Poisonous House Plants to Keep Away from Kids
Calla Lily
The calla lily is a houseplant with long stems or stalks and leaves shaped like arrows. They bloom in white or green. The leaves are the poisonous portion of calla lily houseplants. Irritations to the skin can occur on contact. Ingestion causes an extreme burning feeling to the lips and mouth. While toxic, the calla lily is often considered a very beautiful flowering houseplant. Children may naturally be attracted to its beauty.
Cyclamen
The cyclamen can be both rounded and heart-shaped. This houseplant has flowers that come in red, pink or white. The roots are the poisonous part of cyclamen houseplants. Ingestion can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis and convulsions. Skin irritation from contact may also occur. Children may be attracted to the delicate size, vibrant colors or unique shape.
Dumb Cane
Also commonly called dieffenbachia, the dumb cane is a tall, leafy plant. The leaves are large and can have ivory-colored patches. The poisonous part of the dumb cane is the leaf. If chewed on, the leaf will cause intense pain and swelling of the mouth. Children may be drawn to this poisonous houseplant because of the design on the leaves or the fact that the leaves are big and easy to grab.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus plants belong to the evergreen family. The leaves are rounded and can be a dark green or red tone. The leaves and bark of the eucalyptus tree are poisonous. Contact skin irritation can occur. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and coma. The oil from a eucalyptus tree is toxic.
Jerusalem Cherry
The Jerusalem cherry or coral can be in the form of shrubs or herbs. These houseplants are often spiny or hairy. Black, orange or red berries grow from this plant. The entire plant is poisonous if ingested; however, the berries are the most potent. When ingested, the Jerusalem cherry causes throat irritation, fever, diarrhea and gastric irritation. Children may be attracted to this poisonous houseplant because of its colorful berries, which resemble edible berries.
Philodendron
This is generally a climbing vine. Most have large, heart-shaped leaves. Contact with the philodendron can cause skin irritation. Ingestion of philodendron plants can cause burning to the lips, mouth and throat. Some children may be attracted to the clutching or climbing aspect of vine houseplants.
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