Feb 10 2017

The benefits of indoor plants

Have you noticed that in an apartment filled with flowers, it is usually cozy and beautiful. Peace and tranquility reign there. Many flowering and decorative leafy plants on the shelves and window sills not only delight the eyes, but also warm and soothe the soul. Home plants are silent helpers, true friends and healers of their owners. By absorbing gases and harmful substances from the surrounding air, indoor plants benefit the owners of apartments and have a positive effect on human health. In addition, they absorb the negative aura, and emit vibes of joy and happiness.

Where do harmful toxins and dangerous substances come from in our homes? Firstly, these are the combustion products of gas stoves on which we cook our food. Secondly, these are all kinds of building and finishing materials - synthetic resin boards, linoleums, polymer wallpaper, plastic panels and others that emit hazardous substances into the indoor air. Even natural materials in the process of aging, they begin to break down and become dangerous to human health. Televisions, computers, microwave ovens, smartphones reduce the amount of negative air ions useful for the human body.

Useful indoor plants

It is indoor plants that purify the air from harmful impurities, improve its quality, as well as the quality of life and health of people and animals living in the house. This ability is due to the fact that all plants produce phytoncides that are harmful to pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, scientists have determined that many plants with their phytoncides destroy pathogenic bacteria much faster than phytoncides secreted by garlic.

For example, in a room there will be half as many pathogenic microbes if there is a flower pot with common myrtle. Creepers, asparagus and Chinese rose. Some indoor flowers absorb heavy metals, others reduce harm from electromagnetic radiation. Thirdly, they reduce the negative effect of synthetic materials.

Chlorophytum

So, the chlorophytum plant is able to absorb formaldehydes harmful to human health, which are released by synthetic materials. If you put activated charcoal in flower pots, then the properties of chlorophytum, as an air purifier, will double. We recommend placing chlorophytum pots in all rooms of your home.

Ivy

Common ivy, sansevieria (mother-in-law's tongue) and aloe also do a good job of cleaning the air in the home from toxic compounds, as they release a lot of phytoncides and biologically active substances that can cope with many dangerous microorganisms that have settled in you.

All flower growers know and appreciate the benefits of a houseplant aloe. Its juice heals wounds, treats colds and purulent inflammation. It is believed that this flower contributes to the prosperity of the inhabitants of the house, their longevity. This is true, because aloe can survive without water for several years and even bloom.

Phytoncides of many indoor plants have pronounced bactericidal properties. Essential oil plants fill the air with an invigorating aroma, purify the air well indoors. This statement applies to geraniums, fragrant pelargonium, violets, eucalyptus, Kalanchoe, lemons, roses and rosemary officinalis. All of them emit volatile phytoncides that activate the defenses of the human body, improve its well-being, give joy, vigor, and increase efficiency. Especially beneficial is their antimicrobial effect on the health of people with weak lungs, diseased bronchi, as well as the health of people prone to colds and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Interestingly, geranium can serve as a kind of determinant of your health. If the smell of geranium is unpleasant to you, then you are healthy. If you like the smell of geranium, then your nervous system is overexcited, and you need to treat it.

It is advisable to have flower pots with geraniums in the living room and bedrooms. It absorbs dampness, carbon monoxide, destroys staphylococci and streptococci, cleanses the room of stale air. This flower produces active phytoncides, which have a beneficial effect on nervous system owner in stressful situations, normalize high blood pressure. Scientists have confirmed that the aroma of geranium can relieve headaches, relieve fatigue, ease internal tension, calm you down, relieve insomnia.

A pot of mint in the room where the computer is located will fill the room with a fresh aroma that soothes and helps to concentrate on work. So, if you, from time to time, take a pot of mint in your hands and smell its aroma, your performance will increase significantly.

