Is it worth keeping anthurium in your apartment? The question is controversial. After all, this plant is able to purify dirty indoor air without emitting harmful compounds. But at the same time, you need to be careful when handling this flower, and place it where pets and small children cannot reach. Contact with the juice of this plant can cause severe poisoning, allergies, and inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Pachypodium - Madagascar palm

Pachypodium is another plant of the Kutrov family. In general, almost all flowers of this family are poisonous.

Pachypodium is also called “thick leg”. He has a very extravagant appearance. It has a fleshy trunk that is completely covered with spines, which is what makes it similar to a cactus. And on top there are long leaves, reminiscent of palm leaves.

Of course, many flower growers simply dream of placing such a handsome man in their home. But only those who have neither children nor animals can afford this. The fact is that the sap of the plant is poisonous, and its thorns are dangerous, as they are very sharp. When the juice gets on damaged skin, a severe allergy begins, which is accompanied by severe itching and peeling.

Dieffenbachia - flower of celibacy

There are many legends around this large plant with large spotted leaves, there are many signs about it, and all of them have negative points. Nobody will tell you about the truthfulness of all the signs, but a lot is known about the toxicity.

First of all, this is a plant of the araceae family, which means that the juice contains acid and, if it comes into contact with the skin, causes severe irritation and burns. If the plant juice gets into the mouth, it will cause swelling of the mucous membrane, which can lead to respiratory arrest. Cats are especially at risk, as a small amount of this juice can kill the animal.

Zamioculcas - dollar tree

Zamioculcas can be found in almost every indoor plant lover. Of course, as the name suggests, this tree is profitable, so it should be present in everyone's home.

This flower was not included in our list by chance. Since it is quite popular, it is worth knowing what to expect from it. This plant is not fatally poisonous, but it can cause unpleasant troubles. When the juice of the flower gets on the skin, a strong burning sensation occurs.

Callas - flowers of death?

Calla lilies, or calla lilies, are marsh poisonous flower. According to most, calla lilies are funeral flowers. It is unclear where these prejudices came from. One thing remains the same: these flowers are truly elegant. There is even a legend that this flower is the reincarnation of a beautiful girl.

The swamp white poisonous flower is dangerous for both people and animals. Moreover, all its parts are poisonous. White poisonous flowers contain milky sap, which has a irritant effect, causing inflammation. Once inside the body, it stimulates vomiting, convulsions and inhibits the functioning of the heart.

Cyclamen - petal of flame

Cyclamen is loved by many housewives. This flower resembles butterflies fluttering over the leaves. The flowers of the plant are different shades: white, pink, red.

It is considered quite capricious to care for, but this does not prevent flower growers from purchasing it in stores. Cyclamen is also considered a poisonous flower. Its juice is toxic and, if it comes into contact with the skin, causes irritation and severe itching.

Plumeria - "heaven on earth"

It’s not for nothing that this flower has such a name. It has extraordinary, geometrically precise and symmetrical petals. Each of them is saturated with many shades. In addition to its external beauty, plumeria has an incredible citrus aroma. That is why this flower is often used in aromatherapy. But alas, behind all this beauty lies an insidious cruelty. Plumeria is a very dangerous flower, the poison of which can cause disturbances in the functioning of the heart and death.

Poinsettia - Christmas star

Indeed, this plant is very similar to the Christmas star, and besides, this flower always blooms for Christmas (according to the Catholic calendar). It is so bright and beautiful that they decorate it festive table or given as a gift.

But you should be careful with this beauty, since the milky juice of this plant and all its fellow euphorbia family contains euphorbine, which causes burns to the skin and mucous membranes. If the juice gets into the eyes, it can lead to blindness, and if it gets into the mouth, it can cause a burn to the mouth, stomach upset, and disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system.

Ivy - home vine

Perhaps someone will start arguing and will disagree with what it is house plant included in the list of poisonous. After all, ivy is considered useful; it cleanses the room of polluted air and chemicals. But few people know that the leaves and stems of this plant are toxic. If a pet wants to taste them, it will die. Rarely, but still, these flowers are even more poisonous. Therefore, it is better to cut them before they bloom.

