8 Toxic Houseplants That Are Dangerous For Children And Pets
1. Arrowhead Plant
This plant is related to the philodendron and is very simple to nurture. It is generally blended in dish gardens with different plants that require similar care. Many individuals get pointed stone plants as endowments. Youthful plants seem bushy with heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are continually shedding and being regrown, so regardless of the possibility that this plant is out of reach, it is a smart thought to check regularly for fallen leaves.
It causes irritated skin, stomach pain, vomiting.
2. Peace Lily
The peace lily, or Spathiphyllum is an evergreen lasting from South America with gleaming leaves and a novel white sprout that ascents from a focal stalk. These plants love shade, which makes them perfect for lofts and rooms with little daylight. They are additionally fantastic air purifiers. Like philodendrons and pothos, be that as it may, they can cause painful symptoms and sometimes death if ingested by humans or animals.
Humans: Burning and swelling of lips, mouth, and tongue, difficulty speaking or swallowing, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
Cats and dogs: Information regarding the toxicity of peace lilies is somewhat conflicting, but it is listed on all animal safety sites, including the ASPCA’s as toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms are recorded as burning mouth, excessive salivation, diarrhea, dehydration, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Left untreated, peace-lily poisoning could lead to renal failure.
3. Lily
From the elegant curved bloom of the calla lily to the seasonal favorite, the Easter lily, these colorful plants are popular indoors and out. Not all lilies are poisonous, and some are more dangerous to animals, particularly cats, than to people. In the event that you are not sure what kind of lily you have, be cautious and keep lilies either out of reach indoors, or planted away from play areas outdoors.
The more toxic varieties include:
- Calla Lily (which can be fatal to children)
- Easter Lily
- Rubrum Lily
- Tiger Lily
- Day Lily
- Asian Lily
Different lilies will produce different symptoms in pets or humans. Cats are more susceptible to lily poisoning than dogs.
Humans: Stomach upset, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, and skin irritation.
Cats: All parts of the plant are thought to be toxic. Symptoms will include vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Renal and liver failure could occur and, if not treated, lead to death.
4. Oleander
Nerium oleander looks sensitive and and innocent, however it is toxic to the point that notwithstanding ingesting honey produced using its nectar can create side effects. Deaths in adult humans have been reported with as little as one leaf eaten, but the majority of deaths occur when very large amounts are ingested. Children are more susceptible and should be kept away from Oleander plants.
Humans: Arrhythmia, dizziness, and tremors.
Cats and Dogs: Arrhythmia, vomiting, and cold extremities.
5. Philodendron
It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to humans and animals.
The philodendron may be vining or non-vining. It is very important to keep vining plants hung well out of reach of children or pets and to keep tendrils and leaves trimmed. Non-vining plants should be kept on high window sills or shelves.
Humans: In humans, even small children, ingesting philodendron usually has only mild side effects, including a dermatitis reaction and the swelling of the mouth and digestive tract. In rare cases or after ingesting large amounts, there have been fatalities in children.
Cats and Dogs: Philodendron has a much more serious effect on pets, with reports of spasms, seizures, pain, and swelling. It seems to be more toxic to cats.
6. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia has thick stems and fleshy leaves that are usually solid green, with the occasional yellow or green markings. Dumb cane is more likely to be ingested since the large plants are usually kept in pots on the floor or low pedestals. Unlike philodendron, dieffenbachia ingestion usually produces only mild to moderate symptoms in both humans and pets.
Humans and animals: Extreme pain in the mouth, salivation, burning sensation, and swelling and numbing of the throat.
7. Caladium
They are also commonly known a elephant’s ears and angel’s Wings. Caladiums provide a variety of colors, including red, pink, and white, which makes them an attractive addition to collections of greenery. They grow well in low light, and can sometimes be forced to produce interesting blooms similar to those of the calla lily.
All parts of the caldadium are considered toxic to humans and animals.
Humans: Symptoms after ingestion can include: painful burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips and throat, difficulty breathing, speaking, and swallowing, and possible blocked airways that can lead to death.
Cats and dogs: Nausea, vomiting, staggering, head shaking, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
8. Ivy
Ivy is used in holiday decor as wreaths and centerpieces. Ivy not only serves as beautiful and traditional decoration but also removes airborne fecal-matter particles from the air, making it a wonderful asset for homes with pets.
Humans: Ivy can cause severe skin irritation. Ingestion can cause burning in the mouth and throat, stupor, convulsions, fever, and rash. Usually symptoms are only severe if large amounts of the plant are eaten.
Cats and dogs: Diarrhea, hyperactivity, gasping breaths, weakness, tremors, staggering, and vomiting.
Here are some ways of reducing exposure to plant toxins:
- Keep plants out of reach or in rooms where children and pets are not allowed.
- Maintain plants regularly and keep debris cleaned up.
- Label pots with the plant name and whether or not it is toxic.
- Wear gloves while handling or wash hands immediately after handling plants that could irritate skin or eyes.
- Don’t discard plant clippings where they can be easily accessed.
- Teach children not to touch plants.
- Trim plants to prevent children and pets from accessing vines. The plants will still reward you with fullness and foliage that purifies the air.
- Don’t forget that plants summering outside can be dangerous to outdoor pets. Hang them high on porches or plant-stands.
- Always keep fresh water for pets so that they aren’t tempted to drink from plant trays. Toxins can leach into the water.
- Use automatic plant waterers or self-watering pots to protect plants from mold, and animals from toxic water.
- To keep cats from accessing plants that are out of reach of children and dogs, try using hanging bird cages to hold the pots. Cages provide extra protection for the plants and a bit of visual interest to the room.
