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Numerous varieties of dieffenbachia more than 150 years grown as a hothouse and home cultures, and onlyrecent years are increasingly talking about the toxicity of the plant.
Why dangerous dieffenbachia, why not keep this spectacular plant at home?
The history of the introduction of dieffenbachia in the culture of
In the world there are about 50 types of dieffenbachia, mainly growing in the countries of South America. These plants belong to the Aroid family. The genus is famous for ornamental deciduous evergreen crops, the main advantage of which is large motley leaves.
After the discovery of America, when developing the previously unknown lands of Oceania and the Caribbean, plants from new territories often fell on neighboring islands and the mainland. Precisely so, with ships of merchants and pirates, Dieffenbachia was brought to the south of the present United States, Tahiti, Hawaii, the Cook Islands, and other tropical areas. Then the culture was delivered to Europe.
Thanks to powerful shoots, dense lush foliage and delicate nature, soon after they appeared on the shores of the Old World, the plants became desirable in greenhouses, and then settled in the houses on the windowsills.
Since that time, Dieffenbachia has never become the culprit of a serious poisoning or death of people. At least, that dieffenbachia is poisonous or not, neither the press nor the doctors mentioned.
In the Americas, the picky plant so well and quickly mastered the new conditions that in many places it became a real weed. Here, no one thought of keeping dieffenbachia in pots, but she never revealed her harmfulness in the open field. Is that gradually displaces the native species, taking under the warm sun the best places and lands.
What caused diefenbachia, can you keep it at home or is it better to get rid of powerful green pets with beautiful foliage?
Doubts about the benefits and harms of dieffenbachia appeared in the 20th century, when scientists investigated the composition of the greenery not only of this culture, but also of other representatives of the Aroids.
Calcium oxalates have been found in all parts of these plants, which have an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory organs and the digestive tract. In some species, the content of potentially hazardous substances was meager, in others - many times more.
The benefits and harms of Dieffenbachia
So is Dieffenbachia toxic or not? If we compare this genus of Aroids with other brothers in the family, we can say that the plant sap contains a significant amount of caustic compound. When it enters the esophagus, greens cause:
- rez;
- burning sensation;
- painful cramps;
- gagging.
Do not avoid irritation, cramps and swelling if the juice of dieffenbachia gets into the eyes or on sensitive areas of the body. Those who are predisposed to allergic reactions and small children suffer the most.
But is culture dangerous in everyday life and is it possible to keep the flower of dieffenbachia at home? If to understand, the damage from the plant is possible only in three cases:
- with careless care and neglect of safety measures;
- when the greenness of the flower falls into the hands of small children;
- when eating foliage pets.
It is reasonable to use gloves when trimming, transplanting and other manipulations with dieffenbachia. Such a requirement must be strictly observed in case of hypersensitivity of the skin and the presence of allergy to other plants.
Security measures and assistance in poisoning with dieffenbachia juice
If, however, the juice gets on the skin, eyes, or oral mucosa, it is important to wash it off with running water as soon as possible. The effects of toxins begin to be felt literally in seconds, so you should not hesitate
Swallowing leaves threatens to swelling of the larynx and painful shock. These conditions are especially dangerous for children under three years of age and domestic animals who cannot tell about their problem, which means that providing them with quick help does not always work either.
In order to keep children and cats and dogs living in the home away from danger, it is better to put the dieffenbachia pot out of the reach of risk categories.
Based on the above, one conclusion can be made. The question: “Is it possible to keep dieffenbachia, as in the photo, at home?” Should be decided individually if the family has:
- people with hypersensitivity to the components of dieffenbachia juice;
- children under the age of 3-4 years;
- pets, especially cats, often encroaching on indoor flowers.
In other cases, dieffenbachia is not dangerous, and its owner should only follow basic safety precautions.
Among other things, it is worth remembering that all green plants, including Dieffenbachia, actively clean the air during the daytime and produce oxygen. But at night the situation is changing. Without sunlight, all home cultures replenish the atmosphere of the room with carbon dioxide, so large specimens should not be placed not only in children's rooms and public places, but also in sleeping rooms.