Features of care and safety measures

At the time when the house appears small child or a pet, poisonous indoor flowers must leave their owners. It will be better if you leave the plants in good hands. But if you don’t want to part with the plant, then in this case you need to take precautions:

1. First of all, you need to place the flower pot in a place inaccessible to animals and children. After all, it is impossible to explain to either kids or pets that they should never touch the plant, it is dangerous.
2. When handling the plant, such as transplanting, cutting, etc., wear rubber gloves.
3. If contact cannot be avoided and toxic juice comes into contact with the skin, immediately and thoroughly rinse the area. warm water with soap.
4. If the poison gets into your eyes, rinse the mucous membranes for 20 minutes until the burning goes away. If there is no improvement, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
5. If parts of the plant get into your mouth, you should drink large number water and repeatedly induce vomiting. Then take activated carbon.
6. If poisoning is accompanied by dangerous symptoms (loss of consciousness, nausea, palpitations), call an ambulance immediately.
7. All of the poisonous flowers described above, the names of which we have presented to you, are considered the most common. If you purchase in a store exotic flower, then first familiarize yourself with its properties.

Conclusion

Surely many, after reading the article, looked back and saw at least one plant from the list on their windowsill. Run to throw away poisonous house flowers? Yes, if there are small children or animals in the apartment. But if you have the opportunity to keep a poisonous flower for yourself, be careful and follow safety precautions!

Guys, we put our soul into the site. Thank you for that
that you are discovering this beauty. Thanks for the inspiration and the goosebumps.
Join us on Facebook And VKontakte

In nature, there is always a chance of stumbling upon a poisonous plant. And while adults will most likely just pass by, curious children who want to taste everything may get hurt.

website reminds: many are very dangerous species plants are grown as ornamental and can be seen not only in the forest, but also on window sills and flower beds. Therefore, you should also be vigilant in the city.

Where it occurs: In the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere; prefers damp places, swamps.

There are several types of buttercups, many of them poisonous.

Where it occurs: In Europe, Asia and North America. It grows in very damp places, in swamps and river banks.

The smell of carrots is deceptive, but it is one of the most poisonous plants on Earth. Only a botany specialist can distinguish it from dozens of other umbelliferous species. It’s better just not to pick up plants that look like milestones and grow in damp places.

What is dangerous: In case of poisoning, vomiting, convulsions, depression of cardiac activity occur, and death may occur. Just 100–200 g of vekha rhizome will easily kill a cow.

Where it occurs: Temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, Australia.

The most common representatives are red and black elderberry. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and if you just touch the elderberry, it is best to wash your hands. Interestingly, black berries are completely safe when ripe; they are used to make drinks and pies.

Where it occurs: In tropical and subtropical regions. Used in landscape design, all over the world it is grown as an indoor flower.

A truly insidious plant that attracts with its pleasant aroma and beautiful pink or white flowers.

Where it occurs: In Europe, Asia and North America. Because of its beautiful purple, blue and yellowish flowers, it is grown in flower beds. This is a tall and conspicuous plant.

IN ancient world it was used to poison arrows. Even bees can get poisoned if they take honey from aconite. By the way, delphinium is his close relative, and it is also poisonous.

What is dangerous: VERY poisonous plant. Causes disturbances in heart rhythm, numbness of the skin of the face, arms and legs, darkening of the eyes and death. The juice even penetrates the skin.

Where it occurs: In North and Central America, Europe, southern regions of Russia.

Datura resembles a potato or tomato, which is not surprising, since it is their close relative. This is an inconspicuous plant with spiky fruit-pods with black seeds inside. Its white flowers emit an intoxicating scent.

What is dangerous: Contains alkaloids that cause rapid heartbeat, disorientation and delirium. In severe cases, death or coma may occur. Shamans of many nations used this plant in their rituals.

Where it occurs: In temperate regions of Eurasia, one species exists in the USA.

Just a giant among umbrellas, which looks quite impressive, but it is better not to take pictures next to it.

What is dangerous: Some species contain furanocoumarins, which, under the influence sunlight cause painful burns. Therefore, if hogweed juice gets on your hand, wash it and protect it from sun rays about two days.

Where it occurs: Everywhere. Often seen on window sills, including in children's institutions.

Euphorbias include huge amount species, they are often very different in appearance: some look like cacti, others like flowers. Teach children not to touch unfamiliar plants, even if they grow in pots.

What is dangerous: The juice leaves burns. Later, malaise, swelling and fever appear.

About the abundance of beautiful and well-groomed indoor plants has always been considered a plus for housewives: when we enter such a house, we immediately involuntarily admire it, and we cannot hide this admiration - such beauty leaves few people indifferent.

Plants, if they are well-groomed and beautiful, please the eye and sense of smell - it is more developed in us than other senses, and greatly influences our state and attitude. In the city through open window does not always get into the room fresh air, A indoor plants clean it and absorb toxic impurities - for example, the well-known chlorophytums, which grow precisely where there are a lot of such impurities in the air.

However, botanists say that it is impossible to create “botanical gardens” in living and working premises: when there are a lot of plants, they begin to do more harm than good, releasing volatile compounds that are hazardous to health.

Of course, this is not so difficult to deal with if the rooms are often ventilated, but indoor plants are different: dangerous not only to health, but also to life if handled incorrectly.

1. Ficus.
If you are inclined to do so, it is better not to keep it in the house at all. Ficus juice is poisonous - it inflames the skin, and respiratory tract irritation occurs - even an asthma attack may occur.

2. Oleander.
Its flowers are fragrant and pleasantly smelling, but can cause headache, if the plant blooms too wildly. Oleander can grow strongly if conditions permit, and grows up to 5 m in height; used in medicine, like many poisonous plants. The seeds and juice are especially poisonous, so you need to wear gloves when caring for it, and keep children and animals away.

3. Pachypodium lamera.
Something similar to a small palm tree: it is called the Madagascar palm tree, but the name is incorrect. Lamera leaves are poisonous and can be dangerous to children and animals.


4. Dieffenbachia.
The juice of many Dieffenbachias is toxic to the skin - contact with it can lead to dermatitis; if it gets into the eyes, it affects the cornea and causes conjunctivitis, and if it gets into the mouth, it causes pain in the mucous membrane and swelling. Although both children and animals usually do not chew this plant for a long time, it can end in tragedy, so access to Dieffenbachia should be limited. Of the animals, cats are especially vulnerable - this juice can kill them if it gets into their mouth even in small quantities.



5. Monstera(Monstera)
In nature it is a liana with large leaves, but here it grows in pots; It is popular precisely because of its leaves, shiny and very beautifully cut - because of them it is also called holey philodendron. These large - up to 0.5 m - leaves contain toxins that cause burning in the mucous membranes, inflammation, strong salivation, vomiting and digestive disorders.

6. Spathiphyllum.
also loved by housewives: it blooms in a very original way, expelling an inflorescence on a peduncle that resembles a spadix, from the base of which comes a veil - a perianth similar to a leaf, but lighter, from green to white. This plant is even recommended to be kept in rooms with polluted air - it quickly absorbs toxins, but is itself toxic: if the juice gets on the skin, an abscess may appear that will not heal for a long time. In nature there are its varieties, which are also toxic, although they are used in folk medicine.


7. Poinsettia.
Almost all euphorbias are known for their toxicity - of which you can often find poinsettia, so original that it is called the “star of Bethlehem”: poinsettia flowers appear double - due to the bright red bracts framing each flower. If you only slightly damage the leaf or stem of the plant, the milky sap that gets on the skin will cause irritation; if it happens to get into the eye, a person or animal may become temporarily blind.




8. Azalea.
or rhododendron (Rhododendron) is an amazing indoor plant with beautiful flowers similar to those of lilies. These plants bloom luxuriantly, and their flowers are elegant and different bright colors- terry or simple, they come in red, pink, white, lilac, etc., and look very nice in living rooms and offices. Azaleas are often given as gifts, and lovers breed them in large quantities; Azaleas bloom for about 2-2.5 months, and their rich aroma causes dizziness, and in a poorly ventilated area can cause loss of consciousness - this plant contains narcotic substances.

