Due to its relatively easy care, the dragon tree can be found in many private homes and offices. While it is not highly dangerous, like many other houseplants, it is not entirely non-toxic either.

The sap of the dragon tree is poisonous if consumed

Beware of the sap of the dragon tree

In principle, mere skin contact with a dragon tree normally has no negative effects on human or animal health. The situation is different with escaping plant sap or accidentally consumed leaves and flowers. The sap of the dragon tree contains so-called saponins, which can trigger the following symptoms in humans and animals if taken in higher doses:

  • increased salivation
  • Gum and stomach irritation
  • Vomit
  • diarrhea
  • bleeding

Protect children and pets from poisoning

Because the leaves of the dragon tree taste unpleasantly bitter, adults never actually consume the amounts necessary for severe poisoning. However, these amounts are correspondingly lower in a baby and small animals such as cats, dogs and rabbits, which can certainly result in a threat to them from the dragon tree. Small children should never be left alone in the room with a dragon tree (which they can reach) because otherwise accidents could happen due to the child's not yet fully developed sense of taste, despite the bitter taste of the leaves. If cats and dogs occasionally nibble on the dragon tree, this usually has no consequences. However, only pets kept in the house should be offered alternatives such as cat grass so that they do not even nibble on the dragon tree.

Asthmatics should beware of dragon trees

Allergy sufferers, asthmatics and other sensitive people can sometimes suffer from the presence of a dragon tree in the room without any direct physical contact. In rare cases, the air in the room can cause breathing difficulties and other symptoms. That's why you shouldn't put a dragon tree in a baby's room.

tips

So that the leaves on the dragon tree are no longer so easy for curious cats to reach, one can theoretically resort to the opposite of bonsai training: simply place the dragon tree in a relatively dark place in order to provoke a targeted increase in height of the thin trunk.

Category:

Indoor plants