Contents
Today, we will look into 8 common poisonous indoor house plants that can be dangerous to your children and pets. Identifying these poisonous plants and risks associated with each will help you either n avoid such plants or take precautions to prevent complications.
Introduction
I am sure most of you will be surprised to learn about the potential dangers of some common houseplants. Many of these plants can be toxic to children, pets, elderly people, and even adults if not handled properly. Plant identification is crucial before purchasing or growing a plant in your home or garden. I have a comprehensive playlist titled Plant Identification with videos on individual plant names and care tips, which I’ll link at the end of this article.
How Toxic Plants Affect Your Family
These poisonous plants can pose risks if:
- Eaten: Consuming the plant leaves, flowers, fruits, or sap.
- Touched: Contact with the plant or its sap.
- Ingested by Pets: Eating the soil or drinking the water left in the plant tray.
8 Common Poisonous Indoor House plants
1. Philodendrons
Philodendrons are popular indoor plants, often grown in low light conditions. They are mildly poisonous to pets such as cats and dogs, potentially causing seizures or spasms if ingested in large quantities. In humans, eating the leaves might lead to mild stomach upset. This is due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
2. Money Plant (Pothos, Devil’s Ivy)
The Money Plant, also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is mildly poisonous. Ingesting its leaves can cause swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat in humans, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. In pets, similar symptoms can occur, along with potential kidney failure and death if consumed in large amounts.
3. Caladium (Elephant Ear Plant)
Caladium, or the Elephant Ear Plant, can irritate and swell the mouth and throat in pets and children due to calcium oxalate release. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, and stomach upset. In severe cases, it may cause difficulty breathing and even death. Sap contact with the eyes can damage the cornea and impair vision.
4. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane Plant)
Dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb Cane, can cause significant irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat, rendering one temporarily speechless. Symptoms include mouth pain, excessive salivation, burning sensations, and throat swelling. This is also due to calcium oxalate effects.
5. Sansevieria (Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
Sansevieria, or Snake Plant, can cause symptoms similar to those of other toxic plants if ingested. This includes mouth pain, excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in both humans and pets.
6. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is an excellent air-purifying plant but shares similar poisoning symptoms with Philodendrons. Symptoms include oral irritation and digestive upset.
7. Oleander
Oleander, despite its attractive appearance, is highly toxic. Ingesting even a single leaf can cause severe symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, tremors, arrhythmias, and potentially death. It is best to avoid this plant if you have children or pets.
8. Poinsettia
Poinsettias contain toxins in their sap, which can irritate the skin and cause dermatitis. If ingested, it may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Conclusion
Understanding the potential risks associated with common houseplants is essential for ensuring the safety of your family and pets. Always research plant properties and handle them with care. For more detailed information on plant identification and care tips, visit the Plant Identification playlist linked at the end of this article.
Please watch this video below showing you these Common Poisonous House plants for Pets and Kids
