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A Monstera allergy is possible. You can, indeed. It has been established that all monstera species may be poisonous to both people and animals, including dogs and cats. For reasons that will be discussed a bit later, monstera primarily affects humans through contact and occasionally through ingestion.
The three main ways that people get allergic reactions are by eating, contact with the skin, or inhalation. Continue reading if you think you’ve been having allergic reactions to your monstera.
Numerous houseplants can cause mild to severe allergic reactions in both people and animals. Thankfully, monstera seldom causes death. In that regard, it is really regarded as a plant with minimal levels of toxicity.
But it can result in really unsettling reactions. So let’s discuss the reasons behind, the results, and what to do if you experience a monstera allergy.
Can a Monstera plant cause an allergic reaction?
Allergic To Houseplants: Can Houseplants Cause Allergies. Home plants: Can they trigger allergies? The answer is yes, and allergies can be brought on by either inhaling or handling plant parts.
Can indoor plants cause allergies?
Although some houseplants are said to purify the air, others can worsen allergy symptoms by introducing extra irritants like pollen or spores. People with sensitive skin may also develop rashes after coming into contact with specific plants’ foliage.
Remember that it’s not necessarily the plants themselves if your houseplants are making your allergies worse. It’s possible that the real culprit is mold in the soil or dust-covered leaves. But any of these eight houseplants can and will make people allergic.
Are monsteras allergy-friendly?
If you just brought a Monstera plant home, you might be wondering if there are any dangers involved with it or if you can safely touch or even eat some of it. Because their fruits taste so sweet, some Monstera plants are known as “deliciosa.”
Although monstera plants seldom cause allergic responses, they can create a severe, itchy rash on the skin and should not be consumed. Calcium oxalate crystals found in the plant’s sap have the potential to cause swelling and a burning feeling that resemble an allergic reaction.
Are Monstera trees harmful to people?
Some of your indoor plants are just not safe if you have pets or young children, which is a sad but inevitable realization in the road of becoming a plant parent. While many common genera of houseplants are stunning to look at, many of them are moderately or seriously hazardous. Still others, when handled excessively, can irritate the skin.
The good news is that with enough preparation, you can determine which dangerous houseplants to stay away from, evaluate the risk to your family and pets, and still enjoy a lively and stunningly green collection of indoor plants.
Here are 10 toxic houseplants that, while we love them, should be used with caution if your children or pets will have access to them. A word of clarity, though, is in need before we proceed: “toxic is a relative term, and the severity of a reaction will depend largely on the level of exposure (amount consumed), which plant species, and the specifics of your pet. Some poisonous houseplants cause short-lived, acute symptoms (such as vomiting). Some can have more serious, life-threatening effects if swallowed in excess, while others only irritate the skin. This list is by no means intended to be comprehensive, so we strongly advise conducting additional research (ASPCA has a great database for pet owners).
Poisonous Houseplants for Pet Owners and Parents to Avoid
- Starting with one of the biggest players, Philodendron (and Monstera) is a vast genus of tropical plants that is particularly well-liked for usage inside because of its great variety of growing habits, leaf shapes, and colors. Plants in this genus are poisonous to dogs and cats as well as somewhat toxic to humans. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing are all signs of exposure.
Which plants cause allergies the most harm?
Plants that are worst for allergies Jasmine, juniper, cypress, and wisteria. Alder, ash, aspen, beech, birch, box elder, cedar, cottonwood, elm, hickory, red and silver maples, mulberry, oak, olive, palm, pecan, pine, poplar, sycamore, walnut, and willow are examples of masculine trees (male).
Can you handle a Monstera leaf?
such a rule
Not simply for poison ivy, “Leaves of three, let it be!” Poison oak, a closely related species, with rounder, lobed leaves that resemble oak leaves and can come in groups of three or five. All plant parts, including the leaves, stem, roots, and flowers, contain an oil called urushiol that can bind to the skin in just a minute. If you suspect contact, wash all of your gardening equipment because it can also stick to clothing and tools. Although its pointed-oval leaflets are distributed in groupings of seven or thirteen, poison sumac belongs to the same family.
Stinging Nettles
More than two dozen chemical compounds that are present in stinging nettles can make skin swell, itch, burn, and develop blisters that can last up to 12 hours. This plant has fine hairs all over and pointy, jagged leaves that act as tiny needles to deliver the toxins to anyone who touches it. It can grow to about 6 feet tall.
Hyacinth Bulbs
Numerous types of bulbs, such as hyacinths, elephant ears, tulips, daffodils, and buttercups, might irritate certain people’s skin. Your hands may become irritated and red after touching them without gloves. When I worked at a greenhouse, I usually wore gloves, but after planting hyacinth bulbs, I once touched my eye, and it felt itchy and nasty.
Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa
Popular houseplants include the philodendron, monstera deliciosa, caladium, dumbcane, and peace lily, all of which are members of the Araceae (arum) family. However: Calcium oxalate crystals on their stems and leaves are poisonous. Although they won’t damage your hands, if you touch your lips, mouth, or tongue after touching the plant, they may sting or irritate you. At its worst, Myers explains, it can feel as though your larynx is paralyzed. It may be beneficial to use gloves or wash your hands after handling these plants.
