Toxic Beauties: Are Your Favorite Houseplants a Threat to Your Family?

Houseplants can be very beneficial in our lives. They purify and renew our stale indoor air by filtering out pollutants and carbon dioxide and replacing them with oxygen; however, there may also be an ugly side to some of those beautiful plants. Did you know that many houseplants, maybe even some of your favorites, can be extremely toxic and a possible threat to your family? In fact, some common houseplants are actually the leading causes of poisoning in children less than 6 years of age. Plants are among the most common household substances that children, as well as pets, ingest simply out of curiosity. Plants are regarded as poisonous when they cause some type of reaction, which can range from mild to serious. Symptoms may vary from a mild stomachache, skin rash, and burning or swelling of the mouth and throat to severe vomiting and diarrhea, organ failure, coma and even death.

One way to guard against plant poisoning is to teach your children never to eat plants, other than those regarded as safe by you. In most cases, keeping your plants out of reach will prevent poisoning. Even a non-poisonous houseplant can be a risk if it is within a child's reach; leaves and soil can get lodged in the throat and cause suffocation. However, there are some plants that are highly toxic and should not be kept in your home at all if you have small children or pets. One of these is Angel's trumpet which contains toxic alkaloids that have caused poisoning and death in both humans and animals. The coffee plant is another highly toxic plant. Pencil tree cactus, though not deadly, should be avoided as well, if it cannot be kept safely out of reach. The milky sap is intensely irritating to the skin and digestive tract. Although aloe is a common houseplant often used to treat mild burns or cuts, contact dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals; therefore, keeping this plant out of reach may be a good idea.

There are a number of indoor plants that can cause problems for children and pets if they nibble on the leaves or other plant parts. Philodendrons, with their heart-shaped leaves, are popular houseplants that can cause mild and, in some cases, severe poisoning in humans and pets because of the oxalates they contain, especially within its leaves. General symptoms of mild poisoning are reddening and inflammation of the skin and itchiness. Severe reactions include stomach irritation, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, seizures, coma, and death. Cats also may also be poisoned by the plant. Their symptoms include weakness, listlessness and loss of kidney function. Not only do philodendrons cause poisoning, but other members of the Arum family also have similar toxic properties. These include Pothos, Scindapsus, Epipremnum, Anthurium, and Calla lily. Caladiums can also cause severe irritation to the mouth and throat and may be an irritant to the digestive tract as well.

The distinctive leaf pattern of the very popular Dumbcane is seen in many homes. Painful and immediate swelling of the mouth and throat occurs after chewing on this plant. Speech impediment can then occur, sometimes lasting for several days. Avoid eye contact with the juices, which can result in intense pain and swelling. This is another good plant to steer clear of with small children as they love touching things, giving them access to these dangerous juices. Another common houseplant, the shamrock plant (Oxalis), can cause nausea, vomiting, kidney inflammation and, in severe cases, death due to kidney failure. Amaryllis contains properties that will cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. Members of the Narcissus genus, such as daffodils, are also extremely poisonous, particularly the bulbs. The entire plant of Oleander is toxic causing gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac abnormalities, even sudden death. All parts the Rhododendron are poisonous, causing vomiting, seizures and paralysis. English ivy is grown both as an indoor and outdoor plant and has caused poisoning in humans and animals, especially dogs. Symptoms of ingestion are difficulty in breathing, convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and coma. Dermatitis is rare but can be severe with weeping blisters. The berries, however, are extremely bitter making it unlikely for children to consume them in large quantities.

Anything having seeds or berries should be cause for alarm when it comes to young children and pets. The seeds of the Castor bean plant, for instance, will cause stomach irritation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, profuse sweating, collapse, convulsions and death. It's especially important to be aware of the toxicity of certain plants used to decorate our homes during the holidays. Mistletoe berries are commonly seen around the holidays but should be kept away from reach as they will cause diarrhea and an irregular pulse if ingested. Holly berries are somewhat poisonous, especially if eaten in quantity. They can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system troubles. While they are not considered extremely poisonous, they should be considered a threat to small children. Although once thought to be extremely toxic, poinsettias are no longer considered as such. However, due to the mild allergic reactions in some individuals, this plant is still best kept out of reach from small kids and pets. Yews are evergreens which are sometimes used for holiday decorations; however, this plant contains a powerful toxic alkaloid that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sickness, muscular weakness, coma, convulsions, cardiac depression, respiratory depression and sudden death if eaten in quantity.

Plants make wonderful accents to your home, but they can be potential hazards to children and pets. However, you can still safeguard your home without giving up all of your beloved houseplants. Teaching children the importance of not eating or touching permissible vegetation and keeping dangerous plants out of reach, just in case, will often help alleviate any concerns. However, you should always keep the number of your local poison control handy and if in doubt as to the toxicity of any other plants you may have, you can call your local extension office for advice.