Are Your Houseplants Safe?

There is nothing more attractive and cheerful than a room filled with healthy green houseplants. They offer aesthetics to the interior of our homes, improve indoor air quality, and often provide emotional satisfaction to the caregiver in getting the plant to bloom or produce new growth. However, did you know that plant exposures are some of the most frequent poisonings reported to poison control centers?

There are more than 700 species of poisonous plants in the United States and many of these can be found around the home. According to the American Association of Poison Control, poisonous plants are among the three most common causes of accidental poisoning in children under 5 years old.

Some or all parts of a plant can be poisonous including the roots, stems, berries or even the nectar and pollen. There are several chemical compounds capable of poisoning that can be found in a variety of plants. Chemicals concentrated in the cells of roots, leaves, bark and seeds serve as the plant's defense against insects and animal attacks. Some of these compounds can be toxic, especially if ingested or touched by humans.

The word "poisonous" generates many kinds of reactions and the majority of them are non life-threatening. Among the key effects of poisonous plants are allergic reactions (caused by spores, pollen, or naturally occurring volatile compounds emitted into the air by plants), skin rash or dermatitis (caused by direct or indirect contact with allergenic or irritant compounds), and internal poisonings or irritations (caused from ingesting plants or plant parts).

There are many houseplants which are perfectly safe to grow and others which appear harmless but are toxic and dangerous. It is important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the plants you have growing in your home. According to the Washington Poison Center, the following houseplants (listed by common name) are considered safe and non-toxic, but still should not be ingested:

? African Violet
? Aluminum plant
? Birds Nest Fern
? Boston Fern
? Cast Iron plant
? China Doll
? Christmas Cactus
? Coleus
? Corn plant
? Dracaena
? Gardenia
? Goldfish plant
? Jade plant
? Mosaic plant
? Orchids
? Peperomia
? Piggyback plant
? Pink Polka-dot plant
? Ponytail plant
? Prayer plant
? Purple Velvet plant
? Spider plant
? Swedish Ivy
? Sword Fern
? Yucca plant
? Zebra plant

The Washington Poison Center reports the following houseplants (by common name) to have some level of toxicity and therefore are considered to be toxic and/or poisonous. Also listed are the parts of the plant that can be toxic and what effects it has on humans if ingested.

Caladium: a showy plant with variegated, heart-shaped leaves. The whole plant is injurious and causes irritation to the lips, mouth, and throat if ingested. This plant can also be dangerous for animals if ingested.

Calla Lily: a flowering plant with smooth-edged arrow-shaped leaves which grow on long stalks. The leaves are toxic and cause intense burning of the lips and mouth if ingested. Contact dermatitis is also common.

Devil's Ivy: a climbing vine with large heart-shaped leaves that are usually streaked with yellow. The whole plant is toxic and causes a burning sensation in the mouth when eaten and dermatitis when touched.

Dumb Cane: tall, erect plants with large oblong leaves splotched with ivory markings. The leaves are toxic and chewing on the leaves produces immediate and intense pain followed by swelling of the mouth.

Jerusalem Cherry: an ornamental houseplant that has bright red berries about the size of cherries. The leaves and berries are toxic and causes a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, followed by gastric irritation and fever if ingested.

Philodendron: climbing vines with aerial roots and heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are toxic and cause painful burning of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested. Contact dermatitis is also common and can be dangerous to animals if ingested.

Children under the age of six are at the greatest risk for accidental poisoning. They are curious by nature and often investigate their surroundings by putting things in their mouths. Obviously, the best prevention of plant poisonings is to teach your child to avoid the plants that are dangerous to touch and to resist the urge to taste even the most tasty looking berries and sweet smelling flowers. Below are five more suggestions to help you and your family avoid possible plant poisonings:

1. Learn the names (common and scientific) of all plants in your home, garden, and landscaping and know which ones are poisonous. Make a list of these plants and keep it handy in case of an accidental poisoning.

