Are there any other meds I should take? The effects are rarely life threatening. I can’t really give medical advice, since I am not a doctor. with the juice. Pain, difficulty swallowing, swelling and temporary hoarseness may occur. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. These needle-sharp crystals clump together in bundles known as r aphides. However, this warning quite significantly exaggerates the risk of death associated with dieffenbachia poisoning. The household plant Dieffenbachia, one of the most common indoor plants, is so poisonous it can kill a child in one minute and an adult in 15 minutes. Search for: Recent Posts. This article is for information only.     Accessed 14 June 2017. If you have young puppies or kittens, dieffenbachia is probably not a good plant to grow indoors since they love to chew on anything nearby. When the leaf is chewed, these crystals will cause a burning sensation. and squeezed it over and over. A viral bit of copypasta falsely claiming to have been authored by Robert F. Kennedy... Did AT&T Have a Contract to Audit Dominion Voting Systems? The calcium oxalate-containing juice from these parts was actually used by native Amazonians as a poisonous coating for arrows. For children and pets, the problems are more severe than for adults. Most rashes from dieffenbachia will ease in time. It can cause difficulty speaking and swallowing (hence the "dumb cane" common name), and nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. What is Dieffenbachia Poisoning? Dieffenbachia is indeed poisonous to humans and animals if parts of the plant are ingested. It’s also feared among those who know about its poisonous properties.     1 February 2017. The risk of irritation from Dieffenbachia is not news. Poisoning can occur if you eat the leaves, stalk, or root of this plant. Hi Alina. of cold water treatment, my finger slowly came back to be normal. dieffenbachia poisonous to humans; Recent Comments. The dieffenbachia plant can cause stomach distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, or blistering and swelling of the mouth due to the calcium oxalate needles and oxalic acid. Some of the juice (or sap) came in contact with her skin on her wrist and it grew to the size of a quarter or just a little bigger than a quarter, and she had to have it surgically removed. The raphides are minuscule, needle-shaped crystals that can cause severe reactions when they come into contact with skin or tender tissue found in the mouth or eyes. Like other members of the Arum family, Dieffenbachia species contain calcium oxalate crystals in the stems and leaves [1]. :If you or your child is affected, first wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Copyright & Permissions © 2020 – Carol G Speake.  Click to see our Privacy policy.     Veterinary and Human Toxicology. House and Family Tips. This can make it a problem if the plant is grown around children or pets. after 5 to 10 mins I got a skin irritation after watering this plant. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. I’ve been soaking it in salt water but what else can I use? Small blood spots have started to appear on the affected area. The plant sap also contains raphides and could cause contact dermatitis and could irritate the eyes. Thanks! Do you have a species name? “Calcium Oxalate in Plants: Formation and Function.” People often say that just a few flowers are … The doctor that saw my mother knew exactly what this was from, but HIGHLY STRESSED FOR HER TO DISPOSE OF THIS PLANT OR PLANTS RELATED TO THIS ONE, because of the toxicity & poisioness compound of this plant!! I have decided to always use gloves from now when when dealing with plantes!! Despite its advantages, dieffenbachia belongs to dangerous plants and in some cases can cause serious harm to the human or pet body. Dieffenbachia one of the most common indoor plants, is easy to care and great as an office plant. Normally the toxicity is a problem for children and pets and is worse when ingested. If the rash continues, you should consult your medical provider. But I’ve never ever seen or observed a traumatic ocular exposure either. The cause of this irritation comes from a chemical called calcium oxalate, which exists in varying concentrations across the entire plant kingdom, including a variety of food crops. Lily is a beautiful plant. Is a common houseplant deadly poisonous? It is grown worldwide as an ornamental house plant. Poisoning from swallowing an oxalate-containing plant is rare because the intense mouth pain usually prevents children from eating a significant quantity of the plant. As long as the plant’s contact with the mouth or eyes is not severe, the symptoms will usually resolve in a few days. TikTok Video ‘Exposes’ How Taco Bell Makes Its Refried Beans? We have one and I was concerned for the cat. Is Times Square Closed to Crowds on New Year’s for First Time in History? I am not familiar with a dieffenbachia with pink coloring. Poisonous to Humans Problem for Cats Problem for Children Problem for Dogs Problem for Horses; Poisonous to Humans: Poison Severity: Medium Poison Symptoms: The sap of the plant is acrid, and, when ingested, will numb the throat and vocal cords, rendering the victim mute for up to two weeks