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Plants are not only useful, but also an attractive decoration and are part of well-being. However, caution is advised as not all plants are non-toxic. Species such as deadly nightshade, yew or foxglove are among the most important poisonous plants in Germany and are even known to children. However, many people bring indoor plants into their homes, which are poisonous, especially for children and babies, and can be fatal in severe cases of poisoning.
indoor plants
children at risk
Why are children more at risk?
In the household it is not a problem for adults and even teenagers to understand why certain plants should not be touched or even put in the mouth. For young children, especially babies, and pets, this knowledge is incomprehensible because newborns explore their world with their hands and sense of taste. This makes life as such a small organism dangerous when houseplants are poisonous and within reach, as the first reaction is to grasp or taste the leaves, flowers and fruit. For this reason, it is essential to know which plants in the house are poisonous.
Poisonous houseplants
The following plants are species that are well tolerated by adults, but can be very poisonous to children. Many parents don't even know that they bring plants into the house, for example daffodils or poinsettias, which have the potential to poison their own offspring. It is the leaves, tubers, bulbs, flowers or roots that are eaten or touched. If you're not sure if you have poisonous houseplants in your home, check the list below.
Plants from A to D
Cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen)
As gorgeous as cyclamen may be, it is poisonous. Consuming 0.3 grams of the bulb of the plant can lead to symptoms of poisoning in adult humans, higher doses lead to death. Eating the tuber is particularly toxic for babies, but large quantities of the leaves also lead to the following symptoms.
- nausea
- diarrhea
- severe stomach pains, babies usually cry because of this
- Vomit
- sweats
- dizziness
- cramps
- if not treated, death by ingestion of the tuber
Cyclamen, Cyclamen
Azalea (bot. Rhododendron simsii and others)
Azaleas have it all. Just like the rhododendron is poisonous, so are azaleas. All parts of the plant are poisonous and because of their attractive colors they are often eaten. Possible consequences are described below.
- digestive system becomes inflamed
- convulsions
- nausea
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- profuse sweating
- disturbed cardiac activity
indoor azalea
Cup primroses (bot. Primula obconica)
Also a small, inconspicuous package of poison. All parts of the plant of the beautiful cup primroses are also poisonous and small children should not even touch them, otherwise it can lead to skin irritation and inflammation. When consumed, the digestive tract is primarily attacked and possible diarrhea and pain occur.
Cup primrose, Primula obconica
Chickadee (bot. Kaladium)
An attractive plant with interesting leaf colors that can be fatal after eating even small amounts of leaves. Other symptoms include an irritated mouth, stomach pain, balance problems, seizures and tremors, and stopping breathing. The effect is similar to that of Zantedeschen.
Variegated root, caladium, caladium
Christ's Thorn (bot. Euphorbia milii)
Like the poinsettia, the Christ's thorn belongs to the poisonous spurge family and forms a milky sap that irritates the mucous membranes when consumed. When touched, the milky sap causes skin irritation. Special care should be taken when young children wipe their eyes after touching the milky sap, as this can be extremely painful.
Christ thorn
Dieffenbachia (bot. Dieffenbachia seguine)
The Dieffenbachia is a particularly poisonous plant. Young children should never touch these plants, as if touched they will shoot out needles and venom, which is primarily aimed at the face. It becomes particularly dangerous when it is consumed. Possible symptoms are as follows.
- burns of the eyes
- Skin and eye irritation
- cramped eyelids
- eyes water
- pustules on the skin
- Tongue and mucous membranes redden and swell
- Child has difficulty articulating
- diarrhea and nausea
- Vomit
- Drowsiness or signs of paralysis
- Heart rhythm disorders
Dieffenbachia camilla, Dieffenbachie
Plants from E to F
Ivy (bot. Epipremnum aureum)
This arum plant is often cultivated as a houseplant and due to the numerous leaves it is easy for children and even babies to reach. Symptoms of poisoning when consumed are increased salivation and difficulty swallowing, as well as vomiting and diarrhea.
ivy
Solid Leaf (bot. Spathiphyllum)
Also an arum plant and very irritating to the mucous membranes. These also swell. Possible symptoms upon consumption are vomiting and diarrhea.
A leaf
Monstera (bot. Monstera)
Although Monstera appears non-toxic, babies can be poisoned by eating the leaves. They are not as toxic as cyclamen, but the main cause is difficulty swallowing in combination with a swollen tongue.
window leaf
Flamingo flower (bot. Anthurium)
The flamingo flower is very popular because of its unique flower and young children are fascinated by the appearance of the plants. The indoor plants are very poisonous and should not be touched as they have a defense mechanism. If they are touched, they direct the poison into the skin via microscopically small needles. Redness and quite large blisters then appear on the skin.
