Having plants in your home can bring a lot of joy and life into your space. But not all plants are created equal. There is certain vegetation that can be toxic and harmful to both you and your pets, so it’s essential to know which ones should never come inside your home. Here is a list of some of the most dangerous indoor plants you should avoid at all costs. By keeping these out of your home, you can ensure that your home is safe and healthy for everyone.
What To Look For In A Houseplant
When selecting a houseplant for your home, it’s important to understand its environmental needs. Start by considering the level of light in the area where you want to place the plant. Different plants require different levels of sunlight – some prefer indirect or filtered light, while others require full sun or shade. Then think about the temperature and humidity levels in the space; ensure that they match the preferences of the plant species.
Additionally, examine the watering needs of each type of plant; a helpful trick is to stick your finger into the soil and if it feels moist below 1 inch, then wait on watering as overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering a houseplant. And finally, research the growth habits of each type of plant you’re considering; some plants like to stay put, while others may require frequent pruning or repotting in order to thrive.
Plants You Shouldn’t Bring Into Your Home
Along with meeting the needs of the plants you’re considering, it is also essential to make sure that none of them are toxic or poisonous. The following list contains some of the most dangerous indoor plants that should not be brought into your home:
Elephant’s Ear
Keeping elephant’s ear as a houseplant has recently become quite popular; however, these large and beautiful plants can present an unexpected danger. Elephant’s ear is a tropical plant, and they suffer indoors when the air is too dry or cool. As a result, people have taken to misting or soaking the leaves—a practice that intensifies the plant’s already toxic properties.
If ingested, either by humans or pets, it can cause serious illness; in addition, when handled for extended periods of time, some people experience skin irritation from contact with its wax-like coating. Therefore it is not recommended to bring elephant’s ear into your home unless instructions are carefully followed on how to care for the plant and mitigate potential hazards.
Philodendron
Bringing a Philodendron plant into your home can be more dangerous than you might realize. While they are beautiful, full of lush leaves, and make a great addition to any living room or office, these tropical plants can also be toxic to pets and humans alike if ingested. The sap of the philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause burning and irritation in the mouth and throat, swelling of the nasal passages, and excessive drooling if ingested.
In severe cases, respiratory paralysis may occur. Children who tend to put things in their mouths should have adult supervision when around this type of plant, as it is easy for a part of it to be eaten unnoticed. If you do decide to bring one into your home, keep it away from children and any animals that could swallow parts of the plant, particularly cats; signs of ingestion can include difficulty breathing and even death.