This leafy plant is probably one of the best-known houseplants, which is undoubtedly also related to its robustness. Even people without the proverbial green thumb can get along well with it, because it is a classic of hydroponics. In the following article we would like to deal with a less beautiful property of this plant, its toxicity to humans, children and cats.
As beautiful as the Dieffenbachia is, it is also poisonous
Well-known poisonous plant
The effect of the poison of the diffenbachia has long been known. In the inhumane days of slavery, for example, unwelcome witnesses were forced to eat from the leaves and thus silenced.
The active ingredients
- oxalic acid
- Calcium Oxalate Needles
- saponins
- Cyanogenic glycosides
- pungent substances
- alkaloids
All parts of the plant (leaves, petioles and the stem) are poisonous to humans, cats and other pets.
How does the poison work?
If you touch the plant, the poison acts like a snake bite. The calcium oxalate needles injure the skin, allowing the toxic active ingredients to penetrate deeply. The result is painful skin irritation.
When eating parts of the diffenbachia, the mucous membrane burns first and blisters form in the mouth. Mucous membranes, lips and tongue swell severely. This leads to speech impediments and can even lead to choking.
If juice from the diffenbachia splashes into the eye, it begins to water profusely. Eyelid spasms and severe inflammation occur as a result.
First aid measures
If a baby or a cat accidentally nibbled on the Diffenbachia, you should remove all parts of the plant that are still in the mouth as soon as possible. Then have the affected person rinse their mouth out. Drinking liquid makes sense, but you should never give milk to drink, as this promotes the absorption of the poison. If juice from the diffenbachia gets into your eyes, rinse them out immediately.
In any case, consult a doctor afterwards!
tips
Due to its toxicity and dangerousness, the diffenbachia should not be cultivated in households with a baby, toddler or pets.