The plant can be harmful to humans if the plant's leaves or nectar are ingested. Poisonous juice contained in sheet plates, and nectar can cause lacrimation, profuse vomiting, salivation, and nasal discharge.


9. Adenium.
Adenium obesum, or thick adenium, or desert rose (Adenium obesum), is a “bottle” plant with a thick stem at the base. This plant is poisonous. Its juice can penetrate the skin or mucous membranes into the blood and cause intoxication. Some African tribes use adenium poison in hunting, impregnating arrow tips with it. It is also used to create medicines against arrhythmia.


10. Euphorbia(Euphorbia) - the milky sap of this plant protruding from damaged parts is quite dangerous. It causes severe burning, redness of the skin, and possible blistering. Once in the eyes, milkweed juice provokes severe inflammation of the conjunctiva and temporary blindness. The poison that enters the body through the oral cavity causes vomiting, severe diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In case of severe poisoning, dizziness, convulsions, delirium, and circulatory disorders are possible.


11. Hydrangea(Hydrangea) is a beautiful indoor plant that requires special care. All parts of this plant contain poison. Touching hydrangea is completely safe; danger arises when parts of hydrangea or its juice penetrate into the human body, for example, when swallowed. In this case, sweating increases, blood circulation becomes difficult, the victim feels stomach pain, itching, nausea, and muscle weakness.


12. Gloriosa luxurious(Gloriosa superba) - dangerous plant only if its poison, contained in all its parts, enters the human body in large quantities. Gloriosa poison causes severe nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, in severe cases, hair loss, blood clotting disorders, and there is also a high likelihood of kidney damage.


13. Brovallia is beautiful(Browallia speciosa) is named so for a reason, but in its graceful stems, interesting leaves, beautiful modest flowers and other parts contain a dangerous substance. Brovallia juice, if it gets on unprotected human skin, causes intoxication.


14. Clivia(Clivia) is beautiful when in bloom. Its bright luxurious buds open almost simultaneously, creating a bright “bouquet”. But if you handle the leaves or rhizomes carelessly, this beautiful plant may cause harm. Clivia poison causes vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and sometimes paralysis.

15. Ivy- the most famous home vine, and it is used with pleasure for interior decoration. This plant can also be called useful - it purifies indoor air from harmful chemicals, bacteria and fungi do not like it, but its leaves and stems are poisonous - if a domestic rodent, for example, happens to try them, the animal will die. Sometimes ivy blooms, although rarely - once every few years, but the flowers smell unpleasant, and the fruits are even more poisonous than the rest of the plant; therefore, it is better to remove the buds before they have time to open.

16. False pepper nightshade
Many people also know about the nightshade family - even the fruits of ordinary potatoes can be deadly poisonous, and solanine also accumulates in the tubers, causing severe poisoning. As indoor flower often grown false pepper nightshade- in Australia this plant is considered nasty weed, but our flower growers fell in love with it for its bright fruits, which give it an attractive appearance. That is why false pepper nightshade is often poisoned by children, attracted by the beautiful red-orange berries, which cause stomach pain, nausea and vomiting; The juice of nightshade leaves is also poisonous - it causes skin irritation.


17. Capsicum.
Other representatives of this family are also dangerous: brunfelsia, brovallia, capsicum etc.

18. Cyclamen.
Cyclamen flowers resemble graceful butterflies fluttering above the leaves, and it is considered an unusual, elite and capricious flower, but the juice of its tubers can cause skin inflammation and irritation.

19. Aloe.
It would never occur to anyone to speak ill of this plant - everyone knows about its pronounced medicinal properties, but this plant is deadly for animals. Rodents die from it, and others develop severe diarrhea; in humans, aloe juice - in case of overdose - can cause severe poisoning, and in pregnant women - miscarriage.

Aloe belongs to the asphodel family, and its other representatives grown indoors also contain toxins: Eremurus, Gasteria, Haworthia etc.

Most popular houseplants contain poison, which is not fatal to humans, but can lead to serious diseases.

20. Other plants
. For example, the fruits and leaves of plants belonging to the Araliaceae family can cause digestive upset or allergies. Such plants include ivy, fatsia, Japanese aucuba, schefflera, polyscias, fatshedera.