Also in rooms where there are a lot of electronics, it is useful to place pots with cacti. It is believed that cacti, especially those with long needles, kill harmful microorganisms and reduce air ionization, which is created by devices with electromagnetic radiation. Do not be afraid to put cacti closer to TV and computer screens. Even if it's small, it will be useful.

And cacti are simply irreplaceable where people often quarrel. It is believed that in order for peace and harmony to reign in the house, it is necessary to start a cactus - it will cool the anger of the inhabitants of the dwelling and relieve irritation. Magicians recommend placing pots with cacti in places where contact with the outside world is possible - on window sills and at front doors - for their ability to fight evil spirits.

If there is a risk of oncology in the house, start a tradescantia. It is believed that it releases phytoncides that can suppress cancer in the owner of the flower. The larger the specimen, the thicker its stems, the larger and fleshier the leaves, the greater the strength of the plant.

In addition, tradescantia is a universal remedy for the evil eye of unkind people. And if there are too many guests in your house, and not all of them are friendly and welcoming, you should purchase indoor flower tradescantia. You will see that soon evil people will stop visiting your house. After all, this plant is a source of inspiration, joy, it sharpens the owner's sense of humor, gives him hope and faith in goodness. And yet - it protects its owner from infection of the upper respiratory tract.

Indoor monsters and philodendrons are the defenders of your home from negative energy. Their beautiful straight leaves are sources of upward flows of energy useful for living quarters. In addition, this plant is simply indispensable for those who have an eternal mess at home, who take on work that they cannot afford, who are unable to assess their capabilities, and, in case of failure of another venture, suffer a lot. Namely, the monstera will help streamline and systematize the thoughts of its owner, put them in order.

Cultivation of violets, cyclamens and ferns in the house helps to increase the humidity in the premises - this is especially valuable where the air is too dry. Ferns are otherwise called room ozonizers. These indoor flowers are moisture-loving, and they will share their moisture with the air around them through their leaves.

They try to start a money tree (fat woman) in every house, as it is believed that it contributes to the enrichment of the owner. It is unlikely that you will become rich just by growing this flower. But to relieve nervous tension and excitement from a specialist dealing with monetary transactions and financial problems - he will help. Therefore, it makes sense for accountants and financiers who have constant contact with big money to have Money Tree for the purpose of enrichment.

Variegated Dieffenbachia

Variegated diefenbachia and ficuses, thanks to their phytoncides, purify the air in the living room from microbes and toxins. We recommend placing pots with these flowers in rooms with windows facing the motorway or towards the industrial area.

indoor bonsai

Indoor bonsai are purchased by those who believe in the connection between people and the subtle world of beyond. It is believed that a flower - bonsai, located in the master's bedroom, helps him see prophetic dreams, guess the future and read other people's thoughts. These plants develop the spirituality of the owner, make his feelings sublime. And meditation is best done next to this flower.

It is believed that orchids are able to cleanse the most unhealthy body of their owner. She will put things in order in the head, calm the nerves, teach you to enjoy life. Moreover, orchids of different colors have different properties. Red orchids fill you with energy and strength, white ones make any person better, pink ones help to attract the attention of a loved one, yellow ones encourage creativity.

Ficus needs to be started and cared for with love by those who really want to have a baby.

The handsome croton belongs to plants with powerful energy. It is believed that it has a beneficial effect on the atmosphere in the apartment, cleanses the space of negative energy. Croton likes to have order and organization in everything. With its striving for perfection, this flower charges not only its owner, but also his guests. Croton is good to have in a large team, where conflicts and misunderstandings are possible. It promotes harmonization in its habitat, prevents rash acts, teaches to make the right decisions, positively affects the physical and spiritual health of people.

Indoor plants that can harm human health

Some people believe that plants emit carbon dioxide, which is harmful to human health. In fact, indoor flowers during the day, in the light, emit oxygen, and absorb carbon dioxide. Only at night, in the dark, they emit carbon dioxide, but in meager amounts that do not affect our health.

And yet, there are plants that can, if handled carelessly, harm its owner.

