6 Unique and Surprising “Non-toxic but Toxic-looking” Houseplants: Unanticipated Risks Few Would Expect

Even though these are aesthetically pleasing plants with the ability to purify the air and bring good feng shui, they actually contain many harmful toxins that can seriously impact our health.

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Peach Bamboo Tree

Although the peach bamboo tree appears extremely attractive, you should not let their appearance “fascinate” you. This ornamental tree contains many toxins that are deadly to humans, such as hydrocyanic acid, toxic glucoside… In the event of accidentally consuming a part of the peach bamboo tree, you may experience dangerous symptoms such as dizziness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, fainting, or even death.

Ficus plant

Ficus plants are divided into many types like split-leaf fig, golden fig… This ornamental tree has feng shui effects such as attracting wealth, fame, warding off bad luck… so it is bought by many people to decorate their homes. However, the ficus plant contains a lot of calcium oxalate, which can cause allergies, nausea, or painful sensations if ingested.

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Pilea Peperomioides

If you are looking for an ornamental plant that can both decorate and remove air pollution and kill bacteria easily, you can buy a pilea peperomioides plant to grow indoors. This plant belongs to the nettle family, has large, green, eye-catching leaves, and has good feng shui meaning. However, the disadvantage of the pilea peperomioides plant is that all parts of it contain a considerable amount of toxins. If in contact with them, you may experience soreness, itching, or sometimes rash. Therefore, when planting or caring for pilea peperomioides, you need to use specialized gloves to avoid direct contact with the plant.

Sansevieria

Sansevieria, also known as snake plant, is an ornamental plant often placed in the living room, office, or workplace to decorate and attract good luck and fortune. The snake plant contains many saponins, a substance that can cause poisoning, difficulty breathing, and nausea if accidentally swallowed.

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Lily

When it comes to lilies and other flowers belonging to the lily genus, they all make us love them because of their pure and fragrant beauty. However, in reality, from the leaves to the flowers of lilies, they all contain toxins that are harmful to both humans and pets if accidentally ingested.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular ornamental plant and is loved by many people because of its important benefits to human health. The gel of the aloe vera plant is often used for processing food or making skincare products… However, not everyone is suitable to use aloe vera gel. In the case of “incompatibility,” the gel from this plant can cause allergies, diarrhea… for pets in your home.

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Pothos

Pothos is a climbing plant with many functions such as decoration, protection, and helping to keep your living space always cool and airy. However, not everyone knows that this plant should only be grown outside, not inside the house. That’s because and because the resin of the pothos plant contains toxins that can cause skin irritation and harm to pets if accidentally ingested.

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Beautiful but Deadly: Exquisite Flowering Plants to Beware of

These types of plants are highly valued for their decorative value due to their beautiful flowers, but they can also be highly toxic, so caution should be taken to avoid any harm.

Frequently asked questions

Some unexpected examples include Calathea Roseopicta, known for its striking pink and green foliage; Crotons, which offer a burst of color with their yellow, red, and orange leaves; and the unique-looking Snake Plant, or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, with its stiff, upright leaves.

Despite their non-toxic nature, these plants can resemble toxic varieties with their vibrant colors and unusual patterns. The Calathea’s pink hues could be associated with toxicity, and the Croton’s colorful leaves may also give that impression. The Snake Plant’s stiff, pointed leaves could be mistaken for those of a toxic variety.

Yes, these plants are non-toxic and safe for homes with curious kids and playful pets. However, it’s always important to supervise young children and pets to prevent any accidental ingestion, as even non-toxic plants can cause mild discomfort if consumed.

Aside from their unique and surprising appearance, these plants offer a range of benefits. They can help improve air quality, boost mood and productivity, and add a touch of nature to your living space. The Calathea, in particular, is known for its ability to purify the air, while the Croton can bring a vibrant pop of color to any room.

Each plant has its own specific care requirements. Calatheas prefer indirect sunlight and moderate humidity, while Crotons thrive in bright, indirect light and well-drained soil. Snake Plants are extremely low-maintenance, tolerating low light and infrequent watering. It’s important to research the specific needs of each plant to ensure they thrive in your home.