...Some Dangerous House Plants diri sa Ato!...

 A toxic plant is one that contains a chemical substance which produces a harmful reaction in the body of humans or animals when taken in small or moderate amounts. A harmful reaction could include allergic reactions, dermatitis or skin irritation, of internal poisoning. Allergic reactions are not always classified as poisoning and will not be treated as such here. This is because there is a wide range of plants that can cause allergic reactions, and sensitivity to a particular plant varies among individuals. Also, individuals can react in different ways after contact with a poisonous plant depending on their sensitivity level.

When the word POISON is heard, our minds run into wild with huge of WHAT IFs!
Today I am going to just put some colors to some plants we have in our surroundings especially indoor plants which contributed much to beautify our house, and worst can be the potential hazards and give danger on us and to our pets as well.
to start with, we have this recently nga gi kagubtan ug post sa FACEBOOK ang walang malay nga - : 
the Dumb Cane
(alyas: mother-in-law's tongue, Giant Dumbcane, Spotted Dumbcane, Leopard Lily)

Botanical name
Dieffenbachia sp.
Poisonous parts
All parts
Poisonous component
Calcium oxalate ( CaC₂O₄ or Ca (COO)₂.)


as we all know, CALCIUM OXALATE is a chemical compound that forms needle-shaped crystals, known in plants as RAPHIDES, it is a major constituent of human  KIDNEY STONES, the chemical is also found in beerstone, a scale that forms on containers used in breweries.   The distinctive leaf pattern of the very popular Dieffenbachia sp. is seen in many homes. Painful and immediate swelling of the mouth and throat occurs after chewing on dumbcane. Speech impediment can occur, sometimes lasting for several days. Avoid eye contact with the juices which can result in intense pain and swelling.

This plant is useful for purifying our indoor air.

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"Aloe Vera"

Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant, Wand of Heaven and Miracle Plant

Botanical name
Aloe barbadensis
Poisonous parts
Latex
Poisonous component
Aloe-emodin



- a popular house plant due to its reputation as a healing plant for burns, cuts and other skin problems since ancient times. Aloe is mentioned in the New Testament at John 19:39-40
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes...
 Caution should be exercised before using Aloe from an Aloe plant because contact dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals. You should cut away the skin and inner layer of yellow juice leaving only the actual gel. The yellow juice, especially prominent in older plants, is the primary irritant in the cases of contact dermatitis. Test a small area of skin, such as the inner forearm, for a reaction before more general use.
As with Aloe arborescens, ingestion of the latex, which is found just under the skin, can cause a cathartic (purging) reaction by irritating the large intestine. One of the components of Aloe is a compound called Aloin. It was a common ingredient in laxative products until the American FDA banned its use in 2003. Aloin is now typically removed during processing.
Although there is no doubt that Aloe holds many promising uses there is a great deal of controversy surrounding its safety and efficacy and more research is needed to unlock its true potential.
Aloe is also an air purification plant.
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Gabi-Gabi (Angels' Wings)

Elephant Ears, Heart of Jesus

Botanical name
Caladium x hortulanum
Poisonous parts
All parts
Poisonous componentCalcium oxalate



-Ingestion can cause severe irritation to the mouth and throat and may also be an irritant to the G.I. tract. Children as well as cats, dogs and other family pets that may nibble on the foliage are all at risk.
Pictured is one of the pink cultivars,  daghan sa house sa akong mother-in-law sa Matina! of which over a thousand exist, commonly sold in garden centers especially during Kadayawan sa Dabaw There are two main forms cultivated - the more common "fancy leaved" (heart shaped leaves) and "lance leaved" (lance head shaped leaves).
Caladiums grow from corms and can be easily propagated by dividing the tubers. These frost tender plants are typically grown as a tender bulb, or as a house plant, in colder climates with minimum temperatures of 75F in summer and 55F in winter. If humidity is low mist the leaves daily. Most varieties thrive in bright indirect light with sun resistant types becoming available. 


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Crown-of-thorns



Botanical name
Euphorbia milii
Poisonous parts
Sap


Poisonous component
5-deoxyingenol




The common name of this plant would lead one to believe it is the 'crown' Jesus wore while he carried his torture stake to his crucifixion. However, native to Madagascar, this plant was unknown in Christ's time. Debate continues but many feel Paliurus spina-christi is a more likely candidate.
The "Crown-of-thorns" is a trailing or climbing spiny shrub with showy flower clusters and red, petal like bracts. 
This plant contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex. Avoid contact to the skin and eyes. General symptoms of ingestion are: abdominal pains, blistering/irritation of the mouth/throat and vomiting....

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Flamingo lily



Botanical name
Anthurium andraeanum
Poisonous parts
All parts
Poisonous componentCalcium oxalate


- Ingestion usually does not occur because chewing quickly causes painful irritation of the mouth and throat. 
General symptoms of poisoning are blistering, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), hoarseness.
Anthuriums are a blooming plant that have tiny flowers crowded in a spadix, which is sometimes referred to as a "rat's tail" due to its appearance. The spadix is subtended by a spathe (red, bract like leaf). 
Flaming lily is readily available at local plant shops and is a popular house plant duna gihapon tanum akong mother-in-law!because of its long lasting flowers. 
Flamingo lilies also have a long vase life and can stay fresh in a flower vase for up to 14 days.
Being from the tropics warmth and humidity are essential elements for Anthurium. 
Minimum temperatures of 60-70 F is recommended for blooming and a daily misting is helpful with bloom longevity.
Although capable of flowering year round most plants grown in the home will enter a dormant period between October and February. During periods of dormancy water sparingly and withhold fertilizer.
- So there it is, mga hints been provided! 

It is important that we as houseplant owners be aware of the potential problems that plants with toxic properties might cause. Let us be always aware and cautious of the identity of your houseplants and learn if they pose potential threats to us, our children and pets. If you cannot identify a houseplant, dili na lang ta pataka ug tanum kay wala baya gyud poison center diri sa ato-a!