Dieffenbachia is a very beautiful ornamental leafy plant, but it has poisonous juice. This flower should not be kept in bedrooms and children's rooms. When working with a plant - rubbing its leaves, cutting cuttings for propagation - wear gloves, and then wash your hands with soap and water. Make sure that the juice of the plant does not get into your mouth or eyes, not only to you, but also to your children and pets.

Oleander also has poisonous sap. Work with it with gloves, once again do not touch its stem and leaves, so as not to get an allergic burn or poisoning.

Croton is another representative of poisonous indoor plants. If its juice comes into contact with the skin, a burn or contact dermatitis may develop. Croton juice, if ingested, will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Even worse, if croton juice gets into the blood - it is poisonous, a person may die. Therefore, it is not advisable to put a flowerpot with croton in the nursery, so as not to provoke the child to tear off a beautiful leaf and put it in his mouth. Work with a flower in gloves, wash your hands with soap and water after work. Croton does not emit harmful substances into the surrounding air.

Anthurium

Leaves and flowers of indoor anthuriums are also considered poisonous. This flower should be handled with care, as with all other poisonous houseplants. (see above). Find a place in the house that is not accessible to children and pets - and everything will be fine.

Pachistachis is another conditionally poisonous indoor flower. It also does not pose a danger in terms of poisoning the surrounding air. It is advisable to work with the plant with gloves, although it is not as dangerous as the previous flowers. Do not take parts of the plant into your mouth, wash your hands after any manipulations with it - and everything will be fine.

Thus, with a certain amount of caution, you can safely grow any indoor plants in your home. Just take care of them, love them, take care of them like children, wash, water, feed and fulfill their every whim. After all, for human health, it is simply necessary to have indoor flowers in the house - they moisturize the air, purify it, heal it. Medicinal plants, releasing their phytoncides, increase the resistance of the body of people living next to them to all kinds of infections.

But do not force the entire gap of the window frame with flower pots - daylight should freely penetrate into the room. Then your flowers - helpers, healers and protectors - will reveal all their healing properties and give them to you!

Overwhelming majority today's houseplants are descended from Asian and African exotics that once fell into the hands of European breeders. Over the years of directed mutations, they have adapted to grow not only in our latitudes, but also in our home environment.

For example, modern examples much smaller than their ancestors. For example, a fat woman (the famous "money tree"), which in nature reaches a height of 3-4 meters, rarely grows above 70 cm in an apartment.

By the efforts of scientists, tamed exotics learned to bloom and bear fruit all year round, changed color, shape ... and, it would seem, forgot about their origin. But, as they say, no matter how much you feed a wolf, he still looks into the jungle. Here are the overseas guests - as they were poisonous, so they remained.

Among the indoor plants that decorate our homes, not just harmful, but deadly specimens lurk.

The more exotic, the more dangerous the flower. The consolation is that such curiosities rarely end up on store shelves, and therefore in our homes. But it is still worth inspecting window sills for real pests. Here is their list.

- a small tree or shrub with shiny bright green leaves. Its toxic substances cause disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.
- small decorative tree. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and the juice causes irritation if it comes into contact with the skin.
- known as "Arma". Widespread houseplant. But very poisonous!
- she has an underground stem in the form of a tuber, from which one large leaf and a peduncle with an inflorescence develop during the growing season. Tuber juice causes skin burns and is dangerous to the eyes.

There is good news: most poisonous indoor plants are dangerous by direct contact - when transplanted, when eaten. Of course, it would not occur to an adult to eat flowers, but children and pets may well taste them.

Let's list the plants, which must be grown in an apartment where children and animals live, with caution.

