Some Common House Plants Can Be Poisonous
When decorating with indoor plants, it is a good idea to know which plants can be harmful to pets and children. The following is a list of common house plants that should be kept out of reach of pets and children who might be prone to chewing or putting the leaves in their mouths.
The Philodendron is an ivy-type plant with heart-shaped leaves and is one of the most popular house plants. Eating or chewing this plant will cause a burning sensation in the lips, mouth and throat and may cause a rash. Rinse the child’s mouth thoroughly with clear water. A large amount must be eaten to cause a severe reaction however it is a good idea to call poison control if your child does ingest the leaves.
Pothos is another very popular house plant. It is a large ivy-type plant with heart-shaped leaves that are streaked with yellow or white. Eating or chewing this plant may cause a burning sensation in the lips, mouth and throat and may cause a rash. Rinse the child’s mouth thoroughly with clear water. It does require a large amount to cause a severe reaction but it is a good idea to call poison control if your child does ingest the leaves.
This is a large plant with large, oblong leaves that have white splotches. Eating or chewing this plant may cause a burning sensation in the lips, mouth and throat, a rash and it may also cause temporary speech impairment. Wash the child’s mouth with clear water and call poison control.
This is a flowering shrub that comes in a variety of colors. This is a dangerous plant and should be kept away from children and pets. This plant may cause burning in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, skin prickling, dimness of vision, muscular weakness, a slow heart beat, abnormally low blood pressure, convulsions and coma. This plant may cause death. If your child ingests any of this plant call poison control immediately.
This is a flowering shrub with white, pink or red flower clusters, with long narrow leaves up to 10 inches long. This plant is very toxic and should be kept away from children and pets. This plant may cause death. If your child ingests any of this plant call poison control immediately.