By the way, the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page states that African violets are non-toxic to curious cats, dogs, and horses. This knowledge ought to bring some solace to the worried parents of intrepid cats who enjoy the taste of this attractive houseplant.
Is the African violet poisonous to people?
Even in minute amounts, oleander (Nerium oleander) is exceedingly poisonous. It is an evergreen flowering shrub that may be planted inside or outdoors and produces pink, red, purple, or white blooms. The tall, slender, and pointed leaves are covered with leather. On the stem, they are frequently grouped in whorls or pairs.
What Makes Oleanders Poisonous?
Oleandrin, oleondroside, neriin, and digitoxigenin are some of the known oleander toxins. Every portion of the plant contains the poisons. Even the oleander flower nectar and the honey that bees produce from it are dangerously poisonous.
Although the list of symptoms brought on by oleander consumption is extensive, it can be divided into groups according to the systems impacted. Keep in mind that not all of the symptoms may manifest and that they may be brought on by a separate issue. However, because oleander poisoning can be highly deadly, it is important to seek medical assistance straight away.
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fuzzy vision
- haloes in the field of vision
- a rash
- hives
- a sluggish or erratic heartbeat
- reduced blood pressure
- headache
- dizziness
- confusion
- drowsiness
- seizures
- consciousness is lost
Poisoning by oleander is a medical emergency. It’s crucial to receive medical attention.
What’s a Non-Toxic Alternative to Oleander?
The Barberton Daisy, African Violet, Moth Orchid, and Wax Plant all offer lovely, non-toxic flowers that are secure for both people and animals.
Are children safe to use African Violet?
For advice around-the-clock, call the Poisons Information Line at (13 11 26) in cases of suspected poisoning.
Having said that, there are numerous indoor plants that are suitable for children and animals to be around. In the gallery below, we’ve compiled 10 of our favorites for you.
child-friendly indoor plants for your home
The plant known as jade (Crassula ovata) is safe for children but poisonous to pets. Both easy to harvest and easy to care for. Snap some off, place it in soil, and a new plant will emerge in a few weeks. You won’t need to water it very frequently because it enjoys warm, dry weather. Getty Images, the photo.
Safe for children and animals is the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera). A common selection for houseplants is the Christmas Cactus. As a member of the cactus family, it won’t require much watering or care, but if you take good care of it, you’ll be rewarded with its lovely blooms at Christmas. Getty Images, the photo.
The common Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is safe for both children and dogs. This slow-growing palm is ideal for indoor use because it prefers dim lighting and doesn’t require a lot of water. Getty Images, the photo.
(Saint Paul) African Violet The African Violet is a well-liked selection for new gardeners because it is secure for children and pets. Its modest size and low maintenance requirements make it an attractive option for busy families and make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Getty Images, the photo.
Ficus elastica, also known as the rubber plant, is poisonous to pets but harmless for children. Rubber plants are quite common among interior designers because of their glossy, waxy leaves, which can be seen in many contemporary homes. It enjoys the sun and requires some care, but if you take good care of it, you will be rewarded. Getty Images, the photo.
Sansevieria trifasciata, often known as mother-in-tongue law’s or snake plant Another hardy plant that is safe for children but poisonous for pets should be placed with caution. For individuals with a less than green thumb, this plant is ideal. It basically doesn’t matter that you remember it; it will still survive. It’s well known for its ability to purify the air and has recently shot to fame. Getty Images, the photo.
The Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, is a tough plant that can withstand both children and pets without harm. Winning! Getty Images, the photo.
(Nephrolepis Exaltata) Boston Fern This hardy fern will undoubtedly be known to you. It adorns many homes and is safe for both children and pets. It’s ideal for the lonely corners of your home because it has the unusual criteria of wanting cool, humid regions with indirect sunshine. Getty Images, the photo.
Plectranthus Scutellarioides: Coleus This sturdy tiny plant is a terrific choice for kids to grow because it is secure for both kids and dogs. Put a Coleus cutting in water, and roots will soon appear so you can replant it. Getty Images, the photo.
Begonia (Begonia Obliqua): Begonias are experiencing a resurgence in popularity and are safe for both children and pets. They may have lived in your home when you were a child, and now is the perfect time for them to bring some color back into it. There are many types, but the ones with rhizomes and fibrous roots grow best inside. Getty Images, the photo.
Are violets poisonous to people?
The main causes of violet’s potential toxicity are inappropriate use or using it in doses that are higher than advised. Violet is not a harmful plant. In general, it is regarded as a safe plant. The high concentration of saponins in the root may be primarily to blame for its potential negative effects.
Can you eat the blossoms of an African violet?
Common blue violets are found growing in fields, shaded forest areas, and by the sides of roads all around the United States. There are additional Viola species, however they are typically grown as aesthetic flowers in vegetable plots or flower borders. However, one thing that never changes is how widely used violet flowers are. So, are violets edible? You certainly can!
Vitamin C and A are highly concentrated in violets’ leaves and blossoms. The violet plant is edible and can be used to make syrups, teas, and baked goods. Flowers can be used as a garnish on soups and salads. It’s crucial to eat violet flowers and leaves in moderation because too much consumption could upset your stomach because this plant does contain a chemical called saponin. Despite this, many herbalists laud violets for their usefulness and significance as a food plant.
Light
Grow away from constant exposure to the sun. Give your Rubber Plant, instead, a bright location that, if feasible, receives some indirect sunlight.
The all-green varieties may tolerate moderate shadow and dim lighting, but if it persists for an extended period of time, the plant will grow lanky and spindly.
If you have a variegated variety, you must supply bright indirect light; if you choose shade, the markings will disappear.
Watering
Simple watering requirements apply to rubber plants; while growing, they enjoy a nice soak, they don’t appreciate having their roots consistently wet. The best approach to handle them, according to our research, is to water your plant very thoroughly after the soil surface and top inch have dried out, then wait until it has dried out similarly before watering again.
If there is still water in the drip tray after 30 minutes, pour it out since you shouldn’t let a Rubber Plant sit in water. Reduce watering in the winter and avoid flooding the soil; instead, seek to keep it merely damp. However, don’t forget to let the soil completely dry out before returning with the watering can.
Feeding
The Rubber Plant must be fed in order to generate those enormous leaves. A light, balanced feed spaced out across a few waterings during the spring and summer is excellent.
As with standard feeding guidelines, wait three to six months before fertilizing newly potted or newly established plants throughout the winter.
Temperature
The Rubber Plant will thrive in a wide variety of temperatures from 10C (50F) to 29C. (85F).
If you go hotter, the leaves will lose some of their turgid appearance. If necessary, you can lower the temperature in Winter to 4C (39F), but you must carefully monitor your watering. At this temperature, if you overwater the plant, it will die quickly.
Repotting
Even in their tiny pots, these plants grow rather large. The growth will eventually slow down or even cease at some point, though. Then, you have two options: either leave it alone or top dress in its place.
Topdressing involves removing the top inch or two of the old soil and replacing it with new compost, which replenishes the old, depleted potting soil with new nutrients and helpful bacteria.
Repotting is the second option. If the Rubber Plant isn’t too heavy, repotting is rather simple. Simply transfer it into a larger pot with a regular potting mix. We specifically have a more thorough repotting guide for people who are new to houseplants.
Propagation
This plant has never required to be propagated! First of all, one Rubber Plant in a house is nearly always plenty, and secondly, they are quite inexpensive to purchase. However, if you adhere to the four stages listed below, propagating a rubber plant is simple:
You’ll need a piece of stem, typically a growing tip, that is approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long to begin started.
All but one leaf should be removed. Wait until the sap stops leaking (typically within 30 minutes) and then gently wash it off.
Place the stem and remaining leaf in perlite or grit compost. You can dip the cut bottom end into a rooting hormone, but it’s not essential.
The growing medium needs to be kept in a warm area with indirect sunshine and kept just slightly damp. For best results, use bottom heat or do it in the summer.
Speed of Growth
Your Rubber Plant is presumably growing at a moderately fast rate. In the summer, many owners leave their plants outside because they believe this promotes a quick growth of new leaves. Avoid overexposure to the heat, and keep an eye out for cool, wet summers that could lead to overwatering.
Since spring and summer are the growing seasons, plants that are extremely pot-bound won’t grow, and don’t anticipate any growth in the middle of winter.
Height / Spread
How well your plant is cared for will determine its final height and spread. Rubber Plants in ideal conditions, large pots, and without routine pruning can grow up to 9 feet (3 meters) tall. A shorter plant will arise from poor growing conditions, small pots, or pruning.
By choosing whether or not to prune, you can regulate how wide the plant grows. If you don’t prune, the main developing stem will race for the ceiling unchecked, creating the appearance of a more thin, slender tree. Read the next paragraph if you’d prefer your plant to be bushier and wider.
A branching, bushy-looking style will result from consistently cutting or pruning off the leading, tallest growth tips since new growing shoots will then sprout at the sides of the core stem lower down. Even then, it won’t spread much beyond than 3 feet / 1 meter in most homes, but this will ultimately result in a much wider houseplant.
Flowers
Did you realize? Ficus is a member of the Fig family, which doesn’t typically bear blossoms that are vivid, eye-catching, or fragrant.
New leaves will appear from an eye-catching, vibrant sheath that is frequently red. This frequently misleads novice owners into believing that their plant is in bloom.
Although the flowers that appear before this don’t particularly stand out, mature plants may produce little fig-like fruits. Instead of any possible blossoms, the rubber plant is brought into our homes for the foliage.
Are Rubber Plants Poisonous?
Yes, both humans and pets are (mildly) poisoned by the rubber plant. numerous Ficus species, including F. The stems and leaves of elastica contain a milky irritant sap that can cause gastrointestinal problems if consumed and skin irritation if the sap is left on the skin for an extended period of time or gets into small incisions.
Which houseplants are non-toxic?
Although our focus is on non-toxic plants, we thought it was important to list a few typical indoor plants that are dangerous and might injure your family. If you have these plants in your home, make sure to keep them out of tiny ones’ hands and paws’ reach.
- British Ivy
- Hyacinth
- Broadleaf Vine
- Lilies (cause kidney failure in cats, do not let them sniff the pollen or chew on any lilies)
- Caladium (Also called Elephants Ears, Pink Cloud, and Mother-in-Law Plant, angel wings, or heart of Jesus)
- Also known as mother-in-tongue, law’s the snake plant
Non-Toxic Houseplants
Don’t lose hope; not all houseplants are poisonous. Here are 15 items that are safe for children, cats, and dogs. Even though they still shouldn’t go on a houseplant-eating binge, if they do eat a couple of these, they will be fine.
1. Christmas Cactus (or Easter or Thanksgiving Cactus) (or Easter or Thanksgiving Cactus)
Holiday cacti are common indoor plants in Iowa because of their vibrant, oddly shaped blossoms. Cut back on watering a little bit 6–8 weeks before you want them to bloom if you want them to blossom in time for the holidays. Before watering, allow the top half inch of soil to dry off.
Boston Fern 2. (also called Sword Fern)
The ideal temperature range for Boston ferns is between 6 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. It needs extra humidity if its fronds are becoming yellow. In the fall and winter, you might need to mist it every day, keep it on a pebble tray, or run a humidifier close by.
African Violet 3.
This magnificent bloomer may be kept healthy and happy by keeping it in a pot that is roughly one-third the size of the plant, letting it absorb water from below, and fertilizing it frequently with African Violet fertilizer. The leaves are a little sensitive; avoid getting them wet.
Peperomia 4.
Peperomia is rather simple to care for, however keep in mind that they prefer not to be near windows. Their leaves may burn if exposed to direct light. When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, water your peperomia.
5. Tears of a Baby
To spread out and hang over the edges, Baby’s Tears prefers a broad, shallow pot. Keep it away from the sun’s rays.
6. A prayer tree
Another easy-care low-light choice is the prayer plant. They dislike direct sunlight and can handle a sporadic or irregular water schedule rather well. Because they enjoy humidity, mist them frequently.
Palm Parlor 7.
Parlor Palms, sometimes known as Neanthe Bella Palms, also enjoy dampness. Keep them away from windows that get direct sunlight and regularly mist them. They favor direct, bright light.
Spider plants, no. 8
Spider plants are renowned for their toughness and ability to withstand severe harm. Due to its resemblance to catnip, spider plants may be particularly attractive to cats. Your cat can safely nibble on them, but if they won’t stop and the plant is wilting, try hanging it out of their reach.
9. Touchy Plant
These intriguing plants can endure some sun, but they like damp soil that is not drenched. Kids love sensitive plants because they respond to touch so quickly.
Haworthia Pearl Plant No. 10
The ideal non-toxic substitute is this plant that resembles aloe. It is a normal succulent and will benefit from some sunlight and from having its soil go for one to two inches without watering.
Phalaenopsis Orchids, 11.
One of the most popular types of orchids is the phalaenopsis orchid, sometimes known as the moth orchid. Although they may appear picky, orchids merely appreciate routine care. To keep phals content, regularly water them and place them in indirect sunshine.
Fittonia 12.
Fittonia, often known as the Nerve Plant, has unusual white and green leaves that stand out sharply from other houseplants. Because it prefers moist soil, keep an eye on it frequently. Up to twice a week of watering Fittonia may be necessary in the fall and winter.
Hoya carnosa 13.
Hoya carnosas’ waxy leaves are surprisingly non-toxic despite their appearance! With its dark foliage and magnificent clustered blossoms, this lovely vine plant looks like a relic from the 1970s.
14. Chickens and hens
Additionally, hens and chicks prefer warm, dry environments. They’ll stretch out and add cute small baby plants to fill their pot. There are many different hues and textures of hens and chicks.
Burros Tail, No. 15
Burro’s tail, another succulent that enjoys spilling over the side of its container, looks amazing in hanging pots.
Just because you have curious pets or kids around doesn’t mean you have to give up on houseplants. You can be sure that the plants mentioned above will be safe for your family while also bringing a lot of beauty, interest, and fresh air into your home. A fast google search might assist you learn the toxicity of a plant if you’re unsure. Alternatively, if you’re nearby in Iowa, stop by the garden center and talk to our experts; we’ll assist you in locating some lovely and secure solutions for your home.