Toxic Winter Plants
Winter Plants Poisonous to You and Your Pets
As frost rolls in and noses turn red there's no denying that winter will soon be in full swing. With temperatures dropping and trees losing their leaves, many are seeking to invest in festive-themed houseplants to bring some vibrance back, with the past week alone seeing a 5900% increase in Google searches around the globe for winter houseplants during these chilly months of the year. But with our furry friends being the heart of our homes how can we make sure they stay safe?
Surveys have shown that 10% of pets have fallen ill after eating foliage in the home, with 43% of those needing urgent veterinary care. Experts at Clear It Waste have compiled a list of popular toxic plants that are favourites around this time of year to ensure everybody is staying as safe as possible.
Holly
Holly is an all year classic but because of its evergreen nature and vibrant red berries, holly has become a firm favourite of the colder months. Whilst the leaves are pointy, and can cause small damage, the real danger with holly is the red berries.
The berries contain a chemical called Theobromine, the same chemical compound found in chocolate, which is highly toxic for dogs and cats. It often causes vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure and in severe cases, even death.
Holly leaves also contain Theobromine, though in a much smaller dose, consumption is still strongly discouraged. Holly, whilst beautiful, is definitely one to be wary of this winter.
Poinsettia
A popular addition to many Christmas displays, the alluring red hues and elegantly shaped leaves of the Poinsettia make the flower hard to resist, so what is the real risk of it?
Poinsettia has a reputation for being extremely poisonous for animals and humans if ingested. However, researchers are now suggesting that the plant has low levels of poison, if any at all. The sap of the plant has also been shown to produce a mild reaction when in contact with skin.
That being said, Clear It Waste still suggests keeping this beauty away from pets and children as ingesting high volumes of it could still produce nausea and vomiting. But in general, this is one plant considered safe for your festivities!
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