.
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane):
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress.
- Pothos (Devil’s Ivy):
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum):
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Mouth irritation, excessive salivation, and difficulty swallowing.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia):
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria):
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica):
- Toxic Parts: Leaves, stems.
- Effects: Gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix):
- Toxic Parts: Leaves, berries.
- Effects: Gastrointestinal upset, hypersalivation, and breathing difficulties.
- Caladium (Elephant Ear):
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Mouth irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.
- Aloe Vera:
- Toxic Parts: Latex (yellow sap near the rind).
- Effects: Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Other Toxic Indoor Plants
Kalanchoe: Contains cardiac glycosides, leading to heart issues and gastrointestinal upset.
Schefflera (Umbrella Tree): Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Croton: Leads to gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Causes vomiting, lethargy, and incoordination.
Sago Palm: Highly toxic, causing liver failure, seizures, and potential death.
If you enjoy an outdoor garden or want to take you feathered friend outside to roam freely filled with beautiful flowers and also want to attract wild birds, understanding which plants are toxic is essential for keeping your avian visitors safe. Many common garden plants, while visually stunning, can be harmful or even deadly to birds if ingested. For example, plants like foxglove, oleander, and lily of the valley are highly toxic and should be avoided if you want to create a bird-friendly environment. By carefully selecting non-toxic plants, you can ensure that your garden remains a safe haven for wild birds while still being a vibrant and colorful space.
Common Toxic Plants for Birds
- Amaryllis:
- Toxic Parts: Bulb, leaves, flowers.
- Effects: Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, excessive salivation.
- Avocado:
- Toxic Parts: Fruit, leaves, bark.
- Effects: Difficulty breathing, heart problems, agitation, and potential death.
- Azalea:
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Gastrointestinal upset, weakness, and potential cardiovascular collapse.
- Daffodil:
- Toxic Parts: Bulb, flowers.
- Effects: Severe gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and potential death.
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane):
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress.
- Holly:
- Toxic Parts: Leaves, berries.
- Effects: Gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
- Lilies:
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Severe mouth irritation, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal signs.
- Philodendron:
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Mouth irritation, difficulty breathing, and vomiting.
- Poinsettia:
- Toxic Parts: Leaves, stems.
- Effects: Gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, and excessive salivation.
- Rhododendron:
- Toxic Parts: All parts.
- Effects: Abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, and potential death.
- Castor Bean Toxic Parts: Seeds and leaves. Effects: Contains ricin, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and death.
- Foxglove
Toxic Parts: Leaves, flowers, and seeds. Effects: Contains digitalis glycosides, which can cause irregular heart rate, vomiting, and collapse - Oleander
Toxic Parts: All parts, including leaves and flowers. Effects: Contains cardiac glycosides, which can lead to heart failure, tremors, and death. - Daffodil
Toxic Parts: Bulbs, leaves, and flowers. Effects: Contains lycorine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. - Rhododendron and Azalea Toxic Parts: Leaves and flowers. Effects: Contains grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac issues.
- Yew
Toxic Parts: All parts, except the fleshy part of the berry. Effects: Contains taxine alkaloids, which can lead to tremors, collapse, and death. - Mistletoe Toxic Parts: Berries and leaves. Effects: Contains viscotoxins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, low blood pressure, and collapse.
- Morning Glory
Toxic Parts: Seeds. Effects: Contains lysergic alkaloids, which can cause hallucinations, tremors, and gastrointestinal issues.
Other Notable Toxic Plants
- Cherry, Peach, and Apricot Trees: Pits, leaves, and bark contain cyanide, which is highly toxic.
- Ivy (English, Boston, Devil’s): Causes gastrointestinal upset and hypersalivation.
- Nerium Oleander: All parts are highly toxic, causing heart issues and potential death.
- Tomato Plants: Stems and leaves are toxic.
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Causes vomiting, lethargy, and incoordination.
- Aloe Vera: Toxic Parts: Latex (yellow sap near the rind). Effects: Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Toxic Parts: All parts. Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
General Precautions
- Avoid Unidentified Plants: If you’re unsure about a plant’s safety, consult a reliable source or your avian vet.
- Check for Pesticides: Even non-toxic plants can become dangerous if treated with chemicals.
- Monitor Your Bird: Birds are curious and may chew on plants. Keep toxic plants out of reach or remove them entirely.
What to Do if Your Bird Ingests a Toxic Plant
- Remove the Plant: Immediately remove any remaining plant material from your bird’s environment.
- Monitor Symptoms: Watch for signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.