- often used in folk medicine, but if the dosage is exceeded, it can provoke a severe attack of diarrhea in humans and animals. And for rodents, aloe is completely deadly.
The leaves contain water-insoluble poisonous acid molecules. An animal that has bitten off a leaf will immediately feel a burning sensation and irritation of the lips, mouth and tongue. When acid enters the mouth, breathing is blocked. And when dieffenbachia juice gets into the eyes, the mucous membrane is irritated, which leads to very unpleasant consequences.
- it is poisonous precisely with leaves that contain poisonous juice. Getting on the mucous membranes, it causes a strong burning sensation.
- poisonous leaves containing andromedotoxin glycoside.

Nightshade and ornamental pepper (photo 5)- beautiful bright fruits are poisonous! They are especially dangerous for children. In case of poisoning, nausea, urge to vomit, pain, drowsiness and dilated pupils appear.
Spurge (photo 6)- some types of euphorbia are mistaken for cacti, but, unlike cacti, euphorbia secrete milky poisonous juice on the cut. The thorns, however, do not contain juice, so scratches from them are not dangerous.
Anthurium- the juice contains a strong poison that causes inflammation of all mucous membranes with tissue destruction.
Asparagus, Croton, Spathiphyllum- The juice of the leaves causes a burning sensation.

It is noteworthy that many of these plants are included in the list of useful ones recommended for growing at home. For example, spathiphyllum, which reduces the content of benzene and TCE (tetrachlorethylene) in the air.

Being poisonous on skin contact or when eaten, many houseplants provide real benefits at the same time.

The above anthurium and monstera - improve the water-gas exchange in the room.
, as well as rosemary, myrtle, chrysanthemum, chlorophytum - have bactericidal properties. In the room where they are located, the air contains significantly less germs.
- absorbs particles of heavy metals.
And cyperus- increase air humidity.
Geranium- disinfects and deodorizes the air. In addition, it helps with headaches. And in ancient times, with the help of geranium, evil spirits and other evil spirits were expelled.

Yet to grow useful plants with caution and constant monitoring of children and animals is very problematic. It is much easier to opt for "green pets" that are useful in every way.

the Rose- bush room rose increases the humidity in the room, purifies the air, fills it with aroma. In addition, the substances that the plant secretes help to get rid of excessive fatigue and irritability.
dwarf pomegranate (photo 6)- beautiful, original, edible. But not only its fruits are useful, but also the substances secreted by the plant. They stimulate the human immune system.
Spices- dill, parsley, celery, cilantro, tarragon, mint ... The list of edible disinfectants is well known to avid gardeners. Is it worth abandoning trusted assistants in an urban environment? Especially when you can green your home tasty and healthy!
Margarita Alekseeva , landscape designer, teacher of the UOC "Blossoming Planet"

As you know, plants release oxygen. And in modern megacities it is sorely lacking. Perhaps it was this moment that became the reason for the passion for many indoor floriculture. But are indoor plants only beneficial in the form of released oxygen? Is there any harm from them at all, and if so, what kind?

Not everyone knows that almost everything grown in apartments in our time came to us from African and Asian countries. They gradually adapted to our latitudes and our apartments, learned to bloom, bear fruit, changed shape. But in fact, they remained exotic plants.

And even more so, few people know that the more exotic a houseplant is in its origin, the more poisonous and dangerous it is. Most outlandish plants- rare guests in stores and on our windowsills. But it's still worth checking out.

dangerous plants

Check out the list of harmful poisonous plants that cannot be grown in apartments.

Alocasia, or Arma. Unfortunately, a widespread, highly poisonous plant.
Arizema. It has an underground stem-tuber, from which one large leaf and peduncle develop. The juice of the stem-tuber causes skin burns and is very dangerous for our eyes.
Polisias. Looks like a small tree. The sap of the plant causes skin irritation.
Fatsia. A shrub or tree with glossy green leaves. Negatively affects the functioning of the nervous system.

All of these plants are dangerous when transplanted or eaten. But adults will not think of eating them, but children or animals may well.

Less dangerous plants

Now check out the plants you can grow at home, but with care.

