House plants are great accents for any indoor space. Whether it is a house, condo unit, or office, indoor greenery adds a refreshing touch that may induce productivity, creativity, and relaxation in a busting and urban environment. Plus, they also make good companions for those who need to be in touch with nature.
Since the quarantine started, many delved into the world of growing and raising different kinds of plants. Beginner plantitos and plantitas (what plant enthusiasts in the Philippines are called) find joy and entertainment in choosing new plants, repotting them, and trading their mother plants with other plant lovers. Despite social distancing, new connections are formed through different plants and flowers.
While many indoor plants are perfect for those starting to get into the world of greeneries, some plants tagged as “indoor” friendly seem to be dangerous in the sense that they are toxic to humans and animals, or they produce allergens. Here are seven household plants you might want to think twice about bringing into your home.
Philodendron
Philodendron is one of the most popular house plants due to its low-maintenance and pretty vine-like appearance. They are great as hanging greenery as their “droopiness” creates a forest-like touch inside your home. If you have these vine plants, it is best to keep them outside, such as in your front porch or backyard.
Keeping them inside might cause your pets or little kids to reach and eat them; it is reported that this plant is highly toxic to pets, causing spasms, seizures, and pain. If you don’t have outdoor space for your philodendron plants, you may place them in hanging planters to keep them out of your kids’ or pets’ reach.
Areca Palms
These tall, verdant potted palms create an instant oasis in your home, especially if you have a soft, neutral home interior. Their large size also makes great accents for corners and empty spaces. Areca palms would also look good when positioned on a front balcony, such as the homes in Tropical Palm Residences in Antipolo, Rizal.
However, areca palms are conducive environments for spider mites. They are harmful to many plants as these critters may cause damage to your other plants and trees. While they aren’t harmful to humans, some people might be allergic to their bites.
If you have areca palms, wiping a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or soapy water on areas where spider mites have laid their eggs may kill them. Otherwise, you can keep them outside your house.
Belladonna
Belladonna has lush green leaves and bright purple bell-like flowers. They add aesthetic appeal to any garden, especially with rustic homes like cottages or Tudor-style villas. But there is a reason this deceivingly gorgeous plant isn’t grown in any yard or placed inside the home. Also called Deadly Nightshade, belladonna plants are toxic! They are extremely poisonous when ingested and may increase the risks of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal diseases, and complications in pregnancy and psychiatric disorders.
Oleander
Oleander is a flowering plant that blooms with bright pink flowers and rich green leaves. Many plant lovers place them in their living rooms as they add a vibrant touch to any space. However, steer clear of this plant, as pretty as it is, because oleander is highly toxic.
It is reported that accidental ingestion of oleander leads to dizziness, arrhythmia (irregular rate or rhythm of the heartbeat), vomiting, and tremors. It is best to avoid bringing these into your home to keep your kids and pets from touching and accidentally eating the leaves and flowers.
English Ivy
Like philodendron, English Ivy is another popular vine plant used to decorate hedges, pergolas, gazebos, and indoor air greenery. Its green maple-like leaves winding through your walls and house pillars add a beautiful, rustic, and weathered look to your space. And because they droop and crawl, they look gorgeous in hanging planters and as center pieces for dinner tables, mantles, and shelf tops. English ivy is also said to be a great air purifier.
While they have beautiful green leaves that are perfect for your dream rural home, they can cause severe skin irritation. Some people who trimmed, pruned, or played with their English Ivy plants experienced itching and blistering.
Skin disorders aren’t the only reasons you want to keep these crawling greens out of your home. Ingesting English Ivy, or just having it on your tongue, may cause itching and a burning sensation. It may also cause fevers, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, gasping for breath, and hyperactivity. It is best to keep them in a hanging planter where your kids or pets won’t reach them.
Lilies
Lilies are elegant and beautiful flowers that add a refreshing ambiance to any space. Their big white or sometimes pink or yellow flowers may wake you up and create a conducive mood for working or finishing chores.
Despite their beautiful appearance and sweet scent, lilies are the bane of some cat owners. Nicknamed as “Cat’s Kryptonite,” lilies are said to cause weakness, vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, and death to pet cats. You’ll give your feline friends a favor by not putting these beautiful flowers into your home or even outside.
Sunflowers and Daisies
Yes, sunflowers and daisies are beautiful and perfect as gifts. But there is a reason they are placed outdoors. Sure, sunflowers as large as plates and daisies of varied colors are delightful to look at, until hay fever season comes and your allergies become worse. High amounts of pollen may irritate your nose, throat, and even your eyes. And in these times where COVID-19 has new variants, it is wise to reduce any risk of getting sick, even if it means sacrificing placing sunflowers and daisies inside your home.
As a whole, plants are great accents for homes. They also create ideal environments that may improve your wellness. Still, it is crucial to check which plants are perfect and harmless for your indoors. Otherwise, you might experience the health dangers that these seven plants may give to you.