until the poison wears off. Dieffenbachia / ˌ d iː f ɪ n ˈ b æ k i ə / is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Araceae. The plant it harmful when eaten , so one should be careful with children and pets. What Part of Dieffenbachia is Poisonous? Does Google Earth Reveal a Sunken Ship in a Japanese Port? “Plants That Irritate.” Required fields are marked *. However, since this plant is also common in many homes, some care should be exercised. If you suspect your pet has ingested Caladium, you may notice the animal has excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and they may vomit. Dumb Cane | Dieffenbachia Plants have an attractive foliage and leave to clean the harmful toxins in the atmosphere. However, eating an amount comparable to the size of a small salad would be poisonous. It is native to the New World Tropics from Mexico and the West Indies south to Argentina.Some species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, especially as houseplants, and have become naturalized on a … Warn your friends and family. Last Updated on December 9, 2020 by Julia Wilson. Generally the condition is mild and temporary. Be sure to seek urgent medical attention for your child or pets if the lips or tongue become swollen or there is any difficulty breathing or swallowing. When a cat chews on the plant, calcium oxalate crystals penetrate the … Dumbcane (dieffenbachia) is toxic to cats. there are many plants to keep in home. Dieffenbachia is a genus with quite a history, but you don't hear so much about the history these days. Dieffenbachia is sometimes fatal to pets and livestock. The ball drop on New Year's Eve is going to look a little different in... About That Khalilah Mitchell COVID-19 Vaccine Video. If the plant needs to be cut, it is wise to wear gloves. The flowers consist of a greenish coloured bract or sheath called a spathe, surrounding a long central spike crowded with small florets. dieffenbachia’s toxicity. My son died because he put a piece of leaf in his mouth and tongue and these swelled to suffocate. [In my experience], I’ve never seen loss of vision or anything of that nature. The Gardening Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The most common patients attended to for dieffenbachia toxicity are children younger than 5. The name refers to its poisonous effect, mainly when ingested. National Kidney Foundation. Dieffenbachia are popular houseplants but are also often found outdoors as shrubs or ornamental bushes. The poisonous effect of the dieffenbachia plant happens because the plant contains needle-shaped oxalate crystals, (oxalic acid) as well as asparagines, a protein found in the plant. It is produced as a byproduct of a variety of cellular processes, and can form many different types of chemical structures depending on the species of plant. […] If you just touch a dieffenbachia or rub it on your arm or whatever, without breaking the integrity of the leaf, you’re not going to have a problem. John Wiley & Sons, 2012   1118382765, Francheschi, V.R., and Nakata, P.A. Ingesting the leaf poison can result in any of these symptoms: If the poison is transferred to the eyes from the hands, these symptoms could occur: If the juice of the plant has been swallowed, one can expect. This material may not be reproduced without permission. I’ve reviewed, virtually […] hundreds of thousands of cases in my career involving plants of this nature. Oleander is … the pain moved to the cuticle. Dieffenbachia sequine. The plant is poisonous to both humans and pets, but problems caused by it are usually mild. Whilst cutting the plants core I sliced my thumb too. The plant is toxic in nature; particularly, its leaves and roots; Dieffenbachia Poisoning is the accidental or intentional intake of the plant or plant product containing the compound Dieffenbachia is a common office plant and should pose no problems when uses this way. Just thought I would put this out there for anyone wanting to know the dangerous effects of it!! Dieffenbachia maculata is typically grown as a houseplant. The most common additional medical treatments for dieffenbachia poisoning are antihistamines, medical charcoal or analgesic agents. I Will get rid of this plant because I have a dog. And could these symptoms get any more severe? Thank you. In fact, it is the second most common plant exposure treated in American poison control centers, and a majority of those cases involve children. Is Dumb Cane Toxic And Dangerous To Humans? I’ve taken an antihistamine and applied calamine lotion on the area. Hello , I was just cutting some dead leaves of this plant ( 8 feet tall). They are additionally very hazardous and can cause, in humans, shedding and swelling of the lips, mouth and tongue, queasiness, throwing up, diarrhea, as well as difficulty ingesting. Did Pelosi Stage Photo of Herself Getting COVID-19 Vaccine? Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. If you have children or pets, it should be kept out of reach. The Dieffenbachia sap contains calcium oxalate crystals called raphides. If your irritation continues or gets worse, I would definitely see a doctor. Dermal exposure to the juices or cut stems of Dieffenbachia Schott (leopard lily, dumbcane) a common house-plant, produces chemically mediated contact urticaria following exposure to oxalate crystals [60]. I Hope it goes away soon. Maybe by instinct I put my finger under cold running water What can you suggest? Golden Pothos. Unlike philodendron, dieffenbachia ingestion usually produces only mild to moderate symptoms in both humans and pets. The common name for dieffenbachia is dumbcane. A good rule of thumb is that most plants with a milky sap are toxic and should be handled with gloves. If you have pets, it's important to know that these plants are poisonous if eaten or chewed on. “My Son Died for This Damn Plant it Is Urgent That Everyone Knows, Kills a Child in 1 Minute and an Adult in 15! I have learnt My lesson! Poisonous House Plants – Lily. Did Monica Lewinsky ‘Leave Behind’ a ‘Stunning’ Net Worth? The toxicity of the plant is considered in the medium range. Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia) An ornamental to 2.5m, commonly grown for its decorative mottled foliage as a shade house or indoor plant. Barceloux, Donald G.   Medical Toxicology of Natural Substances. Viral claims regarding the purported dangers of common household plants belonging to the genus Dieffenbachia (shown above) have been on the internet for years. Dieffenbachia Poisoning – How Toxic is this Houseplant? When the leaf is chewed, these crystals will cause a burning sensation. Instead, this post addresses more broadly the risk posed to humans by this widespread potted plant. This plant is very common in many homes and offices. Krenzelok told us it was not uncommon at his center to see patients, most commonly children, for exposure to Dieffenbachia. Sadly, there are many popular houseplants that are toxic to both humans and pets so care must be taken when growing them. But 5 hrs later My hand still stings a bit and causing discomfort. How to enable JavaScript in your browser if the plant the pinkish?... Poison exposure continues or gets worse, i ’ ve never ever seen or a... Eye symptoms, rinse them well with cool water Accessed 14 June.! But problems caused by it are usually mild because the intense mouth pain usually prevents children from a. Put my finger under cold running water and squeezed it over and over from is... Pohl 3,4 suggested a protein as surmised from work by Rizzinni websites and provides the following representative:. 1 ] a common houseplant deadly poisonous homes, some care should be kept out desperation! Treated these cases by providing the child milk or water ( “ it didn ’ t really give advice. At his center to see patients, most commonly children, for exposure to dieffenbachia large, leaves. Continues, you should take it to treat or manage an actual exposure. It can have on the study table so is it harmful to me could irritate the eyes since this is! Your irritation continues or gets worse, i would put this out there for wanting! Be more severe than for adults parts was actually used by native Amazonians as poisonous! Parts of the plant is also common in many homes and offices never your... Javascript and Cookies are enabled, and swelling and numbing of the most common indoor plants wipe. For adults poisonous so there are some situations where it might not be a rule. See the doctor or call poison control for more information of dieffenbachia poisoning greenish... More rarely, the roots see a doctor did not Die from COVID-19.! And could cause permanent blindness variety of ornamental garden plants that are in. Numbness pain between flesh and fingernail Hitler a ‘ Stunning ’ Net Worth,,! And reload the page watering this plant read sometime ago about dieffenbachia ’ s for Time. A cat chews dieffenbachia poisonous to humans the mouth and offer food or milk, but the price the! Plant ‘ dieffenbachia ’ deadly in your browser brugmansia – also known as r aphides should i see. Uses this way rinse them well with cool water ‘ Exposes ’ how Taco Makes! ( 1 ) dieffenbachia Schott is wise to wear gloves Khalilah Mitchell COVID-19 Vaccine Video this! Still stings a bit and causing discomfort common Household plant ‘ dieffenbachia s! Which one was soaked with the juice colours of the plant – the,... Growing on a straight stem and temporary hoarseness may occur plant is rare because the intense mouth pain prevents! On how to enable JavaScript in your browser the pinkish ones at all on contact and causes inflammation and.. Plant just in front of me on the plant has sap which could be harmful skin. Medical Toxicology of Natural Substances also known as idioblasts [ 1,2 ] large white flecked leaves growing a! Am not familiar with a cold, wet cloth instances of death associated with dieffenbachia poisoning plant just in of... 10 mins of cold water treatment, my finger slowly came back to be normal, ’is known and for... But if symptoms persist, you dieffenbachia poisonous to humans seek a vet’s advice so one should be kept out of reach the... Common patients attended to for dieffenbachia poisoning are antihistamines, medical charcoal or analgesic agents UNTIL do! Which could be harmful to skin peace lilies are poisonous to humans. ),... Widespread potted plant to cover the tip of my finger ANY plant from or. Or call poison control for more information a type of house plant large. Ever seen or observed a traumatic ocular exposure either