The 8 trendy houseplants that could put your child’s life at risk

FILLING your home with plants can certainly brighten up the place and make it feel cosy.

But some shrubs might be risky to keep when you have toddlers crawling around or curious children popping things into their mouths.

Some greenery may cause skin irritation if handled, while others might be harmful or toxic if ingested by youngsters who just don’t know any better.

Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), told Sun Health: “Houseplants are very seldom implicated in harming people and any potential risks are small compared to the proven benefits of houseplants in improving health and well-being.

“Having said that, it is very unwise to consume any vegetation indoors or out that is not specifically grown to be eaten.”

He noted that houseplants that “are potentially harmful” to tots should contain warnings when purchased.

Here are eight plants “parents may wish to avoid buying”, according to the RHS.

1. Dieffenbachia

Also known as dumb cane or leopard lily, the dappled leaves, stalk or root of this pretty plant are “toxic if eaten”, according to the RHS.

It also takes its name ‘dumb cane’ from another peculiar side effect.

If chewed, dieffenbachia can actually render someone speechless, as it contains a poisonous ingredient called oxalic acid that can cause swelling and burning in the mouth.

According to Mount Sinai, symptoms of ingesting this plant include:

• Blisters in the mouth
• Burning in mouth and throat
• Diarrhoea
• Hoarse voice
• Increased saliva production, also known as drooling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain when swallowing
• Swelling of mouth and tongue

The plant can also irritate the skin and eyes, causing “possible corneal damage”, experts say.

If your little one munches on a dumb cane leaf, you should wipe their mouth with a cold, wet cloth and rinse their eyes and skin well if they also handled the plant.

Mount Sinai also recommends you give your little one milk to drink.

2. Caladium

Caladium, also known as angel’s wings, is recognisable due to its pink-tinged leaves that are almost heart shaped.

It can be “harmful if eaten”, according to the RHS, as it contains the same poisonous oxalate crystals as dumb cane.

It can also cause eye and skin irritation.

Symptoms of eating parts of the plant or getting it in your eye include:

• Burning in the mouth or throat
• Damage to the outer clear layer (cornea) of the eye
• Diarrhoea
• Eye pain
• Hoarse voice and difficulty speaking
• Increased salivation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling and blistering in the mouth or tongue

3. Anthurium

Anthuriums – called flamingo flowers too – are known for their glossy red foliage.

Labelled “harmful if eaten” by the RHS and a “skin and eye irritant”, these plants can cause burning, swelling and blisters in the mouth .

4. Monstera deliciosa

Monstera plants – also known Swiss cheese plants for their holey leaves – are a super popular choice to add some greenery to people’s homes.

But it’s another one of those plants that can be harmful if munched on by curious children, as it contains the same oxalate crystals.

It can also be irritating to the skin and eyes.

5. Spathiphyllum

Peace lilies produce beautiful white flowers.

But eating any part of the plant can lead to mouth and throat irritation, swelling of the lips, coughing, nausea, and vomiting.

6. Philodendron

Philodendron plants come in a few varieties and are easy to grow at home.

But they can cause mouth swelling and blistering, burning in the mouth and throat, a hoarse voice, drooling, nausea and vomiting, according to Medline Plus.

It emphasised that you shouldn’t make someone throw the plant up if they’ve eaten it unless told to by a poison control specialist or health provider.

7. Epipremnum

This plant is also known as devil’s ivy or pothos and grows a gorgeous hanging vine of light green leaves.

But it can cause the same symptoms detailed above if munched on, so it’s best keep it out of reach from little hands.

It can also be irritating to the skin and eyes, according to the RHS.

8. Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Zamioculcas zamiifolia are also called ZZ plants and Zanzibar gems.

They have shiny, deep green, oval-shaped leaves that shoot upward on straight stalks.

According to Queensland Health, all parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause immediate pain or a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat if chewed or swallowed.

It added that contact dermatitis – a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance – may also occur in people with sensitive skin.

What should I do if my child eats a poisonous plant?

If they don’t seem seriously ill, call NHS 111 for advice.

But take your little one to A&E if they’re being sick, losing consciousness, seem drowsy or are having fits, NHS poisoning guidance states.

The RHS notes:

• If you think a child or adult has eaten part of a doubtful plant, seek medical advice immediately from a hospital A&E department
• Take a sample of the plant with you
• Do not panic and DO NOT try to make the person sick