Content
- The Dieffenbachia - very attractive but unfortunately poisonous
- Old known poison plant
- The active ingredients
- How does the poison work?
- First aid measures
- Tips
As beautiful as the Dieffenbachia is, so poisonous is it
The Dieffenbachia - very attractive but unfortunately poisonous
This foliage plant may well be one of the best known indoor plants, which is undoubtedly related to their robustness. Even people without the proverbial green thumb get along with her well, because she is a classic of hydroponics. In the following article, we would like to look at a less beautiful feature of this plant, its toxicity to humans, children and cats.
Next article The care of DieffenbachiaOld known poison plant
The effect of Diffenbachia's poison has long been known. In the inhuman times of slavery, for example, unpleasant witnesses were forced to eat from the leaves and silenced by this measure.
The active ingredients
All plant parts (leaves, petioles and the stem) are poisonous, both to humans and to cats and other pets.
How does the poison work?
If you touch the plant, the poison is similar to a snake bite. The calcium oxalate needles injure the skin, allowing the toxic agents to penetrate deeply. Painful skin irritation is the result.
When eating parts of the Diffenbachia first burns the mucous membrane and it forms bubbles in the mouth. Mucous membranes, lips and tongue swell strongly. This leads to speech disorders and can even lead to suffocation.
If juice from the Diffenbachie squirts in the eye, it starts to cry heavily. Eyelid cramps and severe inflammation occur in the episode.
First aid measures
If a baby or a cat has inadvertently nibbled from the Diffenbachia, you should remove all parts of the plant that are still in the mouth as quickly as possible. Then rinse the affected person's mouth. Fluid intake is useful, but you should not give milk to drink, as it favors the intake of poison. If juice from the Diffenbachie gets into the eye, rinse it out immediately.
In any case, look for a doctor!
Tips
Due to its toxicity and danger Diffenbachia should not be cultivated in households where a baby, small child or pets live.