Poisonous House Plants

Did you know that your beautiful house plants could be putting you, your family and your pets at risk for serious medical problems? Many people are unaware that the beautiful house plants that we buy or receive from family and friends can be very poisonous. Some house plants cause minor reactions while other can cause severe or even deadly reactions. Below you will find a list of poisonous house plants that you may already have in your home.

Poisonous House Plants #1 - Aloe

Who would have ever thought that one of the most common, widely used house plants could be dangerous? Aloe is used in many houses around the world to treat burns. While Aloe is safe for use on burns, sun burns, and minor cuts, it can cause dermatitis if ingested. Aloe contains latex and therefore, if ingested it can cause problems.

Poisonous House Plants #2 - Poinsettia

Poinsettias have always been thought to be a very poisonous house plant. However, that is not that case. Due to a rumor that started back in the 1940's, many people have thought it was deadly due to a 2 year old dying shortly after coming in contact with the plant. Many studies have been done in the recent years and it has been found that Poinsettias are a poisonous house plant but not deadly. Ingesting Poinsettia can cause nausea and vomiting and skin contact can cause dermatitis.

Poisonous House Plants #3-Caladium

Caladiums are commonly grown indoors and outdoors. They are known by the names Caladium or by Angels' Wings. Caladiums are a poisonous house plant because they may cause severe irritation to the mouth and through if they are ingested and can also cause G.I. Tract irritation.

Poisonous House Plants #4- Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia is another poisonous house plant that can cause serious reactions. Dieffenbachia can be Painful and cause immediate swelling of the oral system after chewing. Dieffenbachia contains Calcium Oxalate which can be very poisonous, in addition to oral problems it can cause speech impediments and last several days. Contact with eyes can cause intense pain and swelling.

Poisonous House Plants #5- English Ivy

Yes, the over taken, easy to grow, nearly owned by everyone plant, English Ivy, is a poisonous houseplant. In fact, it is very poisonous. English Ivy can cause convulsions, breathing problems, vomiting, paralysis and coma if ingested.

Poisonous House Plants #6 Devil's Backbone, AKA Mother-of-Thousands

Mother-of-Thousands is a very dangerous plant to own if not respected. Growers that have children and pets should reconsider growing the plant inside because of the tiny plants that may fall to the floor and be ingested. Ingestion of this poisonous plant can cause cardiac arrest leading to death.

Poisonous House Plants #7 - Mums

Mums should be handled with caution when being worked with by florists, nursery workers and gardeners. Leaves and stalks can cause severe dermatitis when extended exposure occurs. Broken stems and leaves can also cause dermatitis even with quick exposure.

Poisonous House Plants #8- Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are also on the poisonous house plant list. Vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, lethargy, abdominal pains and coma can occur from eating the flower buds. Dermatitis can occur when in contact with sensitive skin but is usually not common.

Poisonous House Plants #9- Split-leaf Philodendron

Split-leaf Philodendron, also known as, Swiss-chess plant, and Ceriman is another poisonous house plant. Ingestion is believed to cause death after several studies using rats and mice. Immediate symptoms include loss of voice, hoarseness, blistering and irritation of the mouth. Swelling and whelps can occur and be accompanied by intense itching. Ripened fruit should never be ingested either.

Poisonous House Plants #10- Jerusalem Cherry

Jerusalem Cherry is a favorite for many house plant growers. However, very few are not aware that the leave and fruit that it produces are poisonous. They can cause abdominal pains, vomiting and gastroenteritis.

Poisonous House Plants #11- Heart Leaf Philodendron

Heart Leaf Philodendron is a house plant that is in the form of a vine and has heart-shaped leaves. It is poisonous and can cause inflammation of the skin, itchiness and other skin problems.

Poisonous House Plants #12- Angel's Trumpet

Angel's Trumpet, which should be called Devil's Trumpet, is extremely poisonous. Ingestion can have severe effects including death. Agitation, spasms, coma, drowsiness, hallucinations, and fever are common signs of Angel's Trumpet. They are usually grown in South America in large fields for nurseries. Hundreds of workers are killed daily from smoking Angel's Trumpets in an attempt to hallucinate. Therefore, you should never destroy plants or clipping by burning them. Be sure to keep plants and cuttings away from children and pets. It is recommended that you where gloves when handling Angel's Trumpet.

Poisonous House Plants #13- Croton

Croton is a beautiful foliage plant that contains many colors. While they are not deadly, they can cause burning of the mouth if ingested. Crotons contain latex and should be handled carefully, with gloves, by those who are allergic to latex.

Poisonous House Plants #14- Euphorbia; Crown of Thorns

Crown of Thorns is also a poisonous plant. They can cause abdominal pain, blistering, irritation of the mouth and throat and vomiting if ingested.

Poisonous House Plants #14- Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise is a poisonous plant that most people are not aware of. Ingestion can cause disorientation, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Poisonous House Plants#15- Pothos

Pothos is a poisonous houseplant that resembles a Heart-Shaped Philodendron. It can cause itching, vomiting, problems swallowing, difficulty breathing and burning if ingested.

Poisonous House Plants #16- Umbrella Plant

An Umbrella Plant, also known as a Schefflera can be very poisonous if ingested. It can cause itching, burning, difficulty swallowing, and committing if ingested.

Poisonous House Plants #17- Peace Lilies

Peace Lilies are also poisonous. They contain calcium oxalates which can cause difficulty swallowing, itching and burning of the skin and vomiting if ingested.