Common house plants When ingested by animals, many ornamental potted plants produce reactions that range from mouth irritations to serious swelling and gastric distress. The following lists common ornamentals which should be kept out of reach of companion animals. Leaf colors range from dark to yellow green, and are variegated in shades of white or pale cream. White or cream-colored spathes on long stems. Lobed dark-green leaves which, in some varieties, are variegated.
Bracts exude milky-sap that is irritating and toxic.
Roundish, light green leaves, and pairs of bright red bracts near branch ends. Many garden ornamentals are grown from bulbs that can be toxic if ingested. It is best to store bulbs to they will not be accessible to animals. To prevent seed formation, pinch off burrlike seed capsules while they are small. The seeds or pits in the following contain cyanide and should never be offered to birds or other companion animals.