It is impossible to ignore the modern-day frenzy of bringing houseplants into our homes. Every homeowner wants to own one.
You can, however, not blame the excitement of having a houseplant for the numerous benefits that they bring, some of which include;
- Bringing life into a room.
- Helps in stress reduction.
- Connection with nature.
- Helps in improving the quality of the air.
- Helps minimize unnecessary noise.
- Boosts productivity.
Great benefits right there! Nonetheless, not all indoor plants are fit for having in our homes. Some are toxic to humans and animals; others cause allergies, pest issues, and even skin rashes when in contact with the skin.
Plants to avoid growing inside your house
This article lists some of these plants that can have adverse effects on you, your family, or even your pets when brought to the house.
Succulents plants
The primary issue with this plant is pests. In the past years, succulents have gained popularity due to their appealing nature and the fact that they are cost-friendly.
Ensure there is no pest infestation with unarmored scale insects or mealybugs before you can bring this plant into your home.
If you happen to take the plant in with these pests, they spread to other plants and are difficult to destroy.
Areca Palms (Dypsis Lutescens)
The major problem with this houseplant is pest and bugs infestation.
Areca Palms are familiar to those who want plants that are bigger than ordinary indoor plants. They bring about the tropical vibe and bring life to any space. But, unfortunately, they are costly, especially if you are working on a budget.
On the downside, they can be a home to spider mites; and other arachnids that cause stunted growth or eat the leaves. To check for these pests, look for webs or bitten leaves.
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
The major challenge with this plant is toxicity to humans and animals. Pothos is among the most popular houseplants as they are good at air purification around us. Nonetheless, this plant is toxic, most especially to animals and humans.
Ingesting the plants can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, swelling, and irritation in humans. For pets, it can lead to difficulty in breathing, choking, renal failure, swelling, and, at worst, fatal.
Bonsai Plant
The main problem with this plant is skin reactions and allergies.
A bonsai is an adorable plant that resembles a tree, and all tree lovers desire to own one of this plant. The problem with this plant is that contact can lead to severe skin rash or even allergies, especially to those with tree allergies. To avoid this situation, use gloves when handling the plant, either during pruning or watering.
Snake plants (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The downside to it is the allergies
They are a perfect choice for an indoor space. Snake plants are cost-friendly, visually appealing, easy to maintain, and can purify the air.
The only disadvantage of these plants is that they can cause allergic reactions with symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and congestion. At this point, you ought to get rid of the plant.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Its primary issue is toxicity to animals and plants.
The Nerium Oleander has a shrub-like appearance and pink flowers that make it stand out. However, with this beauty comes a high price. Oleander is toxic to humans and plants, causing dizziness, heart block, and severe vomiting.
It can also cause death when ingested. Therefore, you must avoid contact with the plant and if you come into contact with it, wash your hands thoroughly.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
The main issue with this plant is that it is toxic to humans and animals and causes skin reactions.
These plants increase in height and grow to cover your patio, and the corners around your house. However, it can cause allergic reactions, as reports indicate one in every ten thousand people are allergic to this plant.
Contact with the plant may cause skin reactions, and when ingested by human beings, it is slightly toxic. In children and animals, it may cause diarrhea, neurological problems, and vomiting.
Dumb canes (Dieffenbachia)
The primary problem is it is toxic to animals.
These houseplants are readily available on the market. However, although it’s a popular home plant, it is not a good choice if you have pets around the house.
These plants contain toxic calcium oxalate, especially when ingested by pets like dogs or cats. It can cause swelling of the mouth and severe burning and can turn fatal as well.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The primary issue is toxicity to animals.
Jade plants are one of the longest-living houseplants. They can live for up to a hundred years and are hard to kill. However, it is unfavorable if you have pets. In animals, it can result in a slowed heart rate and vomiting.
Aloe Vera plant
The major problem is toxic in dogs
Aloe Vera is well-known for its medicinal properties on humans. But it’s not the same case with dogs. It is advisable not to keep the plant if you have dogs around because the constituents of Aloe Vera can alter the dog’s digestive system.
Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
Key Issues: Toxic to cats
An Easter lily has beautiful flowers with a delightful sense of smell for both. Nevertheless, cats are generally curious, especially about new scents and these plants are toxic to cats.
If ingested, these plants cause symptoms such as kidney failure, vomiting, fatigue, and death.
Ficus trees (Ficus Benjamina)
The major challenge is maintenance.
Ficus trees are commonly used as indoor plants, though they are better as outdoor plants than indoor plants because the roots require a lot of underground space for their growth.
So if grown in a garden pot, it hinders development, or outgrows the planting pot or even die. Even when planted outside, one has to take precautions so that its enormous roots do not break the sidewalks or underground pipes. In addition, they have waxy leaves, which can accumulate dust.
So they need regular cleaning to wipe off the dust to keep them shiny, healthy, and clean. Furthermore, get the new advanced indoor grow kit from Aerogarden for best and easy growing.