As a passionate gardener and plant lover, I know how much joy houseplants can bring to our homes. They add beauty, improve air quality, and create a sense of tranquility. However, it’s essential to be aware that some common houseplants can pose risks, especially if you have young children. Children are naturally curious and may touch or taste plants, so it’s crucial to know which plants could be harmful if ingested or handled improperly.
In this article, I’ll highlight 10 common houseplants that are toxic to children. While these plants are beautiful and popular in many homes, understanding their potential dangers will help you make informed decisions about which plants to keep and where to place them to ensure your home remains a safe environment for your little ones.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, also known as Dumb Cane, is a popular houseplant known for its attractive, variegated leaves. However, this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation and swelling if ingested. If a child chews on the leaves or stems, they may experience a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach, leading to difficulty swallowing and speaking.
Dieffenbachia’s toxicity makes it essential to keep it out of reach of children. Symptoms of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the tongue and throat. If you have Dieffenbachia in your home, place it in an area that is inaccessible to young children or consider choosing a non-toxic alternative.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are beloved for their lush, green foliage and easy care. However, they also contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be harmful if ingested. When a child bites into a philodendron leaf, it can cause intense mouth irritation, swelling, and pain. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing due to swelling of the airways.
To keep your home safe, place philodendrons out of reach or opt for hanging baskets where children cannot access them. It’s also essential to educate older children about the potential dangers of handling or ingesting houseplants. If exposure occurs, rinse the mouth thoroughly and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Pothos
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a hardy and attractive houseplant known for its trailing vines and variegated leaves. However, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested. Children who chew on the leaves may experience a burning sensation, swelling of the lips and tongue, and difficulty swallowing.
To ensure the safety of your children, keep pothos plants in hanging baskets or high shelves where little hands cannot reach them. Symptoms of pothos poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea. If ingestion occurs, it’s important to rinse the mouth with water and contact a healthcare professional for further advice.
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are prized for their elegant white blooms and glossy green leaves. Unfortunately, they are also toxic to children. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe mouth and throat irritation if ingested. Symptoms include a burning sensation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.
If you have Peace Lilies in your home, place them in areas that are not accessible to children, such as high shelves or hanging planters. Additionally, teach children not to touch or taste any houseplants. In case of ingestion, rinse the affected area with water and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Oleander
Oleander is a beautiful but highly toxic plant that should be handled with great care. All parts of the plant, including its leaves, flowers, and stems, contain potent toxins called cardiac glycosides. Ingesting even a small amount can cause serious symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and irregular heart rhythms.
Due to its high toxicity, it’s best to avoid having oleander in homes with young children. If exposure occurs, seek medical attention immediately, as oleander poisoning can be life-threatening. Consider choosing a safer alternative for your indoor garden to ensure the safety of your family.
English Ivy
English Ivy is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful, trailing vines. However, it contains saponins, which can be toxic if ingested. Symptoms of English Ivy poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis or irritation.
To keep your home safe, place English Ivy in hanging baskets or high shelves where children cannot reach them. Educate children about the potential dangers of handling or ingesting houseplants. If ingestion occurs, rinse the mouth with water and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Snake Plant
Snake Plants, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are popular for their hardiness and striking appearance. However, they contain saponins, which can be mildly toxic if ingested. Children who chew on the leaves may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To minimize risk, place Snake Plants out of reach of young children or use them in areas that are less accessible. While the toxicity is generally mild, it’s still important to educate children about not touching or eating houseplants. If ingestion occurs, provide plenty of water and monitor for symptoms. Contact a healthcare professional if necessary.
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plants are known for their glossy, dark green leaves and low maintenance requirements. However, they contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested. Symptoms include burning, swelling, and pain in the mouth and throat, as well as stomach upset.
To keep your home safe, place ZZ Plants in locations that are out of reach of children, such as high shelves or areas less frequented by young ones. Educating children about the dangers of houseplants is also important. In case of ingestion, rinse the mouth with water and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle Leaf Figs are popular for their large, glossy leaves and dramatic presence. However, they contain a sap that can be irritating if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin. Children who chew on the leaves may experience mild to moderate irritation, including mouth pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To ensure the safety of your children, place Fiddle Leaf Figs in areas that are not easily accessible, such as high shelves or corners of rooms. It’s also essential to teach children not to touch or taste houseplants. If ingestion occurs, rinse the mouth with water and monitor for symptoms. Contact a healthcare professional if necessary.
Sago Palm
Sago Palms are visually striking plants that can add a touch of the tropics to your home. However, they are highly toxic, with all parts of the plant containing cycasin, a potent toxin. Ingesting even a small amount can cause severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, and in extreme cases, death.
Given the high toxicity of Sago Palms, it’s best to avoid keeping them in homes with young children. If exposure occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Choosing a safer alternative for indoor greenery is a wise decision to ensure the safety and well-being of your family.
Understanding the potential dangers of these common houseplants can help you make informed decisions about which plants to keep in your home. By taking appropriate precautions and educating your children about the risks, you can enjoy the beauty of houseplants while keeping your family safe.
7 Amazing Houseplants That Purify the Air
Houseplants are more than just beautiful additions to your home—they actively improve air quality by filtering harmful toxins and releasing oxygen. Incorporating these seven plants into your indoor space will create a healthier, fresher environment while enhancing your décor.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is a star when it comes to purifying air, effectively removing toxins like benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. With its striking white blooms and glossy green leaves, it adds a touch of elegance to any room while thriving in low to medium light.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are easy-to-care-for favorites, known for absorbing carbon monoxide and xylene. These resilient plants also produce little “babies” or offshoots, making them fun to propagate and share.
English Ivy
English ivy is a versatile climber that’s great for hanging baskets or cascading over shelves. It excels at removing mold spores and allergens, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms or kitchens.
Snake Plant
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is nearly indestructible and perfect for beginners. This plant releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent addition to your bedroom for cleaner, fresher air while you sleep.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are lush, vibrant plants that bring a natural humidity boost to your home. They filter out pollutants like toluene and xylene, thriving in indirect light with consistent moisture.
Areca Palm
The areca palm is both a statement piece and an air-purifying powerhouse. This elegant plant acts as a natural humidifier while removing harmful toxins such as benzene and trichloroethylene from the air.
Golden Pothos
Golden pothos is a hardy, low-maintenance plant with cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves. Known for its ability to filter carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, it thrives in various lighting conditions and makes a beautiful hanging or tabletop plant.
By adding these seven plants to your home, you’ll enjoy not only a healthier indoor environment but also the serene beauty of nature at its finest.
