Houseplants are a staple in most homes nowadays but which ones could be toxic for children and pets?

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Bringing the outdoors in has always been hugely popular. Not only do houseplants brighten up the living space, and can feel therapeutic when caring from them, but they also improve air quality. However, some plants can also be poisonous when ingested by pets or children. Clearitwaste.co.uk looked at the popular houseplants you may have in your home to discover which are potentially harmful.

1. Peace Lily

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The Peace Lily not only has detoxifying qualities for the home, but it’s also beautiful to look at. Considered one of the most popular flowering houseplants with its dark leaves and low maintenance, it’s a great spring/summer décor addition to your home. But be warned, it’s toxic if consumed!

2. Devils Ivy

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Devils Ivy as it’s commonly referred to, is an extremely common houseplant due to its attractive drape and ease of care. Similarly, it is a great house plant for kitting your home out on a budget. Like the Peace Lily, it’s safe to touch, but toxic to pets when consumed.

3. Caladium (elephant’s ear)

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Known for their bright aesthetic colours, this houseplant is a great way of adding sass to your home ‐ the leaves are velvety to the touch. But be cautious when around pets and children as it can cause swelling, eye pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting when eaten.

4. Sago Palm

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These houseplants are super fun additions to the home due to their spiky and ancient look. However, don’t be fooled, as they’re highly toxic when ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and in some cases liver failure.

5. Calla Lily

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Although this plant is typically cared for outdoors, it’s becoming increasingly fashionable to stylise indoor spaces with. However, like it’s family counterparts, this lily is harmful to humans when ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals which can cause swelling and pain when swallowed.

6. Snake Plant

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This plant is primarily known for its long sword‐like leaves as well as it being a slow growing plant, making it incredibly low maintenance. And whilst the Snake Plant may be among the top plants known by NASA to be particularly useful for their air purifying qualities, it is moderately harmful to humans and pets.

7. Dieffenbachia

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Dubbed as the Dumb Cane or Leopard Lily, it is one of the easiest indoor houseplants to care for, whilst being one of the most common. This tropical shrub has beautiful hues of cream, yellow and white making it the perfect plant to brighten your home.

 

Do you have any of these houseplants in your home? Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page. 

 

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