Hidden dangers of house plants

While houseplants can be beneficial in our homes, many can pose a risk to children or pets for a variety of reasons.

Thinking about bringing a new "green friend" home? Make sure the plant is safe for your pets and children.

• Aloe vera

Aloe vera is popular because of its reputation as a healing plant for burns, cuts or other skin problems. Ingestion of the latex, found within the plant can cause intestinal distress in both pets and humans.

• Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a bulb plant grown or "forced" indoors for its showy fall/winter bloom. The principal irritant is present in small amounts so large quantities of the bulb must be eaten to cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

• Chrysanthemum

Some people develop contact dermatitis after extended exposure to garden chrysanthemums.

• Crown-of-thorns

This plant consists of a trailing or climbing spiny shrub with

showy flower clusters and

red, petal like bracts.

Because it contains

caustic and irritant chemicals in the

latex, you will

want to avoid contact

to the skin

and eyes.

General

symptoms of

ingestion are: abdominal pains, blistering/ irritation of the mouth/throat and vomiting.

• Poinsettia

Popular at Christmas time, it has a reputation as a poisonous plant.

While it is not severely toxic, it can cause dermatitis, nausea and vomiting.

• English Ivy

An indoor and outdoor ornamental plant, its ingestion can cause difficulty in breathing, convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and coma. Dermatitis is rare but can be severe with weeping blisters, which respond slowly to treatment. The berries are bitter so it's unlikely children will consume them in large quantities.

• Hydrangea

Symptoms from indigestion include vomiting, abdominal pains, diarrhea, labored breathing, lethargy and coma. Sensitive individuals may develop contact dermatitis from handling the plants.

• Philodendron

Philodendron is a popular container plant that can cause poisoning in humans and pets because of the oxalates they contain. General symptoms of poisoning are: erythema (reddening and inflammation of the skin) and itchiness.

• Azalea

Azalea, a bonsai favorite, is the common name for the dwarf type Rhododendrons. Although it's a low toxicity plant, it is best to keep children and pets away.

Additional information, and other plants can be found at Blankees.com.