2. Put all poisonous houseplants out of the reach of children and pets.

3. Stored labeled bulbs and seeds out of the reach of children and pets.

4. Do not use flowers or other plant materials for food decorations or in cooking unless they are labeled "edible".

5. Don't assume a plant is safe because birds or other wildlife eat it.

No matter how careful we are, accidents can and do happen. It is important to place the Poison Control Hotline phone number (800-222-1222) near the telephone so you can reach them quickly in the event of an accidental poisoning. To better assist the poison experts, you will need the common and/or scientific name of the plant in question. If at any time you are in doubt about a particular houseplant, take it to your local nursery or garden center for identification and what possible toxic characteristics the plant may have. Finally, the above lists name just a few of the non-toxic and toxic plants that exist today. You should consult the appropriate reference books or poisonous plant guides for a complete list. To research non-toxic and toxic plants on the internet, visit www.poison.org or visit www.vth.colostate.edu/poisono us_plants/report/search.cfm.

Lesley Dietschy is a freelance writer and the creator/editor of The Home Decor Exchange and the Home & Garden Exchange. The Home Decor Exchange is a popular home and garden website featuring resources, articles, decorating pictures, free projects, and a shopping marketplace. The Home & Garden Exchange website is a link exchange program and directory dedicated to the home and garden industry, as well as offering free website content and promotional ideas. Please visit both websites for all of your home, garden, and website needs.

http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com

http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com

---

Refinishing Hardwood Floors

The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing... Read More

A Review of Popular Wood Stove Manufacturers

There are several world renowned wood stove manufacturers that make... Read More

Pool Table Lights Guide: How To Light Up Your Game

The proper pool table lights is critical to playing your... Read More

A Guide to Wood Stove Inserts

A wood stove insert serves several purposes. First of all,... Read More

Interior Decorating and Home Decor With Inuit Art from the Arctic North

In order to help give a room a classier touch,... Read More

A Look at Faux Wood Blinds

For those who want the warmth of wood, but are... Read More

Granite Tile Countertops

The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal... Read More

Live in (French Country) Style

Parlez-vous Françes? Don't worry - you don't need to speak... Read More

Creative Ways to Decorate Your Walls

Moving into a new house can sometimes cause a quandry.... Read More

Let Your Wall Art Define You

Wall art can be defined by family portraits or historical... Read More

Take The Clothes Off Your Rooms and Let Them Breathe

Its summertime and the livin' is easy or at least... Read More

Contemporary Rugs - Home Decorating With Contemporary Area Rugs

Got a room that's crying out for a bright accent... Read More

The Value of Wedgwood China

If Josiah Wedgwood were alive today, even he would be... Read More

Finding a Cuckoo Clock Repair Service

Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep... Read More

Unique Tin Can Candle Holders

Ah yes the good old Tin Can. The tin can... Read More

Tiffany Lamps - The Artistry of Dale Tiffany

The art and craftsmanship of the original designs are evident... Read More

Country Decorating Ideas - Create Warmth and Charm with Country Style Decorating Ideas

Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that... Read More

A Guide to Wedgwood China

It all came about due to a cry from English... Read More

Decorating a Romantic Room

Creating intimacy in a room is about finding a mixture... Read More

Home Decorating Tips - How to Change a Rooms Dimension using Wall Pictures

The Basic Role of Pictures Wall art plays an... Read More

Add Summer To Your Home

Here's a decorating challenge just for fun in this hot... Read More

Eastern Influences On Western Interiors: Japanese Décor - Part I of II - Color, Texture and Contrast

The topic of eastern influences on western interiors is a... Read More

Add Beauty and Elegance to Your home with Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs can be purchased in a great variety of... Read More

Kitchen Decorating Is Easy To Do

Kitchen decor themes can turn a dull kitchen into a... Read More

A Look at Flower Bulbs for Sale

When people decide to grow flowers, they have many choices.... Read More

Home Care for the Monsoon

Given that the monsoon season lasts for a few months... Read More

Simplicity with Your Home Wall Decor

I can still picture my roommate as she lay stretched... Read More

About Pine Needle Baskets and How to Use Them in Your Home Decor

Have you ever had the pleasure of strolling through a... Read More

7 Feng Shui Fundamentals for Childrens Bedrooms

Feng shui is a very popular and intriguing concept in... Read More

Keep Things In Order With A Written Home Decorating Plan

Begin your written plan by choosing one room to start... Read More

Make The Right Choice When It Comes To Futon Frames

As you begin your search for a futon you should... Read More

Where to Find Discount Wedgwood China

There is not a lot of discount Wedgwood China available,... Read More

Area Rugs Will Add That Special Look And Feel To Your Home

Decorating with area rugs is one of the easiest ways... Read More