DECORATING THE HOUSE WITH PLANTS: WHAT TO AVOID FOR SAFETY REASONS


Decorating a house with plants enhances its appeal and promotes a fresh atmosphere. However, some plants are not suitable for indoor cultivation due to various reasons such as toxicity, unpleasant odors, or attraction of harmful insects.

Here are some plants to avoid:

  1. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) 

  2. Dieffenbachia is a popular ornamental plant but it contains a potent toxin. Its leaves contain chemicals that can cause swelling of the tongue and throat, which may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing. Young children and pets like cats and dogs are at high risk if they chew or swallow any part of this plant.

  3. Oleander (Nerium Oleander) Oleander is a beautiful flowering plant but dangerous for the heart. Eating even a few leaves of this plant can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and heart problems. The smoke from burning its leaves can also be harmful to health.

  4. Euphorbia (Pencil Cactus, Crown of Thorns, etc.) Euphorbia plants release a toxic sap that can cause severe skin and eye irritation. If it comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause temporary or permanent blindness. Young children and pets should avoid this plant, as even a casual touch can result in harm.

  5. Lantana Camara Lantana produces attractive flowers but is highly toxic to livestock and humans. Its raw fruits and leaves contain chemicals that can damage the liver and cause death in animals like goats, dogs, and cats. It can also lead to nausea and stomach pain in humans.

  6. Caladium (Elephant Ear, Angel Wings) Caladium is loved for its unique leaf patterns, but it contains chemicals that can cause severe irritation of the mouth and throat. Swallowing any part of this plant can lead to breathing problems and intense stomach pain for children and pets.

  7. Philodendron Philodendron is a popular plant, but it contains toxins that cause irritation of the mouth and throat and stomach pain when consumed. It is particularly dangerous for children and pets and should be kept in places that are not easily accessible.

  8. Foxglove Every part of this plant is toxic and can affect the heart. Foxglove has bell-shaped flowers that range from pink to purple and sometimes white.

  9. Hydrangea Hydrangea is a beautiful flowering plant but contains a harmful chemical called cyanogenic glycoside. If any part of the plant is ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. It is especially dangerous for children and pets.

  10. Datura (Trumpet Flower, Moonflower) Datura is a highly toxic plant that can cause mental confusion, hallucinations, and even loss of consciousness. The use of this plant has been linked to death due to its severe effects on the nervous system. It is completely unsuitable for home cultivation.

  11. Cacti with Sharp Spines While many cacti are non-toxic, their spines can cause serious injuries. The small spines of some cacti, like the Cholla Cactus, can penetrate the skin and cause infections. Young children and pets are at significant risk of injury.

It's important to be mindful of the plants you choose for decorating your home, ensuring they are both safe and beneficial for your living space.

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