Disclaimer

Last updated: May 28, 2026

1. No professional relationship

Reading articles, using calculators, downloading checklists, or otherwise interacting with indoorplantcare.com (the “Site”) does not create a horticulturist-client, veterinarian-client, doctor-patient, pest-control professional-client, attorney-client, or any other professional relationship between you and the Site, its operator (Thomas Joseph), or any contributor.

For decisions that could affect the life or health of a plant, an animal, a child, or yourself, consult a qualified professional licensed in your jurisdiction.

2. Plant identification

Plant identification from photographs or written descriptions is inherently imperfect. Many houseplants have look-alike species, cultivars, hybrids, and common names that overlap across genera (for example, “philodendron” is regularly used to describe plants in the genera Philodendron, Monstera, and Epipremnum).

Do not rely on this Site as the sole basis for identifying a plant, especially when identification affects whether a plant is toxic to a pet or child. Confirm identification using multiple authoritative sources (such as Kew Plants of the World Online, the Missouri Botanical Garden plant finder, your local university cooperative extension service, or a credentialed botanist) before taking any action where identity matters.

3. Pet toxicity and animal safety

Toxicity information published on this Site is sourced primarily from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database and peer-reviewed veterinary literature. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

• The ASPCA designation “non-toxic” means the plant has not been associated with serious systemic toxicity in cats, dogs, or horses. It does not mean the plant is safe to ingest, will not cause gastrointestinal upset, will not cause an allergic reaction, or is safe for species other than those tested.
• Toxicity can vary by plant part, ripeness, cultivar, animal species, animal size, animal age, and the amount ingested.
• If you suspect your pet has ingested any plant or plant part, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435, a consultation fee may apply) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

4. Human toxicity, children, and allergies

Plant content on this Site is not medical advice. Many common houseplants contain compounds (calcium oxalate raphides, saponins, cardiac glycosides, latex, and others) that can cause irritation, injury, or systemic toxicity in humans, particularly children and people with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems.

• If you suspect a person has ingested a plant or had a serious reaction, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (United States) or your local emergency number immediately. If symptoms are severe — difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, loss of consciousness — call 911 first.
• Allergic reactions to plant sap, pollen, soil microorganisms, and fungal spores vary by individual. If you have known plant allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin, take precautions (gloves, ventilation, eye protection) when handling plants and soils.
• Keep all houseplants, fertilizers, pesticides, and soil amendments out of reach of small children.

5. Pesticides, pest treatments, and chemicals

Some articles on this Site discuss pest identification and treatment, including the use of horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, neem oil, systemic insecticides, biological controls, and other products.

• The product label is the law. In the United States, federal law (FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. § 136 et seq.) requires that pesticides be used only in accordance with their EPA-approved label. State law may impose additional restrictions. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s label, including dilution rates, application frequency, personal protective equipment requirements, ventilation requirements, and restrictions on indoor use, food crops, or proximity to pets and children.
• Application rates, plant tolerances, and pest susceptibility mentioned in our content are general guidance based on published extension literature. They do not override the product label. If guidance on this Site conflicts with the label, follow the label.
• We do not recommend or endorse any unregistered, restricted-use, or home-mixed pesticide formulation. Do not combine pesticides unless the labels of both products explicitly permit it.
• If you are pregnant, nursing, immunocompromised, or have a respiratory condition, consult a medical professional before applying any pesticide indoors, even “organic” or “natural” products. “Natural” does not mean “safe.”
• For severe infestations, structural pest issues, or any pest in or near food preparation areas, contact a licensed pest control professional in your jurisdiction.

6. Calculators and quantitative tools

This Site offers interactive tools, including watering frequency calculators, pot size advisors, light-meter helpers, and similar utilities. These tools provide generalized estimates based on user-supplied inputs and average horticultural assumptions. They are not measurements, prescriptions, or guarantees.

