Cumulative effect of urbanization, industrialization and population growth is increasing pressure on the limited natural resources. The change in living style has aggravated the problems. Among the diverse environmental problems, the discharge of heavy metals in environment through industrial, agricultural and domestic activities is of great concern. Removal of heavy metal from environment is a challenge as these toxic metals are non-biodegradable and bioaccumulate in living organisms. Sustainable development requires the use of green technologies to treat the wide range of contaminated aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Phytoremediation is an alternative to conventional methods for treating waste compounds. This review discusses the occurrence and toxicity of cadmium, the various remediation techniques with emphasis on phytoremediation of cadmium. Phytoremediation by plants occupying different taxonomic position is discussed. The scientific literature reveals that this technology has tremendous potential to cater for the needs and can be effectively used for environmental protection, sustainability and management.