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Beautiful poison: which flowers should never be grown at home

Yulia PoteriankoLife
The orchid is not dangerous because of its pollen

There is information on the Internet that some houseplants should not be kept in the bedroom because they absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide at night. In fact, this is a myth. All plants suitable for growing at home enrich the atmosphere of the house with oxygen. However, some of them should not be kept at least near the bed.

And the point is not their particular toxicity, but their ability to provoke allergies. Sometimes they release pollen from flowers or spores into the air, and contact with them can provoke a rash on sensitive skin. And sometimes the cause is microorganisms that live in the soil under such plants. OBOZ.UA has compiled a list of indoor plants that you shouldn't have if you or someone close to you, including animals, is prone to allergies.

Ferns

Since ferns do not bloom, you might think that these plants are hypoallergenic. However, they reproduce by spores that are released into the air. And they can cause allergies no worse than pollen. Also, prolonged contact with ferns can provoke contact dermatitis. If you still want to have a fern at home, pay attention to Nephrolepsis (Boston fern) or Platyspermum deerhorneum - they should be safe even for sensitive people.

Ficuses

Ornamental ficuses don't bloom either, but their sap contains latex-like proteins that can also cause allergies. So if you are sensitive to latex, you should stay away from ficuses. These plants can cause skin or eye irritation, coughing, or other symptoms through contact with the sap, or by inhalation. Also, ficus sap makes the skin more sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet radiation, which makes burns appear much easier and faster.

Orchids

Although orchid juice has a very poetic name, "honeydew," it can cause a rash or blistering if it comes into contact with sensitive skin. But the pollen of this flower is quite sticky, so it will not fly in the room air. Therefore, in general, allergy sufferers can have this plant, but only if they work with it with gloves.

Ivies

There are openly poisonous species of ivy that can cause a severe skin reaction. English and Canarian ivy, which can be grown at home, are not so dangerous. But they also contain a substance called falcarinol in their sap that causes skin irritation. Therefore, you should only work with them with protected hands, or avoid breeding them at home altogether.

Saintpaulias

Uzambar violets, also known as Saintpaulias, although they bloom, do not release pollen into the air. But they collect a lot of household dust on their velvety leaves. And it is not easy to clean such a flower. Therefore, people who are sensitive to dust are not advised to keep them.

Chrysanthemums

The flowers of this species are biologically related to one of the strongest allergens, ragweed. Thus, chrysanthemum pollen can cause symptoms of hay fever. In addition, the sap of the plant can irritate sensitive skin. So chrysanthemums definitely have no place in the bedroom.

Palm trees

Indoor palms add chic to the interior. But when choosing something like this for home landscaping, pay attention to whether you are buying a male or female plant. Male plants produce pollen that can be dangerous for sensitive people and animals. Female plants can also cause problems, but much less often.

Juniper

A coniferous plant can come indoors in the form of a bonsai tree. It looks simply beautiful. But, as with palm trees, male plants are dangerous because they produce pollen. It is on the male juniper that cones appear, and the pollen of the plant is so fine and spreads so quickly that it can affect even insensitive people.

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