Poinsettia
Poinsettias can be harmful to humans as well as animals if consumed. They can irritate human skin, along with other members of the Euphorbia family (including pencil trees and spurges). Fortunately, the majority of people simply feel slight annoyance. Additionally, while it is untrue that eating poinsettias can make you sick, it is still possible.
English Ivy
English ivy, which grows on the walls of many older homes, doesn’t bother everyone. However, if you have an allergy to it, you should prepare for redness, itching, and possibly even small blisters after touching it. The first time you encounter it, you might not respond, but after the second exposure, your body will become sensitive.
Can House Plants Give You Sickness?
Houseplants are one of the best ways to make a place more welcoming. Living indoor vegetation frequently makes the difference between a home feeling welcoming and threatening, especially for metropolitan flats lacking outdoor space. Houseplants can be both a visual treat and a health benefit for the body. Indoor air is more contaminated than outdoor air due to the enclosed space. Indoor plants can assist in air purification by eliminating dangerous pollutants and volatile chemicals from the air that can worsen allergies and possibly make you ill. The best indoor air purifiers are common houseplants like English ivy, aloe vera, and snake plants. But take care: If consumed, these plants can poison you, your family members, and even your pets. Since children and animals are both prone to putting items in their mouths, they are especially vulnerable to deadly indoor plants.
Here are 10 indoor plants to avoid:
The serpent plant
The snake plant is one of the most well-liked indoor plants since it is a great interior air purifier, grows tall, thrives in practically any environment, and requires no special care. Snake plants are very effective at lowering formaldehyde (released into the air from such household items as particleboard and plastics). They also release oxygen at night rather than during the day, unlike most plants, which makes them a fantastic bedside companion for some fresh air before you go to sleep. The snake plant, also known as mother-in-tongue, law’s is regarded as a lucky plant in traditional cultures. However, if your pet eats it, it might not be so good luck because it can make dogs, cats, and rabbits salivate excessively, throw up, have diarrhea, and experience pain.
Aloe Vera 2.
Popular indoor plants like the aloe plant are effective in removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air, both of which are given off by some plastics and home cleaners. Aloe juice is scrumptious and has been used for years to treat burns and wounds. It also works wonders for the digestive system. While the aloe’s inside gel is the beneficial component, the plant’s exterior skin is somewhat poisonous and very irritating to the skin and digestive system. Your pet won’t die, but she’ll undoubtedly feel extremely sick as a result.
Daffodil 3.
The gorgeous yellow daffodil is a much-loved flower, particularly because it blooms in the spring, heralding the end of the long winter. However, appearances can be deceiving because they are also extremely toxic. Daffodil consumption can result in significant gastrointestinal problems, including as discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. Even worse, they may result in an increase in blood pressure, an unsteady heartbeat, trembling, and occasionally even death.
4. Lily
Even while lilies are among the most stunning flowers in existence, they are also among the most dangerous. Even if some lilies are poisonous, many of them are, such as the Easter lily, tiger lily, day lily, calla lily, and Asian lily. The calla lily can upset your stomach, make you throw up, irritate your skin, cause headaches, and distort your vision. Lily poisoning is extremely dangerous to cats. Lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite are among the symptoms. Without rapid medical attention, death is likely and kidney and liver failure are also possibilities.
Five Peace Lilies
The peace lily is not a true member of the lily family, despite its name. Formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene are three of the most prevalent indoor contaminants, and peace lilies are excellent at eliminating them from the air. They are also simple to maintain and can thrive in low light. They are extremely toxic and, unfortunately, can make people feel sick, vomit, have diarrhea, and have trouble swallowing in addition to burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, and tongue. The same applies to animals, with the addition of dehydration and the potential for renal failure to result in death.
Philodendron 6.
Philodendrons are hardy plants that require little maintenance and are excellent in removing formaldehyde from the air. Sadly, they are poisonous as well. They contain crystals of calcium oxalate, which are poisonous to both humans and animals. The majority of the time, philodendrons are only minimally hazardous to people, producing skin irritation as well as oral and intestinal swelling, but they are extremely hazardous to pets (cats more so than dogs), causing spasms, convulsions, discomfort, and swelling upon consumption.
Seven. Dieffenbachia
The dieffenbachia, commonly known as dumb cane, is related to the philodendron and has calcium oxalate crystals just like its cousin. Due to its size, this plant is more likely to be floor-bound and hence more approachable by children and animals. Ingestion can result in oral pain, increased salivation, throat burning, swelling, and numbness while being only mildly harmful to both humans and animals.
Pothos 8.
Another plant that consumes formaldehyde is the common and simple-to-care-for pothos. However, there is a solid reason why pothos is often referred to as devil’s ivy. Although pothos is only weakly toxic to humans, ingesting it can nevertheless result in mouth burning, skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and neck. It is significantly worse for animals because it produces similar symptoms but can also result in kidney failure and even death.
Oleander 9.
You might want to think again about keeping oleander around because it is a beautiful and delicate flowering plant. Even one leaf or one flower’s nectar might result in an erratic heartbeat, wooziness, and tremors in humans. Consuming oleander has been linked to fatalities, and kids are especially at risk. Arrhythmia, vomiting, and cold extremities are a few pet symptoms.
Caladium 10.
The South American plant caladium is sometimes known as elephant ear or angel’s wing. All portions of the caladium are dangerous to people and animals, despite being widespread and simple to care for. Any portion of the plant can burn along the digestive tract and cause swelling, difficulty breathing, speaking, and swallowing, as well as throat closing. Death could happen. Pets may exhibit symptoms such as excessive drooling, head shaking, trouble walking, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting.
As long as care are taken, it is possible to get the advantages of many of these plants without running the danger of harm.
- Ensure that pets and youngsters cannot access the plants (consider putting them in birdcages if you have a cat who likes to climb).
Can houseplants affect my breathing?
While some indoor plants, such as the Peace Lily or English Ivy, can actually assist in removing airborne contaminants, many indoor plants can exacerbate asthma symptoms when they grow mildew due to over-watering. In order to obtain a plant that will assist in purifying the air in your home, contact your neighborhood nursery.
Can houseplants give you the flu?
indoor plants in pots When you keep a potted plant in your house or place of business, the mold spores it releases can irritate your respiratory system. The usual coughing and sneezing that characterize an allergic reaction result from this.
Do houseplants reduce allergies?
Homes built recently tend to be more airtight than older homes, which is wonderful for cutting costs on power bills. This results in greater sneezing and watery eyes indoors for those who have allergies brought on by pollen and other indoor pollution. Growing specific indoor plants that gather pollen and pollutants on their leaves and assist to purify the air in your home can solve this issue.
Generally speaking, houseplants for allergy treatment have broader leaves and add aesthetic appeal to your home. Most require very little maintenance, and certain low allergy houseplants can purge the air of harmful substances like formaldehyde.
Could the Swiss cheese factory cause allergies?
It’s amazing how many common houseplants are actually highly deadly. I’m not one for scaremongering, and the last thing I want to do is discourage you from keeping houseplants in your home. Most of us don’t have an issue with it because we won’t likely eat our newest Ikea buy. People with curious kids and animals, though, might want to take notice. It has surprises, just like garden plants. We are aware that some things are poisonous, but we are surprised to learn that some of our favorite things are also lethal. Additionally, substances that irritate or trigger an allergic reaction in some people may have no impact on them.
Dieffenbachia, also referred to as “dumb cane,” is undoubtedly familiar to those who have some knowledge of indoor plants. The sap’s common name alludes to the fact that, if sucked, it irritates the mouth and enlarges the tongue. All plant components include calcium oxalate, which irritates mucous membranes severely and results in swelling of the lips, tongue, and palate. It is quite harmless and quite ornamental if you handle it normally and don’t eat it. Despite its name and reputation, it was once among the most well-known foliage plants.
It might surprise you to learn that the Swiss cheese plant, Monstera deliciosa, which has huge, glossy leaves with distinctive holes, also contains the toxin and will have the same effect. The peace lily and the goose foot, syngonium, both do. Despite having flowers, spathiphyllum is still regarded as one of the greatest foliage houseplants. It is frequently used in homes and businesses to absorb the toxins new carpets and furniture emit while also being thought of as being beneficial to health. It is, but do not consume it.
Philodendron scandens, often known as the sweetheart vine, contains calcium oxalate. Along with red roses, champagne, and chocolates, this trailing evergreen is sometimes advertised as a Valentine’s Day gift. Just be careful not to mix them together.
Another pleasant discovery is the anthurium, or flamingo flower. This evergreen has the same poison in its unique waxy flowers. It is widely offered as a cut flower and a popular houseplant in Europe. There are many poisonous cut flowers, but that’s another topic and one for another day.
The risks of euphorbia sap will be known to the majority of gardeners. Terpenes and diterpenes, which are present in the milky liquid that spurges leak from their stems, will make you sick and make you throw up and have diarrhea if you swallow them, but they are more likely to cause severe skin irritation. The poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, and crown of thorns, Euphorbia milii, can all have the same appearance indoors.
Lycorine is found in the lovely evergreen perennial Clivia miniata, which has strap-shaped leaves and early-spring crowns of orange flowers. If consumed, it produces vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a durable plant that usually spreads through friends and relatives. The same poison can be found in hippeastrum (amaryllis) bulbs. Consider how many are given as Christmas gifts each year, and how frequently have you heard of someone mistake them for onions? I believe there is little risk and would say that ingestion is unlikely.
Actually, hyacinths and daffodils are more common and equally poisonous. The likelihood of mistaking a daffodil bulb for an onion is higher, and I do know people who have. Please don’t do this at home, but I am certain that I have enjoyed a fine supper that included flowers that my somewhat negligent host mistook for shallots. I made it out unscathed.
Last but not least Keep your indoor plants away from youngsters and dogs, and don’t eat them. Anything that isn’t meant for consumption shouldn’t be eaten. If you are aware of the sensitivity of your skin, use caution when handling any plant material and make sure to wash your hands afterward.