When it comes to photogenetic plants, there are several varieties that make the top of the list. In fact, some of the most popular plants on social media are truly stunning, leaving no question as to why they appear again and again on our Instagram feeds.
But, according to a new study, those pretty plants may be hiding an ugly secret. That’s right, new research says that some of the most popular plants on social media could be toxic for our pets.
According to research shared by RiversWallArt.com, some of the most popular plants on our feeds are highly toxic to cats and dogs. While that doesn’t really matter if our only exposure to these plants happens on screen, it is very important for those who are inspired by these plants and want to run out and get some for their pet-friendly homes.
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According to the findings, Aloe vera plants are among the worst offenders. Not only did photos of these plants snatch up more than 5 million posts on Instagram, but they are also known for being potentially deadly for pets. According to the report, pets that ingest these fan favorites can expect to experience symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and tremors.
Next up is Agave, which earned a reported 2.4 million posts and counting. Much like Aloe vera, these plants can cause digestive upset that includes vomiting, irritation, and drooling.
While the third most Instagrammable plant is the Haworthia plant, this one is actually safe for pet parents to have around! Number four on the list is Sedum. And while this plant is generally considered pet-friendly, some varieties can cause minor stomach upset depending on how much is ingested.
Some of the other plants on the list include Pincushion Cactus, Snake Plant, Hoya Plant, String of Pearls, Jade, and Christmas Cactus. While not all of these social media darlings are toxic to pets, some definitely are, which is why it’s important to research any houseplants you plan on bringing into you home beforehand. Otherwise, you could unintentionally expose your beloved pet to something that could make them sick.
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