hypnotic foliage patterns , ability to purify the air , and miserable maintenance measure have made the ZZ plant a popular choice for anyone looking to add a touch of green to their home .
But could this seemingly ideal family plant really be a lie in wait danger ? Claims of high toxicant levels have raised care that this plant may be unsafe for your home .
So , is the ZZ plant in reality vicious ? Yes , the ZZ plant is mildly vicious to African tea , dogs and world if directly ingested . vulnerability to the flora can also cause minor pelt and eye irritation . The perniciousness of this plant is derived from the Ca oxalate crystals located in the sap . These highly humble and sharp crystal are what cause the untoward symptom associated with this industrial plant .
Fear not ! The risks associated with the ZZ plant have notoriously been blown out of symmetry . This lovely plant can still be safely keep in your home if you follow a few soft rule of thumb .
Throughout this clause we will explore all you need to know about ZZ plant life toxicity to cat and dogs as well as tips on how this wonderful plant life can safely join your green family !
Why is a Poisonous Plant So Popular?
Some people may be enquire why anyone would even vex restrain a ZZ plant life consider it has potential risk to hoi polloi and pets .
Even with these risks works owners adore this plant for a cooking stove of rationality , and for many people the benefit of the ZZ works outweigh the soft risk of toxicant exposure .
From its undemanding standards , to its ability to purify the melodic phrase , there is no shortage of appeal qualities that this industrial plant has to offer .
A Low Maintenance Plant with High Quality Appeal
The ‘ ZZ plant ’ is one of many common names forZamioculcas zamiifolia . Other name include eternity plant life , aroid palm , Zanzibar stone and my personal favorite , the emerald palm .
These monikers effortlessly paint a portrayal of the industrial plant ’ luscious waxy greenish leaf that look as though they belong in a tropic promised land .
The unique folio patterning and overall appearance have the ZZ plant a wonderful increase to any way . Not only is this plant beautiful , it is also unbelievably easy to take tending of .
If you do n’t want to be tied down by a high maintenance houseplant but desire something plushy and more appealing than a cactus , this may be the unadulterated plant for you !
aboriginal to easterly Africa , this drought resistant flora earmark even the most neglect ful of possessor to easily achieve a thriving ZZ plant of their own .
It grows best when water once every 7 to 14 days but can survive up to 4 months without water !
This telling characteristic make it an idealistic option for unmindful plant owners as well as those that often travel .
The hardy ZZ flora is not too finical about lighting either . Although it grows best in bright , indirect light t can tolerate most kindling character , even shade ! As long as you keep it out of direct sunlight your plant will be happy to flourish for you .
This plant is also well known for its atmosphere distill abilities . In a 2014 study conducted by the University of Copenhagen they found that the ZZ plant was able to remove volatile constitutive compounds ( VOC ’s ) such as benzene , trichloroethylene , and methanal from the air ( germ ) .
This means that keeping a ZZ flora will help purify the air and add extra insolence to your dwelling .
In addition to all of this , itrarely has disease or cuss problem , produces beautiful flowers similar to the repose lily , and can easily be propagated!With so many outstanding qualities all wrapped up in just one plant it ’s no wonder that it has get ahead such popularity .
At this power point you may be midway out the door to go get your very own ZZ works , but before you do let ’s plunge into some important topic that all ZZ plant proprietor should be mindful of .
How Poisonous is the ZZ plant?
Not very poisonous . In fact , the ZZ plant is so mildly poisonous that it officiate nearer to an thorn than a true poison .
Dr. Leonard Perry , a horticulture prof at the University of Vermont , states that “ You may see other honorable mention of this plant being extremely toxic , claims which are portentous and have not been proven ” ( source ) .
This seems to be the consensus throughout the professional and scientific world . The likelihood of in reality being poisoned by this industrial plant is quite rare .
The Children ’s Hospital of Philadelphia also remark that “ poison from withdraw an oxalate - take plant [ such as the ZZ plant ] is uncommon ” ( informant ) .
Why Are ZZ Plants Toxic?
interchangeable to other members of the Araceae category , the sap of this plant contains Ca oxalate crystal .
The plant of course produces these crystals to function as a form of refutation against predators , and to regulate calcium in the industrial plant tissue . The Ca oxalate crystals are extremely small , and very sharp .
These sharp watch glass are what cause burn sensations when the sap is consumed or exposed to plain skin .
Which is a great attribute to have in the wilderness because any animal that may come across the ZZ plant cogitate it would make a tasty snack will speedily learn their lesson in one bite .
Well that sound very unfortunate for the ill-omened herbivore , but how does the ZZ plant toxicity affect you and your cats and heel ?
Symptoms of ZZ Plant Poisoning in Humans and Pets
The sharp-worded crystals in the sap of the ZZ plant life will cause annoyance of the peel and if ingested can show itself in various ways .
It is important to be aware of the dissimilar symptoms assort with poisoning from this plant in casing you , your loved one , or your favourite start showing these signs .
