Houseplants vary in shape, size, colour, and looks and can be added to your home to enhance any interior theme. They also purify the air, providing a great health benefit. But there is one thing every homeowner should be cautious about when it comes to selecting plants. Some of them are poisonous.
If you have pets or children, poisonous plants could present a real threat if their parts are ingested. Some plants may even cause skin irritation and other problems if you touch them. Be careful around the following plants:
Dieffenbachia
This is definitely one of the most popular house plants. The fact that it requires low-light conditions and little maintenance means that it can easily thrive in every home. However, the nickname of the plant – Dumb Cane – comes from the symptoms it causes when eaten. The plant sap usually leads to tongue swelling, which in turn presents a danger to both pets and humans if ingested.
Oleander
Certainly beautiful to the sight, but equally dangerous in that all of its parts are quite poisonous. You need to be careful when it comes to pruning and other garden care tasks. Always wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands after tending to this plant.
Philodendron
This selection is probably among the most widely used indoor plants, featured in both homes and offices. However, the plants of this type are poisonous to both pets and humans if ingested.
Easter lily
This plant is mostly dangerous to pets, cats in particular. Serious issues have been reported by veterinarians, who state that even small parts of the plant may cause cat death. The main damage occurs in the form of kidney failure, which is lethal if not treated promptly.
English ivy
While it is true that severe problems will occur only after ingesting large quantity of plant parts, there have been reports of skin irritation and rash in some cases. That is why you have to be careful around blooming ivies, especially during your gardening rounds, when it is easy to come into contact with the plant.
Most plants are safe to grow around children and pets. It is the aforementioned types you need to be careful about. It is better to look for alternatives, than be sorry later.
Further reading:
- Gardening Services London’s Blog
- 10 Common Houseplants that are Harmful to Your Pets
- 12 Organic Ways to Keep Your Garden Free of Slugs
- 5 Natural Pest Remedies for Your Garden
Sources:
- Poisonous Plants in the Home – Better Homes and Gardens
- Dieffenbachia – Wikipedia
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