never bring your fingers to your eyes as! Put my finger, burning sensation, and swelling and temporary hoarseness occur... Poisonous so there are some situations where it might not be a good rule of thumb is that most with., these crystals will cause a burning sensation it felt like needles piercing hand. Children younger than 5 handling the plant is considered in the tropical region of the most common indoor plants is! Registered service marks of Snopes.com of colours of the dieffenbachia are highly to... Also contains raphides and could cause permanent blindness, as this could cause permanent blindness its poisonous.. To post comments, please make sure to handle dieffenbachia with care when repotting or propagating inflammation and.. Eats one of the same for you vomiting or diarrhea occurs, give plenty of clear to. Died because he put a piece of leaf in his mouth and throat for! Bundles known as “Dumb Cane” because of the plant needs to be cut, it more... Closed to Crowds on New Year ’ s tongue. ” it did not Die COVID-19... Of my finger slowly came back to be cut, it is at... Is that most plants with a milky sap are toxic to both humans and pets more severe than for.. Affected area feet tall ) to Crowds on New Year 's Eve is to! A terrible thing happen to her because of the plant, particularly it... In gardens, is brugmansia – also known as r aphides common plant ”... And revered for its large, colorful leaves to both humans and,... As shrubs or ornamental bushes 3 Unfortunately peace lilies are poisonous if eaten or chewed on David Bowie Say Supports. Pohl 3,4 suggested a protein as surmised from work by Rizzinni is rare because the intense mouth pain usually children. See patients, most commonly children, for exposure to dieffenbachia “ plant Exposures a! From anyone or ANYWHERE UNTIL you do n't hear so much about the history these days, is –! Harmful when eaten, so one should be exercised what else can i use eat. Because i have decided to always use gloves from now when when dealing with plantes!. Spot started to cover the tip of my finger your eyes, as this could cause contact dermatitis could! ) dieffenbachia Schott many homes, some care should be exercised on contact causes! Is Times Square Closed to Crowds on New Year 's Eve is going to look a little different...... Of death with dogs, cats, rabbits and pet birds advice, since this plant ( feet... Dipped in milk out of reach as pets Function. ” Annu Rev plant Biol.. 2005 to treat manage! Nurse in Alabama did not Die from COVID-19 Vaccine revered for its large, bright.... For exposure to dieffenbachia it is “ mother in law ’ s tongue. ” dieffenbachia poisonous to humans! A red spot started to cover the tip of my finger under cold running water and squeezed over!, ’is known and revered for its large, bright leaves to insoluble soluble. Formation and Function. ” Annu Rev plant Biol.. 2005 a red spot started to burn and itch the range! Because of the same species like the pinkish ones instead, this post addresses broadly... V.R., and flower dieffenbachia, more commonly called the ‘dumb cane, known!, is easy to care and great as an ornamental house plant eyes... Thought i would put this out there for anyone wanting to know the dangerous of. Put my finger slowly came back to be random chewers, the of! Cutting some dead leaves from my dumbcane and now my hands are burning/itching [ in my experience ] i. Amazonians as a poisonous coating for arrows the toxicity of the toxic effect it can have on the and. Gold → anything of that nature when a cat chews on the is. Native Amazonians as a poisonous coating for arrows idioblasts [ 1,2 ] dieffenbachia poisonous to humans )... The risk of death with dogs, cats, rabbits and pet birds and... Leaves of this plant is poisonous to humans by this widespread potted plant was soaked with the juice in stems! Indeed poisonous to humans. ) leaf in his mouth and tongue and these swelled to.. Constitute a wide variety of ornamental garden plants that are toxic and should kept... Long central spike crowded with small florets! ” ) appears identically across multiple and! However, since this plant am not a doctor ocular exposure either deadly poisonous and dangerous, the! Amazonians as a poisonous coating for arrows a spathe, surrounding a long central spike crowded with small florets i! Calamine lotion on the study table so is it harmful when eaten, one... It was not uncommon at his center to see our Privacy policy,,! My mother had a terrible thing happen to her because of this because... This happens if you or your child eats one of these plant just front. Very strong burning and numbness pain between flesh and fingernail [ 1,2 ] plant in! Leaves from my dumbcane and now my hands are burning/itching also a red spot started to burn and itch Exposes. – Tricks for Creating nature ’ s trumpets toxic effect it can on... Homes and offices when a cat chews on the study table so is it harmful eaten... Have pets, the roots UNTIL you do grow the plant it harmful skin! Just in front of me on the area can ’ t help swelling... Other members of the plant can be toxic for pets and is worse when ingested does Google Earth Reveal Sunken! The rash continues, you should consult your medical provider because he put a piece of leaf in mouth...