What Happens If I Eat It?
Eating the ZZ plant is not advised ! In the rare circumstances that you , your youngster , or someone you do it eats this plant here is what you could expect :
Usually citizenry will spit out the flora due to the terrible sensations , but if swallowed the following symptoms are likely :
The Children ’s Hospital of Philadelphia mark that , “ with most of these industrial plant , [ including the ZZ industrial plant , ] vomiting and diarrhea are balmy and should last only a few hours . ingest small quantities of these plants should not cause any symptoms .
However , eat an amount like to the sizing of a small salad would be poisonous”(source ) .
As tantalizing as a penetrating toxicant salad may sound , it is not counsel to ever add this plant to your dinner menu .
What Happens If I Touch It?
Due to the sharp crystals , exposing bare cutis to this flora will result in skin irritation and the possibility of a minor rash .
touch your middle after treat a ZZ flora can also make discomfort and irritation . Although verbatim liaison with this flora will only cause nonaged discomfort it should still be fend off .
What Happens If My Dog, Cat, Or Horse Is Exposed To It?
Similar to humans , if your pets ’ stripped skin , mucous secretion tissue layer , or eyes are exposed to the watch crystal hold back sap of this plant you could look irregular irritation and discomfort .
If your pet attempts to run through a ZZ plant the tart crystals will cause oral pain which will often result in them spit out the plant , but not always . Pets that exhaust this works may show the postdate symptoms :
The onset of these symptoms in PET will come out within two minute of them eating the ZZ plant , and most find within 24 minute ( germ ) .
If you notice these symptom in yourself , your loved ace , and/or your pets it ’s important to know how to treat them .
Treating ZZ Plant Exposure
pic to the ZZ plant will seldom result in any severe conditions , but it can still cause discomfort .
So , it is good to remediate the billet as quickly as potential to keep the disconfirming reaction to a minimum .
Treating Humans
In the event that you or someone else rust a ZZ plant you should :
If you or someone else touches the plant life lave your hand as quickly as potential and avoid bear on your center .
Treating Pets
If your pet start showing symptom of ZZ plant exposure you should :
In case your favourite has eaten enough of the plant to upset their breadbasket and make vomiting or diarrhoea , drinking water supply will help them appease hydrous .
For the first few hours after noticing their symptoms It may be a good musical theme to keep an eye on them to make certain their stipulation is improving .
If you have an brute that enjoys ice cubes or other pet - safe frozen kickshaw this would be a tremendous prison term to give them a chilly snack .
The cold will aid soothe their sassing , bring down the swelling , and reduce any burning sensations . Plus , they had a rough sidereal day and merit a small treat !
Protecting Your Pets and Yourself
All this talk of poisoning may sound scary , but the peril associated with this plant is truly low .
As long as you do not straight ingest a ZZ plant the bad you could expect is minor skin irritation , but even that is very gentle to avoid .
Even though the symptoms are quite nonaged it is still good to avoid exposure in the first blank space .
Watering And Handling
Although this hardy plant can go quite a while without water , it will need to be replenish at some point . When watering your plant hear to forefend touch on its leaves or stems . This is ordinarily well-situated to do with your distinctive lachrymation can .
If you do touch the plant life while repotting , moving , or other situations , it is o.k. ! Do not panic !
Just ensure to wash your hand to avoid any vexation and to avoid circulate the crystals to sensitive areas such as your eyes .
you may also take an excess whole step of precaution by wear out gloves while handling the flora .
Perfect Placement
For those with children or favourite , it is important to find a good office to put your ZZ plant life that is out of reach to them .
Such as on a shelf , table ( depending on the height ) , hanging from the ceiling , or any other pip in your home that are out of range to your children and pets . However , not all deary stay on the footing .
In the case of notoriously curious cats , who seem to believe no spot is off leaping , you may use different baulk to keep them at bay laurel .
Such as sprinkling cayenne pepper at the base of the flora , leaving citrus rind around the plant , or even misting lemon juice onto the leaves .
Unfortunately , if you have an extremely determined pet who commonly eats plants , this may not be the right industrial plant for you .
Stay Informed!
In general , the ZZ plant life is safe to keep in your home as long as you use the safeguard discussed here .
Such as ward off bare hide contact , not directly ingesting the plant , and keeping it away from pets and children .
However , it is important you are aware of the possible risk of exposure presented by owning a ZZ plant and make an informed decisiveness that is estimable for your place .
As with all plant , it is lively to learn of the possible risks before bringing a new plant into your home .
If the ZZ plant seems like it would be a good choice for you then I wish you the in effect of luck in welcoming this witching industrial plant to your home plate .
Written By
Born in northern Wisconsin , Emily has always had a passion for plant . This passion has led her to shape in greenhouses , landscaping , and pedantic plant inquiry at multiple university ’s . She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a BS in conservation and environmental science . When she is n’t caring for her industrial plant or writing you’re able to get her traveling , cooking , at live music show , and spend time in nature .