For example, the leaves and stems of begonia contain insoluble salts of oxalic acid, so the juice of this plant can, in contact with human skin, cause a burn. If a begonia leaf gets into the mouth, throat irritation may occur. The most toxic are begonia tubers.

Those plants that belong to the euphorbia family, for example, such as croton, jatropha, akalipha, and euphorbia contain euphorbine, that is, a toxic substance that can cause burns to the skin and mucous membranes. When a person cares for these and other plants of this family, he must take care of his eyes, since the ingress of juice can lead to irritation of the cornea, which sometimes even leads to loss of vision. If the milky sap of a ficus comes into contact with the skin, a person may develop dermatitis, eczema, or inflammation. In addition, allergies may occur, or bronchial asthma.

Plants belonging to the nightshade family are also considered poisonous indoor plants. Among such plants we can note Brovallia, decorative pepper, nightshade This dangerous family also includes brunfelsia, which contains toxic substance, which can cause coughing, seizures and stomach upset.

Security measures

Everyone understands that it is simply impossible to force small child or pet Be careful with indoor plants that are poisonous. Therefore, if a toxic plant cannot be isolated, it must be disposed of. But it is necessary to understand that only those plants that have poisonous leaves, flowers or stems are dangerous for children and animals.

There are indoor plants that have poisonous tubers, but it is unlikely that a baby or four-legged friend will be able to reach them. If a person grows a poisonous plant at home, he must behave very carefully when caring for it. When working with such plants, especially when replanting them, you must use gloves. This is necessary in order to protect your hands from the juice of poisonous plants. In addition, you should not rub your face with your hands, otherwise the juice may get into your eyes or mouth.

First aid in case of contact with a poisonous plant
If the juice of a poisonous plant gets on the mucous membranes or skin, a person must urgently take action:

The damaged area of ​​the body must be washed with water and soap. If the juice of the plant gets into your eyes, you need to hold them under running water for about ten minutes.
- if the juice gets into the stomach, the victim needs to induce vomiting. You can also drink a glass of water with activated carbon diluted in it.
- if you are poisoned, you should not drink milk, as it will not only not help, but will also worsen the effects of fat-soluble toxins.

In conclusion, I will say: there is no need to be afraid of poisonous indoor plants, most of them can cause only minor harm to our health. It’s just that when buying a green plant, you need to collect as much information as possible about it, including its toxic properties.

Datura (Datura)

Is an evergreen lush vine, blooming with creamy gramophones, which is very attractive on a strong support.

Compact bush Solyanuma decorative after flowering, when it is completely covered with round orange, yellow and red fruits.

Datura, also known as Datura, is a striking plant with huge fragrant flowers in pastel shades, successfully grown in spacious rooms and winter gardens.

The green parts of these plants contain the extremely toxic substance solanine, and therefore, when consumed internally, they can cause severe poisoning, the main symptoms of which are described below:

1. Nausea, dizziness and headache.
2. Burning of the oral mucosa, bitter taste and increased salivation.
3. Difficulty breathing, palpitations.
4. In case of severe intoxication, muscle paralysis and fainting occur.

In addition, it is important to know that Datura aromatica emits a cloying odor during flowering, which can cause headaches, and the pretty berries of Solyanum are very poisonous, so it is not recommended to keep these plants in residential areas, especially where there are small children.

Advice. At the first signs of solanine poisoning, rinse the stomach with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, induce vomiting and give a cleansing enema of saline solution or salted water.

Amaryllidaceae

The significant Amaryllis family includes more than 2,000 species. Magnificent bulbous or corm plants are widely represented in indoor culture.

- the titular representative of the genus with large bell-shaped fragrant flowers, through the efforts of breeders, has been supplemented by many varieties with pink, cream and white shades.

Very similar to amaryllis, but differs in the large size of the flowers, often not fragrant. Up to 6 buds bloom on its peduncle, while in amaryllis the peduncle is crowned with a cap of 8–12 flowers.

Occupying an intermediate position between bulbous and rhizomatous species, it is attractive with bright orange inflorescences against the background of dark green dense leaves.

