Plants work wonders such as purifying the air, lifting your spirits, and make any space more inviting. However, if you have pets or children, you can never to too careful, and there are some plants you should keep out of your apartment. You may have heard of some of these common plants, and you may have grown up with them, but the truth is they are dangerous for animals and can be harmful to humans. Some plants only cause injury if ingested, while others only need to be touched to cause harm, whether it’s the leaves, roots, soil, or even the water. Perhaps your child or pet is extremely well behaved, you still need to be vigilante to avoid a catastrophe.
Philodendron
The vining philodendron is harmful to both humans and pets. Best practice is to hang it high enough so children and pets aren’t able to reach it. It is imperative to trim it back once it starts to grow down and is within reach of children and pets. There is also a non-vining philodendron, which should also be out of reach of children and pets alike. The Philodendron has crystals of calcium oxalate which is the cause of its poison. Serious reactions in humans have not been reported, but pain, swelling, and seizures, have been reported for animals. Cats are known to have the worst reactions with Philodendron.
Pothos
Pothos Ivy, referred to as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the greatest air purifiers while being one of the simplest to maintain. The catch is Pothos Ivy is harmful to both animals and humans. Minimal exposure isn’t much to worry about for humans, however animals can experience renal failure and death.
Arrowhead Plant
Cousin of the philodendron, the Arrowhead Plant is moderately poisonous to humans and animals. Exposure can lead to irritated skin, an upset stomach, and vomiting. Ironically, the Arrowhead is a given as a gift due to the leaves shaped like long hearts or arrowheads, hence its name. Be mindful of where you place this plant, the leaves get shed so if they fall on the ground, this is a huge hazard for children and pets.
Lilies
Not all Lilies are toxic, so you need to know what you’re bringing home. Lilies have gorgeous leaves that are available in many colors. Cats are greatly affected by any exposure to a Lily and can experience a broad list of symptoms, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, and vomiting.
Peace Lily
Its real name is Spathiphyllum, so that’s why we gave it the title of Peace Lily. Despite its name, there’s nothing peaceful about it; it’s harmful to pets and people. While they prefer the shade over sunlight and will clean the air in your apartment well, you need to be careful not to get exposed. Dogs experience loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and swallowing, dilated eyes, diarrhea, and irregular heartbeat.
Dumb Cane
The Dieffenbachia, more commonly referred to as the dumb cane, is similar to both the Philodendron and Arrowhead Plant. The Dumb Cane also has the poisonous oxalate crystals. The Dumb Cane is not as poisonous as the Philodendron, but will still give symptoms of extreme mouth pain, salivation, to swelling and numbing of the throat.
Caladium
The Caladium, known well as the Elephant Ear Plant, became popular for the longevity of its leaves and wonderful colors. Unfortunately, the Caladium can harm humans and animals. Should any part of the plant be ingested, one might experience a hard time breathing and speaking from blocked airways while the mouth burns and swells. Animals will also experience a hard time breathing, but also shaking of the head, nausea, and vomiting.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is actually a popular plant to keep on the floor, as rumor says it will protect a household from evil spirits. It’s not much to worry about as a human, but if you have a pet, you might want to keep the Snake Plant out of your apartment altogether, as animals may experience pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
English Ivy
English ivy is a gorgeous plant most people like to hang in baskets and have undulate down. The only problem is this is really inviting for children and pets to play with. Both humans and animals alike can experience skin irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and tremors!
Find the Right Houseplant
There are many variables to take into consideration when purchasing plants, but the safety of your children and pets needs to be first and foremost. If you already have plants in your apartment, make sure you aren’t the owner of any of these listed plants if you have kids or animals! The best thing you can do is steer clear of these plants, but if you already own them, practice extreme caution and be sure to keep them out of reach of both children and pets.