. A widely known, beloved medicinal plant, often used for medicinal purposes. Aloe becomes dangerous when the dose is exceeded - it causes severe diarrhea.
Dieffenbachia. The leaves of this plant have poisonous acid, which, when it hits the lips, causes burning sensation and irritation. If the sour juice of dieffenbachia enters the mouth, breathing is blocked, and if it gets into the eyes, the mucous membrane of the eyes is irritated and inflamed.
Monstera. Monstera leaves are also poisonous, monstera juice causes severe burning of the mucous membranes.
Azalea. It also has poisonous leaves.
In addition to the above, you need to be very careful when growing ornamental peppers, spurge, anthurium, asparagus.

The benefits of plants

You will laugh, but the same plants that have poisonous properties bring specific benefits. For example, monstera and anthurium improve water and gas exchange in the room. Almost all indoor plants, both dangerous and non-dangerous, are beneficial. Aloe, myrtle, rosemary, myrrh kill harmful microbes, which are full in the air. Asparagus is able to absorb heavy metal particles. Geranium is a wonderful flower, it cleans and deodorizes indoor air, helps with earache and headache.

Historians believe that people began to grow indoor plants already 5000 years ago, but in our time they are no longer taken seriously, and for a long time they were perceived only as decoration of the premises.

What are indoor flowers for? The benefits of indoor plants

Why do we need indoor flowers? Of course, flowers really create coziness, a comfortable atmosphere in the room, make the interior of the premises lively and attractive, but in last years scientists have discovered other properties of indoor plants, and these discoveries have changed people's attitude towards them. Indoor flowers are needed in every apartment, not only for comfort. For various reasons, toxic substances accumulate in indoor air for various reasons: they are emitted by finishing materials, detergents, tap water, and the air that enters from the street is far from always clean and safe - car exhausts and cigarette smoke contain such substances hazardous to health like benzene and toluene.

Electromagnetic radiation, bacteria and dried air also do not add health to us or our skin. Houseplants help to cope with all these problems, but not everything, but certain types.

Houseplant Chlorophytum: Health Benefits

If we consider indoor plants from this point of view, then chlorophytum will be the most useful of them. This plant is known to all: long green leaves, sometimes with stripes, sometimes without; blooms with small white flowers; it reproduces very easily, and is unpretentious in care - it is enough to separate the “children” from the long stem that each adult flower drives out, and literally stick it into the damp earth. The plant will immediately take root and begin to take root.

Chlorophytum absorbs not only toxins released by synthetic materials, as well as entering the apartment from the outside, but also kills harmful bacteria. If there are several chlorophytums in the room, you will not need to install expensive air purifiers: these plants absorb almost all harmful bacteria in the room per day. No wonder chlorophytums are never affected by pests.

The plant does not require frequent watering, but watering should be plentiful, especially in summer. By adding a few tablets of activated charcoal to a pot of chlorophytum, you can significantly enhance its cleansing properties.

Houseplant Dracaena: Health Benefits

If linoleum is used as a floor covering in the room, then get a dracaena. This plant is very beautiful, and fits easily into any interior. In offices, large specimens are usually used, and small plants are suitable for apartments. Dracaena cleans the air of benzene emitted by linoleum by almost 70%, and also copes with exhaust gases entering the apartment.

Houseplants Dieffenbachia and Ficus: Health Benefits

Plants such as variegated dieffenbachia and ficus are also capable of purifying the polluted air of a home. They should be placed on the side of the apartment, the windows of which face the industrial area or a busy highway. These plants love the light, but you need to arrange them so as to exclude direct sunlight.

When watering for dieffenbachia is insufficient, it will stretch up and begin to shed its leaves. Ficus, on the other hand, does not like too much watering, and may shed healthy leaves for this very reason. In winter, it is better not to water the ficus at all - it is enough to spray the plant from a spray bottle.