Almost all parts of plants of this family are poisonous; they contain potent alkaloids and glycosides in their tissues, which have a stimulating effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

You can become poisoned by amaryllis bulbs through negligence if, during storage, you confuse them with certain types of onions, for example, shallots.

The main signs of poisoning are nausea, intestinal upset, painful stomach, cramps, palpitations, muscle tremors.

Kutrovye

The most famous representative of the kutrov family is, of course, the regal one. Slim evergreen tree forms stunningly beautiful pink thickets along river banks in places of natural growth.

Wonderful varieties of oleander with white, cream, pale red flowers, collected in corymbose fragrant inflorescences, have been cultivated. Forms with double and semi-double flowers are very decorative.

The entire oleander plant is very poisonous; the glycosides contained in its tissues have a nerve-paralytic effect and inhibit the functioning of the heart.

Not only birds and mammals who eat its leaves or flowers die, but also insects, which are usually very resistant to various toxins.

You should be careful when replanting, and especially when pruning the plant, making sure that the juice does not get on the skin of your hands, eyes or lips.

Advice. After caring for oleander, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and wash your face.

Just one eaten oleander leaf can lead to severe intoxication and even death. Tree branches should not be used for smoking or barbecuing.

Symptoms of oleander poisoning:

1. Dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
2. An increase and then a sharp decrease in blood pressure, cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes.
3. Difficulty breathing, drop in heart rate, slowing down of the heart until it stops.

Blooming oleander should not be placed in sleeping areas, as the fumes from green leaves, shoots and flowers are poisonous, and you can be poisoned while sleeping.

Be sure to explain to all family members, and especially children, how to properly handle oleander, which will be an excellent prevention of poisoning.

Plants with low poison content

The group should be treated with some caution, but still the poison of these plants is not as dangerous to health as the toxins of the species discussed above. After contact with its representatives, irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, some swelling is possible, and if taken orally, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Cyclamen

1. . An exquisite indoor plant with dark green leathery leaves and an abundance of delicate double flowers, despite its capricious nature, remains a favorite of many gardeners. All parts and especially the fruits of gardenia are poisonous; if consumed internally, they can cause malaise, accompanied by shortness of breath, diarrhea and headache.
2. . A sophisticated, design essential, unpretentious appearance with narrow, rich green leaves and a thick, stocky stem. Dracaena juice is poisonous; it is released at the break of the stem and when it gets on the skin, it causes redness, painful irritation, and sometimes blisters appear.
3. . A lush bush in bloom is the pride of any housewife. The abundance of flowers, textured dense leaves and easy care make cyclamen a favorite among green pets. The juice contains toxic substances that can cause serious burns to the skin and mucous membranes, and once inside the body cause convulsions.
4. . Revered by amateurs for its unpretentiousness, ease of propagation, baskets of flowers of various bright colors, pelargonium perfectly purifies the air, can relieve fatigue and even cure migraines. This species is dangerous for people prone to allergies, as well as for asthmatics. For them, proximity to a flower is contraindicated, as it can cause attacks of suffocation and allergic reactions.
5. The tree is grown in rooms as attractive ornamental plant with beautiful delicate flowers and warm orange lanterns of fruit that are not only edible, but even healthy. All green parts may cause vomiting, diarrhea and cramps if ingested.
6. . This spectacular desert inhabitant of the agave genus looks great in winter gardens and spacious rooms. The strongest phytoncides secreted by yucca and essential oils have bactericidal and antifungal properties, but may be poorly received by people with an increased tendency to allergies. Eating parts of yucca internally can cause indigestion, muscle tremors and dizziness.
7. - a luxurious, beautifully flowering shrub that delights owners in the winter months, contains potent glycosides. The juice of its green parts irritates the skin, and when consumed internally, it first causes depression and then stimulation of the heart rate, abdominal pain, digestive disorders, and swelling.

How to handle poisonous plants?

First of all, you should not throw poisonous specimens out of your home only after learning about their potential danger. If there are children in the house, you can try to find a more suitable place, and elders should be explained the rules for handling plants. This will be useful for the child in the future - after all, no less threats lie in wait for him on the street.

