Keeping houseplants is one of the most popular and fancied hobbies of many. But with kids and pets around, it becomes very essential to know about the features of the plants which you are going to bring home. This is due to the fact that there are certain houseplants which bear toxic properties and may be extremely harmful to the health of kids and pets. Some of these plants contain poison in certain parts, while some are toxic entirely. According to the National Poison Control Center, such plants must not be grown in houses with small children and pets.
Toxic Houseplants
Crown of Thorns
All parts of the Crown of Thorns, native to Madagascar, is poisonous for human beings and animals. Even dried parts of the plants are highly toxic. The white, milky sap of the plant can give rise to severe blistering when in contact with open cuts or eyes. The blistering is also, often accompanied by intense pain. Even the nectar which may be derived from the flowers of the plant are toxic by nature.
Caladium
Caladium is also known as Elephant Ear, Heart of Jesus and Angel Wings. It is native to South and Central America. Although the entire plant contains poison, the leaves are the ones which are potentially poisonous. The poison is a type of salt and can the harm insides of the body on the way down. Ingestion of any part of the plant is known to bring on symptoms such as severe irritation to the mouth and throat, redness, swelling and pain in the eyes, stomachache, diarrhea and difficulty in breathing. If the ingestion takes place in larger quantities, the plant may even cause coma or death. In some cases, the poison may even trigger permanent damage to the kidneys and liver.
English Ivy
The English Ivy is grown both as indoor and outdoor ornamental plants. Difficulty in breathing, convulsions (violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles), vomiting, paralysis and coma are the main symptoms which may occur after ingestion of any part of this dangerous plant. Leaves may cause skin irritation upon contact.
Jerusalem Cherry
'Jerusalem Cherry', the name may be deceiving! It is unlike the cherries which are beneficial for health. Apart from bearing oblong green leaves and small white clustered blossoms, the plant also produces red or orange berries. These berries resemble small tomatoes and are more poisonous than other parts of the plant. Ingestion may cause symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, headache, dilated pupils, drowsiness, diarrhea, delirium and coma. The cherries are highly poisonous to dogs, cats and some birds.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily plant is one of the most beautiful and popular houseplants, but it is not for homes with kids and pets around. Mouth ulcerations excessive drooling, choking, swelling and vomiting are common symptoms which occur upon ingestion of any part of the plant. Even a small part of the leaves, if ingested by a dog or cat, can be more dangerous and potentially lethal.
Some Other Toxic Houseplants
- Acacia
- Acer sanguineum
- Adam and Eve
- Philodendron
- Mums
- Dieffenbachia
- Kaffir Lily
- Croton
- Devil's backbone
- Heart leaf philodendron, Philodendron
- Azalea
- Angel's trumpet
- Sago palm
- English holly
- Christmas rose
- Chrysanthemums
- Red princess
- Asparagus fern
- Mistletoe
- Daffodil
- Snake plant
- Calla lily
- Honeysuckle