However, if you decide to grow these plants at home, then do not let children touch dieffenbachia: its juice is poisonous and can cause allergic reactions if it gets on the skin or mucous membranes.

Indoor plant geranium: the benefits and properties of geranium

Geranium has been known to us for a very long time, and many Russian classics mentioned it in their works, describing the interior of old houses and apartments. This plant is widespread today, due to its unpretentiousness, beautiful flowers and medicinal properties. Geranium is able to kill streptococci and staphylococci, and the bedroom will be the most preferred place for it, since the substances secreted by the plant in environment have soothing and anti-stress properties. It is best to keep the geranium on the windowsill, on the sunny side, as it is photophilous, although it requires abundant watering in the warm season.

Indoor plant laurel: useful properties

A very interesting plant is laurel. This is an evergreen shrub that can be called a dwarf shrub, and it is also able to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. It is especially useful for people with diseases of the stomach and intestines, as well as the heart and blood vessels, to keep this plant in their apartment. Laurel grows well in well-lit places, and can be cut like a regular shrub, giving the plant a rounded shape.

Houseplant cactus: the benefits of cacti

One of the most common plants can be called a cactus. There are a lot of species of cacti, but cacti with long needles are especially useful. Like other useful indoor plants, they have bactericidal properties, but they have another important feature.

Cacti can protect a person from harmful electromagnetic radiation by reducing the ionization of indoor air. That is why it is recommended to place cacti in close proximity to a TV or computer screen, but at the same time the plant should receive enough light: after all, cacti are plants of hot countries. Another common plant, Tradescantia, can reduce the effect of electromagnetic radiation.

Houseplant Peperomia: Health Benefits

A small neat plant - peperomia, can protect us from colds and SARS. The air in the room where this plant is located should be moderately dry, and the room itself should not be too brightly lit. Another healing property is attributed to peperomia - it helps to resist depression, radiating positive energy, creating a warm, benevolent atmosphere in a family or team.

Properties of indoor plants (flowers)

Many plants can maintain indoor air humidity, but the most common of them are: fern, cyclamen, different types violets.

Proponents of esoteric teachings attribute to most indoor plants the properties to positively influence the life and attitude of a person. So, geraniums and begonias help to develop self-confidence; violet and gloxinia improve the financial situation; balsam and Chinese rose promote development creativity; palm, ficus and laurel help strengthen strong-willed qualities.

There are a great many indoor plants in our world, and all of them have certain properties, exerting some kind of influence on our mood, well-being and life. Therefore, when choosing indoor plants for your house or apartment, you need to not only evaluate their medicinal and beneficial features but also rely on your intuition, as well as on the intuition of other family members.

After all, each person is individual, and what is useful to one, another can bring inconvenience and discomfort. Listen to your feelings, and you will not be mistaken in choosing indoor plants.

Let's try to figure out what are harmful indoor plants.

Well-groomed and beautiful indoor plants have always decorated the home and were considered a plus for housewives. Entering the room, we immediately involuntarily admire their beauty. However, their abundance, according to botanists, is harmful to the health of not only humans, but also domestic animals. Because when there are a lot of them, they do more harm by releasing dangerous volatile compounds.

This, of course, can be easily dealt with if the room is often ventilated, however, there are harmful indoor plants that, if mishandled, can pose a threat to human life.

For example, few people suspect that the usual ficus, which is grown by most housewives, can harm people prone to allergies. Ficus has poisonous juice, it inflames the skin and causes irritation in the respiratory tract, which can cause asthma attacks.

There are many harmful houseplants, and it can take a long time to list everything. Let's talk briefly about the most common and poisonous.

adenium .

Adenium obese belongs to the kutrov family, blooms with very beautiful scarlet funnel-shaped flowers, but does not smell. It's poisonous ornamental plant. If you take it in your mouth Small child or an animal, any part of it, it will cause severe poisoning.

adenium .