To keep plants safely, you should adhere to the following basic rules:

1. Be sure to find out the exact name of the flower brought into the house. Largest number poisoning occurs precisely due to ignorance of the characteristics of a particular species.
2. If there are small children in the family, it is better to temporarily abandon the obviously dangerous specimens.
3. Place any, especially poisonous, plants only in places inaccessible to children and pets. The situation when your favorite parrot feasts on an ivy leaf can end dramatically.
4. The use of rubberized protective gloves when working with green pets should become a sustainable habit for an experienced gardener.
5. Care must be taken to cut off the juicy parts, keeping in mind the poisonous juice that can splash onto the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth.
6. Do not scratch your eyes, touch your face or straighten your hair while caring for, replanting or pruning houseplants.
7. It should be remembered that even dried poisonous plant tissues retain their toxic properties.

Like any living organisms, indoor plants are a complex system and have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Having a good understanding of their nature, having studied the characteristics of the species and conditions of detention, you can safely settle them in the house beautiful flower and enjoy watching a beautiful representative of the flora.

Indoor plants not only moisturize and purify the air, they can become a true decoration of the interior, emphasizing the style features when decorating a living space (for example, without small flowers It’s hard to imagine decorating a house in the Provence style in terracotta pots).

Unfortunately, when purchasing this or that houseplant, most often they are guided not by real botanical information about it, but by the desire to get a bright or easy-to-care-for specimen, or even to solve pressing everyday problems with the help of a flower: to attract a husband, prosperity and peace to the house, to get fabulously rich V short terms. At the same time, they forget about the requirements of the flower itself, completely ignoring the fact that most indoor flowers are poisonous; they can cause enormous harm to children, animals and flower growers themselves if handled incorrectly. In this article, we decided to figure out what seemingly harmful plants can turn out to be real poisoners.

Most indoor plants can be classified as poisonous.

Sadly, most indoor plants can be confidently classified as poisonous, and not only individual indoor flowers are poisonous, but entire families: Aroidaceae, Curtaceae, Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae.

Growing indoor flowers with poisonous characteristics should not endanger children, pets and birds, who may accidentally become poisoned. It is enough to follow simple rules to make flowers delight you and improve your mood; getting rid of them is unnecessary, because toxic substances are not released into the air. The exception is the blooming oleander. During flowering, it is better to take the bush out into the fresh air.

To know which indoor flowers you should be wary of, read this article to the end.

1. Spathiphyllum, or poisonous “female happiness”

Women's happiness - the plant has poisonous juice.

The indoor plant spathiphyllum (in other words, flagolist) is extremely popular; it is believed that this elegant flower can bring happiness to the house, especially for the female half. It is quite difficult to verify this - happiness depends on the flower or on the behavior of the woman herself, but there is no point in arguing that Spathiphyllum (Araceae family) is poisonous.

An elegant plant with white or red bracts is often used to decorate the interior. It is important to properly care for the flower. Spathiphyllum grows well in a room, can tolerate some shading, and does not emit dangerous chemical compounds into the air, but you should be careful when replanting - the plant sap is extremely poisonous. Considering that the flagolist bush needs annual spring transplant, you should remember the following precautions:

• Spathiphyllum can only be divided and replanted while wearing rubber gloves.
• If plant sap accidentally gets on open areas skin, immediately wash the area with plenty of soap and water.
• If spathiphyllum juice gets into your eyes, a chemical burn is possible, so you should immediately seek medical help.
• Try to protect the plant from the encroachment of pets who like to taste the leaves and flowers, otherwise the pet may suffer greatly from poisoning from the poisonous juice of the flagolite.

1. Dieffenbachia - if it comes into contact with the skin, Dieffenbachia juice causes severe irritation and burns; if it comes into contact with the mucous membranes, swelling may occur, even to the point of stopping breathing. Even a small amount of Dieffenbachia juice can kill small pets.
2. Anthurium – when contacting anthurium juice, serious consequences can occur for a person: severe poisoning, allergic manifestations, inflammation of the mucous membranes.
3. Aglaonema - it is worth taking precautions when caring for the plant, replanting and dividing - the poisonous sap causes extremely negative consequences.