Anthurium, flamingo flower
Plants from G to N
Rubber tree (bot. ficus)
Ficus is also not non-toxic and should therefore be banned from the vicinity of babies. Poisoning is only possible here, however, if your offspring ingests the white milky sap inside the leaves and twigs. The consequences are stomach problems and possible vomiting, less often diarrhea.
rubber tree
Kalanchoe
These thick-leafed plants attract children with their deep coloring, but should never be eaten. Kalanchoe has a venom that causes spastic muscle contractions in children.
Flaming Katie, Kalanchoe
Coral tree (bot. Erythrina)
The berries of the houseplants are extremely tempting for the little sweet tooth, but the fruits of these plants should never be eaten. In extreme cases, the child's breathing can be so badly affected that it stops breathing completely. Common coral sapling symptoms include vomiting, nausea, and gastrointestinal distress.
Coral shrub, Solanum pseudocapsicum, Erythrina
Lilies (bot. Lilium)
All plant parts of the popular indoor plants are poisonous and due to their shape quickly end up in the mouth of the sprouts. Nevertheless, the symptoms of poisoning only set in after a fairly large amount of plant parts had been eaten, including loss of appetite, a feeling of weakness and vomiting.
lilies
Daffodils (bot. Narcissus)
Daffodils are as much a part of spring as pussy willows and tulips. Daffodils are a firm favorite and babies in particular are frequently exposed to these plants and could ingest parts of the plant, all of which are poisonous. Possible symptoms are as follows.
- profuse sweating
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- upset stomach
- signs of paralysis may occur if large quantities are consumed
daffodils
Plants from R to S
Knight Stars (bot. Amaryllis)
Knight stars are also poisonous, but not nearly as malicious as the Dieffenbachia. Young children should not consume the amaryllis bulbs, as well as the flowers and leaves, although the bulb has the greatest effect. The symptoms here are tachycardia, dizziness, profuse sweating and vomiting. Touching the leaves and flowers can cause skin irritation.
amaryllis
Crown of Glory (bot. Gloriosa superba)
Children are fascinated by the Crown of Fame because of its spectacular appearance, but it is a ticking time bomb. It contains the toxin colchicine, which is found in autumn crocuses, for example, and is deadly even in small amounts. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but leaves and flowers are the most commonly ingested, which can lead to the following symptoms.
- nausea
- dizziness
- tachycardia
- diarrhea
- Vomit
- Rash as soon as the plant set is touched
- Fainting, in extreme cases even death
Crown of Glory, Gloriosa superba
Rayed Aralia (bot. Schefflera)
The leaves of these small trees are very unpleasant for the offspring when eaten. Irritation of the mucous membranes, followed by loss of appetite and severe vomiting.
Ray aralie, Schefflerie, Schefflera arboricola
Plants with W
Poinsettia (bot. Euphorbia pulcherrima)
The well-known and popular poinsettia is also not non-toxic. Here all parts of the plant are poisonous, but only the consumption leads to poisoning. The mucous membranes in the mouth in particular are irritated and can lead to unpleasant pain, which in babies manifests itself primarily in screams and heavy crying.
Christmas star
Desert Rose (bot. Adenium obesum)
Desert roses are still an insider tip for houseplant enthusiasts, but you should be aware of the dogbane plant's toxicity if you have children. The blossoms and the milky sap are the dangerous parts of the plant and, when consumed, lead to irritation of the mucous membranes, complaints in the stomach and intestines, cramps and disorders of the cardiovascular system up to possible respiratory arrest.
Desert Rose, Adenium obesum
Tip: If you have one of the poisonous plants mentioned above, you should remove it immediately or place it in such a way that even children of kindergarten or primary school age cannot get to it.
Measures in case of poisoning
What to do in case of poisoning?
- keep calm (very important!)
- contact the poison control center
- this provides information and offers direct help
- save plant parts and vomit, if any
- these are used to identify the plant if you have many different species at home
- do not make babies vomit as there is a risk of suffocation
- Give water or tea to drink
- avoid milk, as it facilitates the absorption of toxins in the stomach and intestines
- give your child a charcoal tablet
- crush them and mix them into the water
- Dosage: 1 g activated carbon per kg body weight
- if necessary, to the pediatrician or to the hospital