House plants: beautiful but some can be toxic.

Category: Gardening Remembrances | Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 8:33 pm

Now that the winter winds and cold are taking their toll on our gardens, most of us are turning more of our attention to our house plants. I was taken by some things I have read on this web site and others regarding some of our favorite house plants. These comments revolved around the fact that many people are not aware that many of our favorite house plants are toxic and can cause real damage if not handled properly.

( photo / image / picture from Accidental Gardener's Garden )

While none of these 14 plants are a problem if handled properly it is important to know which ones need special handling. This is NOT a complete list of 'toxic' house plants but these are very popular plants and were pointed out in a recent BH&G newsletter.

Remember we have had these plants in our homes for years on end without any problems but it is good to know the hidden dangers these plants can cause if we do not handle them properly.

SNAKE PLANT Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentili' This plant can cause skin irritation to individuals with sensitive skin.

POTHOS - Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen' All parts of this plant are poisonous and can cause severe irritation of the lips, tongue and throat if eaten or chewed by pets or children.

PHILODENDRON - hederacaum oxycardium. All parts of this plant are poisonous and can cause severe irritation of the lips, tongue, and throat if eaten or chewed by pets or children.

ENGLISH IVY - Hedera Helix. All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten or chewed by pets or children.

ZEEZEE PLANT - Zamioulcas Zamiifolia. This plant is poisonous if eaten or chewed on by children or pets.

ARROWHEAD VINE - Syngonium podophyllum. All parts of this plant can cause irritation of the lips, tongue, and throat if eaten or chewed by pets or children.

CORN PLANT - Draaena Fragrans 'Massangeana'. Corn plant is poisonous if eaten or chewed on by dogs.

RUBBER TREE - Ficus elastic. The milky white sap may cause irritation to people with sensitive skin.

GREEN DRACAENA - Dracaena deremensis. This plant is poisonous if eaten or chewed on by dogs.

CHINESE EVERGREEN - Aglaonema commutatum. All parts of this plant are poisonous and can cause severe irritation of the lips, tongue, and throat if eaten or chewed by pets or children.

CROTON - Codiaeum variegatum pictum. This plant is poisonous and can make children or pets sick if they chew on it or eat it.

DIEFFENBACHIA - Dieffenbachia spp. All parts of this plant are poisonous and can cause severe irritation of the lips, tongue, and throat if eaten or chewed by pets or children.

DRACAENA - Dracaena marginata. This tree is poisonous if eaten or chewed on by dogs.

PEPEROMIA - Peperromia spp. This plant is poisonous if eaten or chewed on by dogs or cats.

( photo / image / picture from Accidental Gardener's Garden )

Last edited: Thu Dec 10, 2009 8:34 pm

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