Do not rush to throw away your favorite monstera and dieffenbachia: most indoor plants become dangerous only if handled carelessly. For example, if poisonous juice accidentally gets on the skin during transplantation. However, if you have small children or pets, the risks increase. A cat can bite leaves or drink water from a pan, and a child can start a game of restaurant and prepare a salad for dolls from indoor flowers. We will tell you about nine poisonous indoor plants that you need to be on the lookout for.
Which indoor plants are poisonous?
Monstera
This spectacular and photogenic plant poisonous juice, which can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Chewing the leaves is especially dangerous: it causes a strong burning sensation, increased salivation, and in some cases, difficulty swallowing.
Dieffenbachia
Unpretentious Dieffenbachia is often grown in offices, clinics, schools and kindergartens. Meanwhile, the juice of this plant poisonous and causes redness and itching of the skin. If it gets into the mouth, Dieffenbachia juice can cause swelling of the tongue and larynx. However, children and animals are unlikely to be able to eat a lot of Dieffenbachia leaves, because it tastes bitter.
Philodendron
There are many varieties of philodendron, and all of them poisonous. The whitish sap of this plant irritates the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, it should be transplanted with gloves, and then wash your hands thoroughly.
Croton
This popular plant belongs to the Euphorbia family and produces a white, thick sap. He annoys skin, and in some cases can cause allergies. Getting juice into your eyes is especially dangerous. And if you swallow croton juice, nausea will appear, the tongue may swell, and sometimes the person loses consciousness.
Poinsettia
This elegant Christmas plant with red leaves also belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Which means may cause skin irritation and poisoning if swallowed.
Oleander
Plant dangerous only when swallowed. The poisonous juice causes stomach problems: colic, vomiting and diarrhea.
Zamioculcas
Another popular indoor plant, which is often used to decorate apartments, offices and children’s institutions. Zamioculcas juice causes poisoning if it gets into the mouth, mucous membranes or damaged skin. It is unlikely that you will be able to avoid noticing this: the poisonous juice burns strongly.
Hydrangea
You can safely touch hydrangea with your hands without fear of burns or irritation. Juice poisonous only when swallowed.
Ficus
Ficus trees are not poisonous in the literal sense of the word, however may cause severe allergic reaction. In case of individual intolerance, ficus juice leaves marks on the skin that look like burns. In animals, ficus juice can cause stomach upset.
What to do if poisoning does occur
If poisonous juice gets on your skin, you need to rinse it under running cool, clean water for 15–20 minutes. If this doesn’t help, consult a dermatologist.
If juice gets into your eyes or mouth, call an ambulance for advice. It may be enough to rinse the mucous membranes with water. Sometimes a gastric lavage is required, which is performed by a doctor.
If your pet is injured, contact your veterinarian immediately: due to its small body size, even a few drops of poison can be fatal to your pet.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones
Get rid of dangerous indoor plants
The most radical and reliable way is not to grow poisonous flowers at home. They can be replaced with safe plants:
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chlorophytum;
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chamedorea;
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calathea;
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nephrolepis;
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hoya;
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peperomia.
You can make sure that the plant you choose is not poisonous on the website American Humane Society.
Keep poisonous plants away from children and animals
You can grow potentially dangerous indoor flowers out of the reach of children and animals. For example, on high shelves, on the top shelves of cabinets or on a closed, insulated loggia.
Remove additional temptations
Animals can drink water from flower trays or dig up soil in pots. To prevent this from happening, make sure that the animal has enough water. Buy double pots with covered trays. The soil can be covered with small pebbles so that the cat or dog cannot reach the ground and lose interest in the flower.
Children may be attracted to bright flowers or colorful, berry-like, poisonous fruits. It is better to keep such seductive flowers on high shelves where the child cannot reach. Or get rid of them completely.
Follow safety rules when caring for flowers
Most often, plant sap is poisonous, which is released if a stem or leaf is broken. To avoid this, do not place plants in walkways or where they will interfere with opening cabinet doors or pulling out drawers. If you touch a poisonous plant, wash your hands with soap. This will help prevent poisonous juice from getting into your eyes or other mucous membranes. Wear gloves when replanting poisonous plants.