You love the idea of having some greenery in your home to liven up the space, but before you go all out with an indoor jungle, you need to choose your plants wisely. Not all houseplants are as harmless as they seem. Some popular varieties can actually be quite toxic if ingested, especially for children and pets. As you plan your indoor garden, be on the lookout for these five dangerous beauties that should be kept out of reach. Their leaves and berries may look enticing, but trust us, the aftermath won't be pretty. Your home should be a safe space for everyone, so make sure to do your research before bringing any new plant babies inside. The last thing you want is a trip to the emergency room because of your quest for better home décor. Proceed with caution - now proceed at your own peril!
Plants That Can Be Toxic to Pets: Know Which Ones to Avoid in Your Kitchen Garden
Certain lilies, like the Peace Lily, have leaves and pollen that are poisonous to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's best to avoid lilies altogether if you have curious pets.
Sago palms are another plant to watch out for. All parts of the sago palm are toxic to animals and can cause liver damage or even death if eaten. Keep sagos far out of your pets' reach.
Dieffenbachia, also known as dumb cane, has leaves and stems that can irritate the mouth and throat. Chewing on this plant may lead to excessive drooling, oral irritation, and swelling of the tongue and lips in pets.
Finally, the beautiful but deadly oleander shrub can be lethal to animals. Ingesting even a small amount of this plant can cause heart problems, seizure, coma, and death. No part of the oleander should be accessible to pets.
By being aware of potentially dangerous plants, keeping them out of reach, and properly training pets, you can have an attractive and pet-friendly indoor garden. Do research on any new plant before bringing it home, and if in doubt, it's best to avoid it. Your furry family members will thank you!
Homegrown Plants That Can Cause Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions
Some houseplants may look appealing, but their leaves and sap can actually cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions in humans and pets. Be very careful with these:
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
This tropical plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause swelling of the mouth and tongue. Even small bites of the leaves or stems can lead to a burning sensation and speech difficulty. Keep this plant away from children and pets.
Philodendrons
The leaves of these popular houseplants also contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or biting into the leaves releases the crystals and can lead to swelling of tissues in the mouth and digestive tract. While not usually fatal to humans, it can be to small animals.
Pothos (Devil's Ivy)
Another plant with the dreaded calcium oxalate, pothos can cause skin irritation, rashes, and blistering when handled. The sap may also cause eye irritation, so wear gloves when pruning and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
This palm contains cycasin, a toxic compound that can cause liver damage in humans and animals when ingested. All parts of the sago palm are poisonous, so keep away from kids and pets. Even the pollen can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
There are so many wonderful houseplants that are pet and child-friendly. Do your research and choose an alternative to these toxic beauties. Your home should be a secure sanctuary for everyone.
0 Comments