Houseplants have long been known as ideal ways to decorate homes with their beautiful colors and smells, while also enhancing air quality by removing toxins in the air.
However, many people do not know about the potential negative effect these plants can have on one’s personal well-being if they suffer from allergies caused by certain types of pollen produced by specific species over others. In order avoid such unfortunate situations it would be best practice.
To avoid future issues, here is a list of plants that could be harmful to you and your environment:
Oleander
Oleander is beautiful, but it can be dangerous to your health and that of any pets you own.
Its latex will sting the skin if not handled with care and contains glycosides which causes side effects such as shallow breathing, oral discomfort, retching; sporadic pulse; congested fluid films in one’s body causing nausea vomiting diarrhea among other things. Some people even die from it!
In any case, if you have little children or pets then this plant should be out of reach. In the event that there is a fire and it comes in contact with the leaves, make sure to protect yourself because its smoke can cause damage.
Crown-of-Thorns
This plant contains dangerous compounds known as diterpene esters which can be harmful to you and have been linked with mouth irritation, stomach upset followed by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or excessive saliva production.
Other side effects include swollen eyes or a rash on your skin due to the poisonous chemicals found in its sap.
Asparagus Fern
The plants look peaceful and serene, but they are actually very dangerous. They contain sapogenin which causes your pet to vomit, have diarrhea or other stomach problems if eaten too much of the plant.
To avoid this from happening make sure you keep them away from these plants by hanging up any berries that form on it!
Philodendrons
Your pets are at risk of experiencing the negative effects caused by this plant. If you come into contact with its sap, it can cause swelling in your tongue and lips, a burning sensation on your skin as well as difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Pets might experience increased salivation along with shaking/trembling seizures and vomiting after ingestion.
Caladium
Although caladium has the capacity to improve and revive your surroundings, if ingested it can have negative effects such as excessive drooling, swelling of lips/tongue/throat (difficulty swallowing), hoarseness or raspy voice, diarrhea.
For those who ingest large amounts of the chemical, other side effects may arise. For example, strange gulping and talking would be common as well as a trance like state or passing out in some cases.
If you encounter any signs at all either for yourself or your pets treat them immediately with tepid water to avoid further problems.
Elephant Ear
This plant contains dangerous components, for example asparagine and oxalic corrosive. It is a perfectly looking plant but ingesting it can lead to swollen mouth or throat, sickness, regurgitating and looseness of the bowels.
If you are experiencing these problems after ingestion get in touch with your doctor immediately!
Arrowhead Plant
While many people have this plant and just a handful of them realize the dangerous components that it has, one thing to remember is its sap.
If exposed to your skin or mouth you can experience swollen throat, stomach and even lesions in some cases.
Also if pets get into contact with the sap they may start vomiting excessively while drooling profusely from their mouths among other side effects such as swelling on tongue and difficulty swallowing normally.
Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane
This plant is dangerous and contains asparagine, calcium oxalate gems which may put your children and pets in danger. If ingested it can lead to oral aggravation, trouble breathing with gulping, swelling of the tongue or lips that might obstruct air flow leading to serious desensitizing.
In severe cases intemperate dribbling will occur along with a drop in blood pressure causing shock due to low oxygen levels reaching vital organs like kidneys/liver etc… Keep this plant away from your pet’s reach at all costs!
Peace Lily or Mauna Loa Plant
A dangerous plant which contains alkaloid lycorine, a harmful component for people that can cause the following symptoms: trouble gulping, swollen lips and tongue with vomiting.
The calcium stones in this plant are also very injurious; if your pet bites or swallows it then they will experience oral pain along with regurgitation, pawing at their face and frothing/dribbling from their mouth.
If you have this plant in your home, or you are planning to get it, make sure you put it far away of reach from your children or pets!
Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy
The plant can be very harmful for your pets, as it contains insoluble calcium oxalates and eating this will cause pawing at the face, lack of appetite, vomiting or spitting out food. It may also lead to swelling in the lips/tongue!
Daffodils
The majestic beauty of the plant makes it an excellent addition to your patio or home, but beware. If ingested by humans or animals, these knobs can cause stomach issues such as nausea and vomiting, irregular heart rate ,and even death in extreme cases .
Keep your children and pets far from this plant. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have these plants in your home, but remember to be mindful when they need play time with them!