Seven Dangerous Plants You Shouldn't Have at Home

Sometimes, danger can hide behind beauty. This is the case of these seven dangerous plants, which you shouldn't have at home. Learn all about them here!
Seven Dangerous Plants You Shouldn't Have at Home

Last update: 10 July, 2019

Plants give your home a special touch. They create a natural environment, purify the air, and help liven up any space. However, some dangerous plants can be toxic, especially for children and pets.

Usually, the labels that come with plants recommend how to grow them. However, they don’t always warn of the damages they can cause. The people who buy them don’t even suspect that they’re dangerous.

It’s also possible that, while you’re walking through the countryside, you see a beautiful plant that you may want to take home, without even knowing if it’s dangerous or not. However, sometimes beauty is a trap that can cause many problems.

Seven Dangerous Plants You Shouldn’t Have at Home

1. Hydrangeas

A bush and hydrangeas.

Hydrangeas are very popular home decoration plants. Although their vivid blue flowers are very eye-catching, they’re the most dangerous part.

Chewing on a hydrangea flower can cause respiratory arrest, low blood pressure, and a high risk of suffering from dizziness and fainting. The leaves and stem also cause these effects, but on a smaller scale.

These symptoms are caused by hydrazine, a compound of the cyanide family that’s present in this plant.

This article may interest you: Five Ways to Make Natural Compost for Your Plants

2. Lilies

Lilies are really popular flowers that you’ll see in many flower arrangements and decorative flower pots. However, cat owners should avoid them.

There are many different types of lilies, which all have negative effects on cats. Some irritate cats’ digestive tracts and cause diarrhea and vomiting. Other types of lilies affect their kidneys and can even cause death.

Although studies haven’t yet discovered which substance in lilies causes poisoning in cats, it’s been determined that just two petals can be fatal.

3. Salvia divinorum

Salvia divinorum in a field.

The greatest risk of salvia is that it’s a potential hallucinogen.

Salvia divinorum can take many people by surprise because it’s often confused with common sage, which is edible and has many health benefits.

Salvia divinorum has a hallucinogenic compound similar to LSD. Although Amazon indigenous people use it for ritual purposes, its use can cause irreversible damage. This is because it creates altered states of consciousness and causes hallucinations that sometimes become recurrent and permanent.

For that reason, when you see that the label says “salvia,” make sure it’s not followed by Divinorum”.

4. Brugmansia Arborea or Angel’s Trumpet: One of the Most Dangerous Plants

This plant is a thick and flowering decorative plant. It’s very attractive flowers hang down like a skirt. It’s even more tempting because it has a sweet and pleasant taste.

However, the angel’s trumpet is also a psychoactive plant. Its flowers cause psychotic episodes, derangement, and paralysis and can be fatal.

This is because it has tropane alkaloids, substances that inhibit the nervous system. They’re also present in synthetic drugs.

5. Trinitaria

Trinitaria plant.

This climbing plant is dangerous due to its cardiotonic effects. It’s very common in home exteriors, as it climbs walls. It also has colorful flowers.

Its flowers, stem, and seeds contain cyanogens and oleandrin, toxic substances that affect the heart. If you swallow this plant intentionally or by accident, you’ll start suffering from arrhythmia and tachycardia, as well as dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea a few hours later.

6. Oleander

Also known as “Nerium”, oleander has small, delicate flowers that make it a favorite indoor and outdoor plant. However, it’s a dangerous plant for both people and animals.

Oleander contains glycosides that accelerate heart rate and cause sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems.

It’s also dangerous if it comes into contact with the skin because its stem has a milky substance that can be irritating. Therefore, you should wear gloves when planting, transplanting, or pruning this plant.

7. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

Dumb cane plant.

This is one of the most classic indoor and outdoor plants due to how easy it is to maintain. However, it can cause skin irritation.

This plant, which is commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is very popular for how easy is it to maintain both indoors and outdoors. However, this plant has asparagine, which is an irritant that can cause skin problems in some people. If you chew it, it can cause sore throat and heart problems.

General Recommendations for Dangerous Plants

These dangerous plants are very decorative and easy to find, so it’s always advisable to handle them with care and keep them out of the reach of pets and children.

You should also take other precautions:

  • Collect the leaves and petals that fall from the plant.
  • Put labels on the plants that warn of their dangers.
  • Wash your hands after touching the plants.
  • If you have pets, make sure their water bowls are always full so they don’t drink the water that accumulates below these plants.

Finally, remember: When you’re thinking of buying a new plant, look for information beforehand to know if the plants you’re considering are dangerous.

It might interest you...
9 Tips for Caring for Indoor Plants
Step To HealthRead it in Step To Health
9 Tips for Caring for Indoor Plants

Plants not only contribute to the decoration of our homes, but they also provide oxygen and hydration. For a healthy and thriving plant, it's neces...