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The Poisonous Houseplant: A Cautionary Tale

Introducing the world of ornamental houseplants and their hidden dangers. Many of us adorn our homes with these beautiful plants, unaware of the potential toxicity their leaves may pose to both children and adults. Join us as we delve into this important issue and uncover the secrets behind these decorative greens.

Administrator

6 August, 2024

Money tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its lush foliage and straight trunk. Its vibrant green leaves and tolerance for low light conditions make it an attractive choice for indoor decoration and feng shui practices. However, despite its beauty, the money tree possesses a little-known secret: it is toxic.

1 The Money Tree’s Toxic Nature

Scientific research has revealed that the money tree’s stem and leaves contain significant amounts of calcium oxalate, a substance that can irritate sensitive skin and mucous membranes in the throat, tongue, lips, and eyes. Ingesting or coming into contact with the plant’s sap can lead to tongue pain, vomiting, digestive discomfort, breathing difficulties, seizures, and even coma.

Money tree containing toxins

Scientists from the University of Bergen in Norway conducted an experiment to demonstrate the toxicity of money tree leaves. They extracted calcium oxalate from the plant and injected it into a shrimp at a concentration of just 1 mg/ml, which resulted in the shrimp’s death.

The toxins in the money tree’s sap can affect both adults and children, but younger children with sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable and may experience more severe reactions.

Child experiencing toxicity from money tree sap

In a recent Facebook post on the page “Tôi là dân Dĩ An,” a concerning incident was shared involving a 15-month-old child. The toddler accidentally chewed on a money tree leaf, immediately experiencing throat pain and crying out in discomfort. Upon arriving at the hospital, the child was diagnosed with money tree toxicity, exhibiting symptoms such as full-body tremors and subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding under the skin of the eye).

Facebook post about the incident

2 Precautions When Keeping Indoor Plants to Ensure Health and Safety

The money tree is not the only decorative plant that poses potential health risks. Other common houseplants, such as Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant), Epipremnum aureum (devil’s ivy), Dieffenbachia sequine (dumb cane), and Calathea roseopicta (rose-painted calathea), contain toxic compounds in their sap that can be harmful if ingested or touched.

Given the curious and playful nature of children, it is essential to keep these plants out of their reach. If you have young children and are unsure about the safety of your houseplants, consider relocating them to areas that are inaccessible to little hands. Ingesting the toxins from these plants can be life-threatening for toddlers.

Suggested placement of houseplants out of children’s reach

For adults, it is recommended to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when pruning or handling these plants to minimize direct contact with the sap and potential irritation.

Protective gear for pruning and handling houseplants

In conclusion, while the money tree and other houseplants offer aesthetic and symbolic appeal, it is crucial to be aware of their potential toxicity. Take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of your family and yourself.

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Frequently asked questions

The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of certain houseplants, specifically those that are poisonous. It emphasizes the importance of being able to identify such plants and understanding the potential risks they pose to humans and pets.

The symptoms of poisoning from the plant, known as Dumb Cane or Dieffenbachia, include swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and potentially severe allergic reactions.

Dumb Cane is a common houseplant known for its large, tropical-looking leaves that are often variegated with white or cream splotches. It is a hardy plant that can grow quite tall, and is therefore popular for adding a touch of greenery to indoor spaces.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been poisoned by a houseplant, it is important to act quickly. Remove yourself from the vicinity of the plant, and if possible, identify the plant for future reference. Seek medical attention immediately, and provide as much information as you can about the plant and the symptoms you are experiencing.

Yes, there are several other common houseplants that are considered poisonous, including Peace Lilies, Caladium, and Philodendron. It is always best to research any new plant you bring into your home to ensure it is non-toxic, especially if you have children or pets.