10 Plants You Should Never Keep Indoors (and the Science Behind It)
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Indoor plants can bring some of the natural world to a space, and even improve air quality. But not all plants should be grown indoors. While beautiful, some popular plants have characteristics that make them poor housemates. These plants, whether toxic, allergenic, or just need special care, are better left outside.
In this article, we’ll look at ten common plants you might not want to have indoors. Before you bring new greenery into your home, learn a bit about these potentially problematic plants.
English Ivy
A lovely trailing habit makes English ivy a great choice for hanging baskets … but it also brings a hidden hazard. It makes the skin itchy, especially for those with sensitive skin, and is poisonous to pets. Worst of all, English ivy can make indoor air quality worse if it’s harboring dust, mold, or mites. For that reason it might be best kept as an outdoor vine rather than an indoor plant.
Philodendron
For their beautiful heart shaped leaves and low maintenance nature, Philodendrons are popular. They can be harmful to pets, however, as they contain calcium oxalate crystals. Mild symptoms can include irritation, but can also be more serious like a problem swallowing. In homes with young children or curious pets, philodendrons also can be risky, so while they look great, they are not so great for the indoors.
Ficus
Popular for their glossy, decorative leaves and easy care are Ficus plants, including the rubber plant and weeping fig. But ficus sap can be an irritant to the skin, and can cause reactions in people with latex allergies. And if your Ficus plants are displeased with your indoor conditions, they will shed leaves, too, leaving a bit of a mess. They can work indoors, but only if you don’t mind giving them a bit of space and cleanup.
Sago Palm
The sago palm is not a true palm, but a cycad. Sago palms bring some tropical flavor, but every part of this plant is toxic. It can cause severe liver failure if ingested in pets and humans. Another sago palm danger is also spiky fronds that can be extremely painful to touch without gloves. That’s why the sago palm may be a better fit for a garden than a living room.
Jade Plant
The jade plant, or money tree, is a succulent with plump leaves and an easy care reputation. It is however toxic to both dogs and cats. Vomiting, depression and a general unease are just some of the symptoms pets can suffer if they ingest it. Jade plants also need a lot of sunlight and can become leggy and sad looking in dull indoor lighting. If you have pets or low light, think twice before bringing in a jade plant.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, or dumb cane, is a wonderful indoor plant with very broad beautiful leaves. But it has a sap that, when eaten, can cause painful swelling in the mouth and throat, even making it difficult to speak—hence the nickname. This plant can be a risky choice for households with children or pets because of the potency of its irritants.
Peace Lily
Many people know peace lilies as incredibly popular indoor plants with glossy leaves and elegant white flowers. But if eaten, they can be toxic to pets and humans, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and mouth and throat irritation. Peace lilies also have calcium oxalate crystals which can cause skin irritation. Peace lilies are not the best choice if you’re looking for something low maintenance and safe.
Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is a beautiful plant with flowers that resemble tropical birds and for indoor spaces it is tempting. It’s mildly toxic to pets, causing nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Also this plant requires lots of sunlight and humidity, which is not easy to replicate indoors. It might not thrive if you can’t offer it a warm, sunny spot.
Aloe Vera
This is a plant that is well known for its healing properties, and is commonly grown indoors for a quick source of its soothing gel. Aloe, however, is toxic to pets and while not likely to make your pet sick, if it is, it can cause vomiting and lethargy. Aloe also requires a lot of bright light, and needs to be watered very carefully, or it will turn mushy and rot. Aloe vera is a wonderful plant for some uses, but it is best left on a sunny windowsill out of the way of curious pets.
Oleander
Oleander is an absolutely gorgeous flowering plant, but don’t be fooled by its beauty. It’s one of the most toxic plants you can keep indoors. The oleander plant is poisonous throughout, and even inhaled smoke of burning oleander is toxic. Any part of this plant can make you very sick, and even kill you, if you ingest it. Oleander is also best left to admire at a distance.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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