You’ve indulged
in eggnog latte(s), dragged the tree out of storage and your holiday plants are
blooming in full glory – but did you know poinsettias (among other Christmas floras)
are poisonous?
This season,
find out what’s toxic and what’s not before the in-laws, friends and pets come
over:
Holly
and mistletoe
Looking forward
to festooning your doorway with boughs of holly and mistletoe?
It may be hard
to fathom why – but the leaves, bark and especially berries of these seasonal
shrubberies contain deadly poison theobromine and toxin phoraxin. And if
accidently gnawed on by children or pets much intestinal upset like: vomiting,
diarrhea and excessive drooling can ensue.
Keep your
holidays merry by adorning holly and mistletoe out of reach from dogs and kids.
Or, opt to “deck the halls” with artificial-silk mistletoe instead.
Poinsettia
Though
poinsettias take center stage when it comes to ornamental bouquets on the
dining table – a simple rub against its sap can cause mild, itchy rashes.
Likewise
snacking on a leaf or two may spur vomiting and stomach pain. However, if
you’ve landed on this classic plant for Christmas, don’t feel too anxious –
warn guests beforehand and use warm water with soap ASAP if a sideswipe with
skin happens.
Jerusalem
cherry
If you’re looking for that vibrant red or orange pop atop
your rustic Christmas mantle, Jerusalem cherry does the trick. But keep in mind
that just a swallow of this decorative plant can lead to unwanted
hallucinations, skin redness and vomiting.
Lilies
Cultivated in
pots and stylishly placed in vases – snow white lilies can brighten up the room
and keep your Christmas décor from looking cliché.
But do take note
that lilies are highly toxic to cats and dogs. Just a small bite of this flora
can severely seize your kitty’s digestive system and warning signs like:
convulsions, arrhythmia and gastrointestinal pains can swiftly arise.
Harmless
holiday alternatives
Gifting a seasonal plant this year? Consider these
festive yet harmless options:
Christmas
cactus
The Christmas
cactus has been a holiday favorite since the 1800s! Made of arching branches,
spineless joints and flat green leaves – rosy red, white and fuchsia flowers
can be expected to bloom come December.
Lucky
bamboo plant
Lucky bamboo
plants are floral shop favorites and according to feng shui – bring harmony and
fortune to the home.
This season, add
to your gifts by giving a lucky piece to friends and family. Or dress up a
glass vase with water and small pebbles along with a red ribbon for prosperity
and ready your home for the holidays.
Jade
plant
Also called the
money plant or friendship tree, these easy-to-care-for plants have plump
leaves, thick branches and boast pink or white star-shaped flowers. Evergreen
in color and attractive to the eye, jade plants are a gift of good luck and
success.
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