Oleander belongs to the same family and is popular among housewives for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Its flowers are fragrant, however, can cause headaches if they bloom too violently. If conditions permit, it can grow strongly and reach a height of 5 m. It is used, like many other poisonous plants, in medicine. Oleander juice and seeds are very poisonous and therefore it is better to take care of them with gloves on, and it is better not to let animals and children near it at all.

Another representative of this family is the pachypodium lamer, it looks like something like a small palm tree and therefore it is also called the Madagascar palm tree. It has poisonous leaves that are dangerous to animals and children.

dieffenbachia .

Harmful indoor plants are also present in the aroid family. These include the beloved by many flower growers - dieffenbachia, with variegated large and beautiful leaves. The juice of many species of dieffenbachia is very toxic to the skin, dermatitis can develop upon contact with it, and if it gets into the eyes, conjunctivitis occurs, if the juice gets into the mouth, swelling and pain in the mucous membrane appear.

dieffenbachia .

Usually children and animals do not chew dieffenbachia for a long time, but this can end tragically, so it is better to limit access to the flower. Especially vulnerable to the effects of the juice of this plant - cats, getting into their mouths even in small quantities, can cause the death of the animal.

Another harmful indoor plant from this family is monstera. It is popular among flower growers because of the beautifully cut shiny leaves, in this regard, it has another name - holey philodendron. These leaves contain toxins that cause burning and inflammation of the mucous membranes, there is a strong secretion of saliva, indigestion, and vomiting occurs.

We also love housewives - spathiphyllum, original flowering plant, expelling an inflorescence on a pedicel, something similar to an ear. Its base (perianth) resembles a leaf-like veil, but has a lighter green to white color.

Amaryllis .

Experts even recommend placing it in polluted areas, since spathiphyllum rapidly absorbs toxins, but it is very toxic. When the juice of this plant gets on the skin, a long-term non-healing abscess appears. In nature, there are also its toxic varieties, which are used in traditional medicine.

Amaryllis .

Harmful houseplants of the amaryllis family - amaryllis belladonna and hemanthus. They have poison contained in the leaves and bulb. Because of the beauty of these plants, they are grown not only at home, but also in children's institutions and offices. Hemanthuses are more toxic, they can cause allergic reactions, even when caring for them, if precautions are not taken.

poinsettia .

Harmful indoor plants are also known from the euphorbia family. You can often find among the home flowers such a representative as poinsettia. For its originality, the poinsettia received a different name - the "Star of Bethlehem". Its flowers appear to be double as each flower is framed by a bright red bract. Even with a slight damage to the stem or leaf, toxic juice is released, which, if it gets on the skin, causes itching and irritation, and if it gets into the eyes of an animal or person, it can go blind for a while.

poinsettia .

Botanists include azalea (rhododenron family) as harmful houseplants - a lushly flowering plant with double or simple bright colors, flower growers breed them in large quantities, because they bloom for a long time (2-2.5 months) and saturate the room with aroma. However, they can cause dizziness and even loss of consciousness if the room is not well ventilated. Azaleas contain drugs.

Everyone's favorite ivy, also refers to harmful indoor plants. Without a doubt, it is beneficial because it cleans the room of harmful chemicals, fungi and bacteria do not like it, but its stems and leaves are very poisonous. If a domestic rodent wants to try it, then this will lead to his death. Sometimes ivy can bloom, its flowers smell unpleasant, and its fruits are even more poisonous, so it is better to remove the buds that have not yet blossomed.

poisonous indoor plants

Do you like it when flowers are always fragrant in the apartment? Yes, for me! Unfortunately, not all flowers take root in me, some fall or fade after some time. However, there are those who long years grow and bloom, filling the house with joyful emotions. Adults, children and animals rejoice in flowers, but everyone has a different attitude towards them. Adults will come up and admire the plant, and the mood immediately rises. Children, and especially small ones, will look at the plant, touch it, they can even tear off a flower or leaf, taste it or dig into the ground. These "kind" kids can even offer to try a leaf for a cat. I think this is familiar to many and what do you think about it? It's okay, it's a pity, perhaps one flower? Let them try, maybe it will even be useful. I thought the same until I found out that most houseplants are dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. To be honest, I was scared, because you can expect anything from animals and children. So what danger can houseplants pose? Which of them are the most dangerous? What to do when a child or animal tastes a poisonous plant? Let's figure this out together.