Danger level: medium. The sap of the plant is poisonous, causing irritation and burns.

2. Zamioculcas

Dollar Tree.

Another representative of the Araceae family, which can increasingly be found among amateur gardeners, is Zamioculcas. This elegant plant with spreading branches dotted with shiny glossy leaves is believed to be able to attract a flow of dollars into its owner's wallet. Money is money, but about safe cultivation " dollar tree“It’s worth thinking about - the poisonous juice, when it gets on the skin, causes persistent irritation. You should not replant or divide zamioculcas without gloves, and you should wash your hands thoroughly after contact with the plant.

Danger level: medium. The sap of the plant is poisonous and causes irritation.

3. Cyclamen

Cyclamen, or dryweed.

It’s hard to argue with the beauty of cyclamens - moth-shaped flowers appear above the squat rosette of leaves in the fall and bloom almost all winter. There is no limit to the variety of colors and shapes - the petals of modern varieties of cyclamens have fringes and cut edges, and their color is amazing. There are not only single-color varieties, but also flowers with borders, stripes, and specks of contrasting tones.

The plant grows from an underground tuber, the juice of which is very poisonous; if it comes into contact with the skin, the liquid causes redness, burning and severe itching.

Danger level: medium. The tuber of the plant is poisonous; its juice causes redness, burning and itching.

4. Scary Monstera Monster

A charming indoor plant is Monstera.

Monstera is a huge powerful vine with leathery leaves with holes. This plant is very popular among lovers who have winter gardens. The majestic flower grows quickly, practically does not get sick, and does not require special care.

Monstera belongs to the Araceae family, its juice is poisonous and causes irritation. skin and mucous membranes.

Monstera has one peculiarity - in cloudy weather, its leaves begin to secrete juice, which accumulates in drops at the tips of the leaves. Curious children and cats try to play with the drops and lick them off, which leads to an inevitable burn of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Danger level: above average. Drops of sap on the leaves of the plant are poisonous. Causes a burn.

5. Indoor pomegranate

A rich harvest has ripened on miniature pomegranate trees.

It seems that the pomegranate tree does not pose any danger, because pomegranate fruits are very healthy; even sick and severely weakened people have been eating them since ancient times.

Do you know that only the fruits of this plant are useful, all other parts (branches, leaves, roots) are poisonous, so you need to be careful when growing indoor pomegranate.

Danger level: medium. All parts of the plant are poisonous, except the fruits.

6. Oleander and its flowers

Oleander blossom.

When oleander bushes are blooming, it is difficult to take your eyes off the plant - charming clusters of flowers appear at the ends of all young branches. The delicate aroma can cause headaches, so flowering plant cannot be placed in the bedroom (it is better to take it out into the fresh air if possible).

Caring for oleander can only be done with protective gloves, because all parts of the plant (including seeds) contain poisonous juice, which can cause vomiting and bloody diarrhea, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, with severe poisoning, death is possible.

Danger level: highest, deadly.

7. Adenium, or desert rose

Charming adenium.

Recently, a passion for exotics has led to the fact that adenium has become a fairly common flower among inexperienced plant growers. These flowers are full of unimaginable beauty, grace, uniqueness and charm, but at the same time they are so poisonous that extreme caution is required when caring for insidious exotics. Adenium juice causes damage to the skin and mucous membranes, causing persistent poisoning when ingested by humans and animals.

Danger level: above average. The juice causes persistent and severe poisoning.

Rules for handling poisonous flowers

The list of poisonous indoor plants is very wide, but this does not mean that all plants should be immediately swept from the windowsills into the trash heap. A number of precautions should be observed to protect family members and animals from poisoning:

• Replant plants while wearing gloves.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after caring for plants.
• Supervise children and animals to ensure they do not come into contact with poisonous houseplants.
• Do not try unfamiliar berries and fruits.
• Do not rub plant leaves with your bare hands.
• Do not use unfamiliar plants for treatment, following the advice of ignorant people.

If these rules are followed, most poisonous plants become completely harmless.