Sources and References

Last updated: August 5, 2026

RadixPlants consults reputable horticultural, botanical, university, government, and animal-safety references when researching plant-care guides. We compare information across sources and combine it with observations from plants we grow and care for ourselves.

Core reference sources

• North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — plant identification, characteristics, growing conditions, and toxicity.
• Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — botanical information and cultivation guidance.
• Royal Horticultural Society — plant profiles, care guidance, pests, and diseases.
• Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — accepted scientific names, synonyms, and plant distribution.
• USDA PLANTS Database — plant taxonomy, classification, and distribution in the United States.
• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — general toxicity information for cats, dogs, and horses.

How references are used

Not every source addresses every plant or growing condition. We use the sources most relevant to each guide and check important claims against more than one reference whenever practical. Care recommendations are written in original, plain language for ordinary indoor growing conditions.

Plant names and classification

Scientific names and classifications can change as botanical research develops. We may include a widely recognized synonym when it helps readers identify a plant, while aiming to use the currently accepted name in each guide.

Pet-safety information

Plant-toxicity information is provided as a general reference, not as veterinary advice. A plant’s effects can depend on the species, the part and amount consumed, and the individual animal. If you believe a pet has eaten a potentially harmful plant, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service promptly.

Corrections and additional sources

If you notice an outdated reference, a possible factual error, or a reliable source that should be considered, please let us know through our contact page. For more about our research and review process, see our Editorial Policy.