• Outputs assume typical indoor conditions and average plant health. Sick, recently repotted, root-bound, or newly imported plants may require very different care than the calculator suggests.
• Always confirm soil moisture with your finger, a wooden skewer, or a calibrated moisture meter before watering. Calculator output is a starting point, not a watering schedule.
• We make no warranty that the calculators are error-free, current, or appropriate for your specific plant, environment, or skill level.

7. Property, water, and structural damage

Houseplants involve water, soil, fertilizer, and occasionally heavy ceramic vessels. We are not responsible for, and disclaim all liability for:

• Water damage to floors, walls, ceilings, electronics, or furniture caused by overwatering, drainage failure, broken saucers, or condensation;
• Mold or mildew resulting from elevated indoor humidity, wet soil, or organic debris;
• Damage from grow lights, heat mats, humidifiers, or other accessories, including electrical, fire, and burn risks;
• Injury caused by broken pots, fallen plants, or sharp plant parts;
• Damage to leased or rented property, including violations of lease terms regarding plants, water use, or alterations.

If you rent your home, review your lease and renter’s insurance policy before installing grow lights, large plants, or humidifiers.

8. Outdoor and invasive species considerations

Some plants discussed on this Site are non-native to the United States and are classified as invasive or noxious in certain states. Moving an indoor plant outdoors, composting plant material, or sharing cuttings across state lines may violate state or federal law. Consult your state’s department of agriculture or noxious weed list before planting outdoors or transporting plant material.

9. Editorial accuracy and updates

We make a good-faith effort to ground every factual claim on this Site in primary sources — peer-reviewed literature, university extension publications, the ASPCA database, the Royal Horticultural Society, and first-hand testing. Despite this, errors happen. Botanical taxonomy changes, products are reformulated, and best practices evolve.

Content on this Site may be inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete at the time you read it. We do not guarantee that any article will be updated to reflect new research or product changes. If you spot an error, please email us at tom [at] indoorplantcare.com so we can review and correct it.

10. Third-party content and links

This Site contains links to third-party websites, products, and services. These links are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. We do not control, monitor, or guarantee the accuracy, legality, or safety of third-party content, and we are not responsible for any loss or damage that results from your use of any third-party site or product.

11. User-generated content

Comments, questions, photographs, or other content submitted by users — whether through the contact form, email, or any future comment system — reflect the views of those users and not the views of the Site or its operator. We reserve the right to edit, remove, or decline to publish user-submitted content for any reason.

12. AI-generated and AI-assisted content

Some content on this Site is researched, drafted, or edited with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools. All such content is reviewed by a human editor before publication and is held to the same sourcing standards as fully human-written content. Despite review, AI tools can introduce factual errors; the editorial accuracy clause (Section 9) applies to all content on the Site regardless of production method.

13. Forward-looking statements

Statements on this Site about future product availability, search engine behavior, plant breeding trends, regulatory developments, or the future state of the houseplant industry are forward-looking and based on currently available information. Actual results and events may differ materially.

14. Limitation of liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, indoorplantcare.com, its operator (Thomas Joseph), its contributors, and its affiliates SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PLANTS, LOSS OF PETS, INJURY TO PERSONS, PROPERTY DAMAGE, LOST PROFITS, OR LOSS OF DATA, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS SITE OR ANY CONTENT, PRODUCT, OR SERVICE OBTAINED THROUGH IT, WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, AND WHETHER OR NOT WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. In such jurisdictions, our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

15. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless indoorplantcare.com, its operator, and its contributors from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Site, your violation of this disclaimer, or your application of any information from the Site that results in harm to a plant, animal, person, or property.

16. Governing law

This disclaimer is governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Any dispute arising out of or related to this disclaimer or your use of the Site shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Suffolk County, New York, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

17. Changes to this disclaimer

We may revise this disclaimer at any time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Your continued use of the Site after a revision constitutes your acceptance of the updated disclaimer.

18. Contact

Questions about this disclaimer can be sent to tom [at] indoorplantcare.com.