Summertime’s Toxic Houseplants
Summer is officially here, and with the bright, sunny days, many are inspired to bring a touch of outdoor greenery inside. Even though leafy houseplants can enhance the dull indoors, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers of bringing toxic and poisonous houseplants into your home. So, what houseplants are toxic to humans and pets?
The team at Eflorist have identified the most common poisonous houseplants below, including information on what makes them toxic, signs to look out for, and how to keep yourselves and your pets safe.
Read on to see five common - and toxic - houseplants that may be in your home.
Five Poisonous Houseplants
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a popular houseplant often gracing our living rooms, bedrooms, and offices with its ability to thrive in low light and purify the air - making it a perfect addition to stuffy areas.
Its elegant white blooms add a touch of serenity, but beware—they contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are toxic when ingested, and the symptoms of this include strong pain, oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.
To prevent any issues, handle a peace lily with gloves, and keep the plant on countertops or high shelves - out of reach of children and pets.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a stunning, but slightly rebellious houseplant. Its vines are perfect for draping over shelves or hanging pots, just out of reach from curious children and mischievous pets thanks to its toxic nature. This resilient plant is a low-maintenance choice, thriving without any special environmental demands.
However, the leaves of English Ivy contain falcarinol and falcarindiol, which can trigger allergic reactions like dermatitis upon skin contact. To stay on its good side, it's best to handle it with gloves.
Philodendron
The Philodendron, a favourite in living rooms, offices, and bathrooms, is loved for its patterned, glossy leaves and low-maintenance nature—perfect for adding a touch of greenery indoors. Thriving in indirect sunlight and humid conditions, this plant is both stylish and easy to care for, so it’s clear to see why this is a popular choice.
However, this house plant also contains calcium oxalate crystals, so to avoid any potential issues, place it out of reach of children and pets, ideally on countertops or windowsills, and handle with gloves.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
The Dumb Cane is a beloved indoor houseplant known for its vibrant foliage, making it an ideal choice to brighten up any living space in the home. It's also renowned for its resilience in low to medium light conditions and requires minimal upkeep, perfect for busy plant enthusiasts!
However, it's important to note that the Dumb Cane contains calcium oxalate crystals too, which again, can be harmful if ingested. For the safety of children and pets, it should be placed out of their reach.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
Daffodils are a cheerful addition to homes, often found in vases, garden beds, or as potted plants. However, daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid that can cause severe digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, the bulbs are particularly toxic, posing a significant risk to curious children and pets.
To keep everyone safe, place daffodils out of reach on high shelves or window sills, and avoid using them in areas accessible to pets.