In indoor plants, only some parts (leaves or flowers) or milk (plant juice) can be poisonous, or the whole plant can be poisonous.

Plant poison, getting inside the human or animal body, can cause severe poisoning, which can be fatal.

The milk of poisonous plants, getting on the skin, causes irritation, burning, burns, dermatitis (depending on the plant).

If the poison of the plant gets into the eyes, there is a burning sensation and even short-term blindness may appear.

The smell and fumes of some poisonous houseplants cause allergic reactions and even asthma.

Unfortunately, the list of poisonous plants is simply huge, having studied their list, I realized that it includes many well-known and beloved houseplants by flower growers. For example, Oleander and Adenium are considered the most dangerous! one has only to taste one leaf, as it will cause the death of an adult, not to mention children. All types of lilies are also considered dangerous for children and animals. Their strong smell can cause headaches, dizziness, allergies, and even fainting. And if your child decides to taste the pollen from a flower or leaf, then this can be fatal.

Another group of poisonous indoor plants: Cladium, Spathiphyllum, Monstera, Dieffenbachia and other plants from the Aroid family. The Dieffenbachia plant is considered the most dangerous, so if your child has tasted its leaf, take action immediately (we'll talk about them a little later). They are also dangerous: Begonias, Ivy, Schefflera. Hydrangea and Azalea are dangerous because they contain a poisonous substance - cyanide. Poisonous and euphorbia family - Croton (Kodieum), Euphorbia. From Nightshade - Nightshade, when children see bright and beautiful fruits their natural reaction is to try them! After all, they do not know that not everything beautiful is edible and tasty. And it seems to me that simple parental warnings will not affect them. Unless you make up a story for them about how one of the heroes ate Nightshade fruits. It was a discovery for me that Ficus, which we consider to be excellent air purifiers, turns out to be a danger to humans and animals. Moreover, neither warnings nor fairy tales will save from their poisonous effects - their fumes are dangerous! That is, if a ficus grows in an apartment and a child lives in it, then he may develop an allergy or, even worse, asthma. It seems to me that this is an individual predisposition, it may also turn out that the ficus will not pose any danger to the child. There is also a group of low-toxic domestic plants that cannot cause serious harm to humans and animals, and the consequences of their exposure can be easily dealt with. Although the harm is small from them, you still need to know these plants. Geranium and Kalanchoe, which we use in the treatment of otitis and runny nose. Dracaena. There are so many poisonous indoor plants, so which of them can be bred in your home and not be afraid for your health and loved ones? Well, for example, Orchid, Usambar violet and Hibiscus are not only safe for us, but also incredibly beautiful! Among them, my favorite is Hibiscus, which blooms early spring and pleases the eye until the deepest autumn, perfectly tolerates cold and heat. Well, here we have examined which houseplants are dangerous, but this does not mean at all that we must immediately get rid of them. You just need to know what measures to take if plant poisoning occurs. The rules are familiar to everyone and extremely simple, if the poison has entered the body, it is necessary urgently: - drink plenty of water. - Take activated charcoal. - if necessary, rinse the stomach, if you yourself cannot do it, then call an ambulance or consult a doctor for help. - if the poison has got on the mucous membrane of the eye or skin, it is necessary to rinse this area under running water.

If, with the advent of a new plant in the house, the child has an allergic reaction, remove the plant from the room for a while, it may be the culprit of the allergy.

I really hope that the article will be useful to you. And I wish that your houseplants continue to please you and do no harm.