A plant such as ficus is increasingly grown by floriculturists at home. This unique plant attracts with its appearance and is unpretentious in its care, because of the question: “Is Ficus poisonous or not?” more and more gardeners are interested.
Attractive external data of the ficus prompts the acquisition of such a decorative tree grown in a pot. It looks impressive and perfectly complements the interior. Is ficus safe? Poisonous or not, and what harm it can cause the plant to children and adults, pets, we will try to figure it out together.
The whole truth about the mysterious properties of ficus
For many years, flower growers have been looking for answers to an interesting question regarding the safety of ficus. And now, scientists were able to satisfy their requirements and give an answer to the question: "Ficus is poisonous or not." This is the question that most often interests lovers of home plants.
As a result of the study, scientists were able to establish: the ficus is still poisonous. That is why any manipulations associated with caring for the plant are carried out with gloves.
What is poisonous ficus?
So, the answer to the question: “Is Ficus poisonous or not?” you've already received, now it remains to figure out where the plant contains poison and in what concentration.
Ficus juice containing rubber (Ficus Elastica - about 40%), once exposed to unprotected skin, mucous membranes can cause an allergic reaction, accompanied by itching, redness and other symptoms typical of irritation.
Is ficus poisonous for pets
And how does ficus affect pets ? Poisonous or not for cats, hamsters and other domestic animals? A plant is not a threat unless the animal constantly nibbles it or strives to sharpen its claws. In this case, it is better to remove the tree in another room inaccessible to the cat or dog, where the pet will not be able to contact the ficus.
The owners of the four-legged ones ask: “Is Ficus poisonous or not for dogs?” Calm down, as with other pets, it is safe if the pet does not have direct contact with the plant and does not suffer from allergies.
Is the flower safe for children
Children, especially babies, constantly touch everything, try to taste, smell. Ficus is no exception. Toxic or not for children - this question interests many parents. It carries a special danger to babies. For a growing, not yet strong body, the likelihood of poisoning by poisonous substances secreted by the flower is especially high.
Therefore, the conclusion is obvious: if there is a child in the house - be safe! Refuse to purchase such a plant, and if it is already in your house, place it in a place inaccessible to the baby or, better yet, give it to someone else.
Hypoallergenicity or its absence
Allergy sufferers are not recommended to contact ficus. Experts do not recommend keeping such a plant at home, even if one of the family members suffers from an allergy or intolerance to latex. The plant secretes juice not only due to damage, but also during the period when it is sick. The escaping juice evaporates into the air, and people who react even to the smallest doses of toxic substances can catch such compounds contained in the air and get not only an allergy, but also a mucous burn if the concentration of evaporated rubber is too high.
Chronically sick people suffering from allergies and asthma during the period when the disease worsens (in spring) are extremely sensitive to ficus milk. Among domestic allergens, it occupies the third position after pet hair and ticks.
Based on the foregoing, we can conclude: speaking of ficus, there can be no talk about hypoallergenicity of a plant!
Signs of poisoning (allergies)
Remember that some of the plants are far from harmless, and those who suffer from allergies can cause complications in any manifestations: in the form of bronchial asthma, swelling of the mucous membrane, vomiting, frustration, etc.
Such a room flower, like ficus, and with it both philodendron and dieffenbachia can secrete poisonous juice for humans. Of course, its concentration is not so strong as to kill, but it can cause some diseases. Acute inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, etc. are diseases that can befall you after inaccurate contact with the plant.
Those suffering from such a disease should be aware that ficuses, or rather, their juice, can act as a provocateur of exacerbation.
The flow of juice is observed not only in case of damage to the plant. Microscopic droplets seep onto the surface of the leaves, from where the toxic substances evaporate, evaporating, spreading through the airspace of the room. People who are constantly in such a room breathe these substances together with oxygen, as a result of which they get burns of the mucous membranes and the appearance of allergies.
Latex allergy sufferers growing ficus in the house may feel its negative effects due to the developed cross-reaction to fruits and vegetables. These include avocado, pineapple, banana, peanuts, dates, mango, kiwi, melon, cherries; from vegetables - soy, tomatoes, potatoes.
Favorite places of ficus in the house
Those who keep indoor plants in the house know that most of them love sunlight, including ficus. Although it feels great on windows facing north, a too shaded area still adversely affects the state of the ficus. The plant may begin to hurt or fade. Therefore, it is better to put a pot with a plant where there is free access to sunlight.
Those species of ficuses that have large variegated leaves like bright sunlight, and representatives with more delicate leaves like scattered rays.
In summer, ficus can be kept on the street, terrace or balcony.
Do not try to move the plant too often. Ficuses do not really like frequent changes in conditions, so they can respond to a change of place by dropping leaves.
In winter, move the plant to the side where the light enters the room for the longest time, organize artificial lighting using a special lamp. This will ensure a healthy appearance and active growth of the plant in the cold season.
We hope we answered your question: "Ficus is poisonous or not." Where better to put a flower pot, it's up to you, guided by the recommendations provided.