Opinions differ on the question of whether the mountain palm (Chamaedorea) is actually poisonous. In the database for poisonous plants created by the University of Zurich, mountain palms are listed as non-poisonous plants. They can therefore easily be kept as a houseplant.
Although the mountain palm is not poisonous, pets should not chew on it
The mountain palm is not poisonous
Palm lovers can assume that the mountain palm is one of the non-toxic indoor plants. You can take care of this palm tree without worry, even if children and pets live in the apartment.
Nevertheless, parents and pet owners should exercise caution when keeping mountain palms indoors. You should never leave brown leaves or fallen flower remains lying around so that the crawling baby or the curious cat cannot chew on them.
Mountain palms contain few unhealthy substances
According to some gardening experts, the leaves and flowers of the mountain palm contain saponins. Consuming parts of the plant should therefore lead to stomach and intestinal problems.
In fact, all parts of the mountain palm are thought to contain small amounts of saponins. However, this proportion is so small that there is hardly any risk of poisoning as long as large amounts of it are not consumed.
A danger from mountain palms is that children or animals choke when eating the leaves, and this poses a health risk to them. Therefore, set up the mountain palm in such a way that no unauthorized person can get at it.
tips
Mountain palms are native to the rainforests of Mexico, where they generally receive little sun. They therefore do not need as much light indoors as other palm species. They can only tolerate direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours.