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Are These Houseplants Poisonous?

Hi Judy,

Would you please be able to help me identify these plants? I bought them at our local Canadian Tire store on a whim and foolishly did not make sure the names of the plants were on them – it only says “Assorted Tropical”. They are for my classroom in daycare, so I really have to make sure they are not toxic!

Thanks! Erin

Hi Erin,

DSCN3760

This is a Dracaena Lemon Lime. The ASPCA considers a Dracaena Lemon Lime a poisonous houseplant to dogs and cats because of the Saponins in the plant. A Dracaena Lemon Lime Plant is not considered poisonous to humans.

I would still keep it way from children.

Bronze, ridged Pilea pant

Compact, colorful Pilea Plant

This is a type of Pilea Plant, the common name is an Aluminum Plant. Aluminum Plants (Pilea) are non- poisonous houseplants.

Grey and green Chinese Evergreen plant.

Chinese Evergreen houseplants sit on the table when small, on the floor when large.

This is a Chinese Evergreen Plant. Chinese Evergreen Plants are very poisonous houseplants with a #2 toxicity level due to the Calcium oxalate crystals in the plant.

You can read more about these plants in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.