12 Surprising Ways Your Houseplants Are Hurting Your Health

This post may contain affiliate links.

Beauty and the ability of houseplants to improve indoor air quality are frequently praised, but they may not be as innocent as we might believe. Even though they can liven up a room and put you in a better mood, some plants have some unexpected drawbacks that may harm your health.

From the plants themselves to the soil (or even the way you care for them), there are a lot of shocking things you should keep an eye out for when indulging in the gardening process. Below are some ways your houseplants are likely doing more harm than good.

Allergy Triggers

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Some house plants give off pollen that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Mold spores even live in the soil of plants that don’t produce pollen, especially if the soil is wet. People who are allergic to mold can get sneezing, itchy eyes and even respiratory problems when exposed to mold. If you see allergy like symptoms on your plants, it could be time to rethink your indoor garden.

Toxic Plants for Pets and People

The 18 Worst Things You Can Do When Visiting Someone’s House
Image Credit:Samson Katt/Pexels

Philodendrons and other popular houseplants can be toxic when ingested by small children or pets. Most plants will cause skin irritation or rashes by simply brushing against the leaves or stems. Eating of these plants can result in nausea, vomiting, or other more severe reactions, depending on the toxicity of the plant. If you have curious pets or kids, it’s imperative that your plants are safe for them.

Mold Growth

Image credit: Jennifer Renaud

Houseplants overwatered or living in humid environments can allow too much moisture in the air. The high humidity can also be a perfect environment for mold to grow in your plants, and around your home as well. Those with asthma or compromised immune systems can get respiratory problems from mold. It is possible to prevent this problem by proper ventilation and proper watering habits.

Harboring Insects and Pests

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Fungus gnats, aphids or spider mites that live in your house plants can spread to other areas of your home. These kinds of pests can not only damage your plants but also become a trouble to your living place. But some bugs, like dust mites, like to live in the soil and leaves of houseplants, potentially making allergies or your asthma worse. By regularly inspecting and treating plants you reduce the risk of infestation by pests.

Bacteria and Fungi Related to Soil

Photo Credit: Pexels

Bacteria and fungi can live in the soil your houseplants grow in, and when disturbed, could release harmful spores into the air. These microorganisms can infect people whose immune systems are weakened. Most soil based fungi like Aspergillus can grow in the air and can cause respiratory problems if you inhale it. To reduce your exposure, you should put gloves on before you handle potting soil and wash your hands afterward.

Fertilizers and Pesticide Airborne Chemicals

10 Warning Signs Your Bed Might Be Crawling with Dust Mites
Image Credit: onlineexpress via 123RF

Houseplants need to be fertilized, and the use of pesticides and insecticides to care for them can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home’s air. If you’re exposed to these chemicals for a long time, it could make your lungs irritated and contribute to respiratory problems. The hazards from these substances can be particularly acute in enclosed spaces with minimal ventilation because the breathing air is likely to contain high concentrations of the contaminants. Reducing the risk of that occurs as a reason to opt for organic or natural plant care products.

Plant Sap or Oils can cause Skin Irritation

10 Warning Signs Your Bed Might Be Crawling with Dust Mites
Image Credit: serezniy via 123RF

Saps and oils in some houseplants can cause skin irritation if they come into contact with it. Sensitivity to plants is so strong that ZZ plants can cause mild to severe dermatitis for sensitive individuals. Contact with these plants can cause itching, redness, or blistering, even if it is only a small amount. Planting these plants and wearing gloves when handling them can help prevent skin reactions.

Carbon Dioxide Accidental Overexposure at Night

Lucky Plants to Fill Your Home with Positive Energy
Image by Ben PL via Wikimedia Commons

When the plants are doing photosynthesis, which entails releasing oxygen, they flip and release CO2 at night. When too much CO2 accumulates in poorly ventilated rooms with a large number of plants, it can reduce the level of oxygen, reducing your ability to have headaches, dizziness, or just plain fatigue. If you’ve got a large plant collection in your bedroom, you may be better off transferring some of the plants to other rooms in your home to keep from breathing issues while you sleep.

Dusty Leaves Can Trigger Asthma

Photo Credit: FREEPIK

Houseplant leaves may pick up dust, and when that dust becomes airborne, it can exacerbate asthma or allergy symptoms. As this buildup of dust continues, it also undermines the plant’s ability to filter air and takes away what little benefit the plant offers to address air pollution. Cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth regularly will minimize dust and help keep your air cleaner. You should dust your plants as you would any other household surface.

Poisonous Airborne Irritants from Plant Material

Lucky Plants to Fill Your Home with Positive Energy
Image by Arch. Attilio Mileto via Wikimedia Commons

Some houseplants, such as Dieffenbachia, which releases airborne irritants, can cause throat and nasal irritation when handled or pruned. The tiny calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves and stems of these plants can become airborne and irritate the membranes of the throat, lungs, and nose when one breathes them in. When trimming or repotting these plants, you need to take precautions since it is an exposure. Ventilation for plants is good at helping with any irritation from airborne particles.

Fragrant Plants Cause Sleep Disruption

Photo Credit: Pexels

Jasmine or gardenias are examples of strong-smelling houseplants that interfere with sleep quality, particularly for sensitive ones to strong fragrances. While these scents are relaxing during the day, they can become too much at night, affecting your potential to sleep well at night. If you’re having sleep disturbances, you might want to move strongly scented plants away from your bedroom.

Risk of Injury from Heavy Planters

Stack of Clay Pots Beside Tin Roof
Photo Credit: Mahmudul Hasan Rifat/Pexels

Large houseplants in heavy planters can be dangerous to injury if they are not placed securely. In a case of accidental knock or fall, heavy pots can be seriously damaging, particularly for small children or pets. Your plants should be in stable, secure locations that don’t easily tip over. Strong stands or floor protectors are best for preventing accidents.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

Image Credit: Shutterstock

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad

Similar Posts