Are Monstera Leaves Poisonous? What You Need to Know
The glossy leaves….
on this tropical plant are why people fall in love with it but are monstera leaves poisonous?
The short answer is yes. Monstera leaves are poisonous and contain toxins. When ingested these can cause irritation and digestive issues and in some cases severe reactions. In this guide, we will explain why they are toxic, the symptoms to look out for, and the steps you can take to safely have this plant in your home!
Understanding the Risks: Are Monstera Leaves Poisonous to Pets and Humans?
Even though this tropical plant brings an uplifting vibe to a room it does come with some risks. The stems and the leaves of this stunning plant contain a toxin called calcium oxalate crystals. These are toxic if you ingest them so if no one eats or licks your plant all will be well! For pets like cats and dogs, even a little nibble on the plant can cause a reaction.
Click these links if you want to know more about if Monsteras are toxic to cats or dogs.
Are Monstera leaves poisonous? Symptoms in pets:
- Mouth and throat swelling
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive drooling
- Digestive issues
Are Monstera leaves poisonous? Symptoms Kids and Adults:
- Digestive discomfort
- Oral irritation
- Skin irritation
- Mouth and throat swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Eye irritation
By understanding and being aware of these risks linked to your Monstera plant you can avoid potential poisoning and create a safe home environment for your plant, pets, and children.
What to Know About Poisonous Effects of Touching or Eating Monstera Leaves
The calcium oxalate crystals found in Monsteras are sharp, microscopic compounds. These toxins will irritate the skin and mucous membranes if touched or ingested.
If your Monstera leaf is chewed or swallowed or in some cases even licked, these crystals will get absorbed into our soft tissues in the mouth, throat, and stomach which is what causes a painful or stinging reaction.
Even though touching the leaves usually doesn’t lead to any type of reaction, if you have sensitive skin, itching or redness can occur from being in contact with the leaf sap.
If a part of your Monstera is ingested, symptoms can be from mild to more painful severe reactions. A burning sensation in the mouth, swelling in the throat, or digestive issues is the most common reaction. Fortunately, Monstera’s toxic reactions are usually more on the milder side with being physically uncomfortable rather than dangerous. However, you still need to watch out and it is still recommended to contact a doctor if any symptoms arise.
Steps to Take If Your Pet or Child Consumes Poisonous Monstera Leaves
Measures you can take to help if your pet or child has ingested a part of your Monstera:
- Rinse the mouth for any extra toxins lingering in or around the mouth
- Drinking water can help flush the toxins quicker
- Do not try to vomit as this can worsen the crystals in the throat causing a worse reaction
- A cold compress can sometimes help with swelling
- Call your doctor or local vet clinic for help as soon as possible.
- Please continue to monitor symptoms in case they worsen.
Knowing how to react will help in faster treatment and further worsening of symptoms.
Are Monstera leaves poisonous? Safe Non-Toxic Plant Alternatives
If you are worried and anxious about having a Monstera in your room due to the toxins if ingested and are looking for alternatives you’re in luck because there are many other great plants you can get that are toxin-free:
- Baby’s Tears
- Areca Palm
- Spider Plant
- Parlor Palm
- Boston Fern
- Calathea
- Bamboo Palm
- African Violet
- Ponytail Palm
- Cast Iron Plant
Are Monstera Leaves Poisonous? Tips On Child Safety
Teaching your kids about plant safety can have a wonderful result and it’s a great way to teach them something new! Some tips we find useful:
Awareness
Kids are curious, so take this opportunity to teach them about the plant, what toxic means, and what can happen. Give them some easy guidelines to follow to avoid going near your Monstera. Teaching them which plants are “play safe” and only for “adults” can also help them distinguish between them.
Play Learning
You can incorporate fun little games or flashcards to help them learn about the different plants in your home. This will give them more info on why your Monstera is off-limits and will help them understand better through visuals like pictures, flashcards, or plant games.
Establish Rules
Establishing rules such as a “kid-free plant zone” or “off-limits zone” will help them understand where it is safe to play. Keeping these rules simple and unchanging will help them understand the concept better.
Encourage Questions
Kids are curious so take this opportunity to let them ask all the questions they need in order to grasp the concept of a toxic plant better. Asking questions helps them figure out the reason behind a rule or off-limit zone and in return they are better equipped to follow the safety rules.
Involve Them
Involving your kids in repotting, watering, pruning, or feeding your nontoxic plants can help them feel more involved with hands-on experience. This hands-on approach will make them feel satisfied and like they are able to interact with the plants and are then more likely to leave your Monstera alone.
By using strategic ideas like involving them in nontoxic plant care or encouraging questions they can grasp the concept and reason behind a “plant-only zone”. This way they will be more willing to follow house rules around your Monstera keeping them and your plant healthy and safe.
Are Monstera Leaves Poisonous? Safe Handling For Pets and Kids
There are a few ways you can keep your pets and kids safe while still maintaining a Monstera in your home:
- Use plant stands to position your plant out of reach of kids and pets or at least make it harder to access by lifting it off the ground
- Create a pet-free, kid-free zone either in a separate “plant room” or blocked off with baby gates
- Use non-toxic plant alternatives if kids and pets love to play with plants, getting ones that are ok to play with can help stay away from others
- Use pet sprays to keep dogs and cats away from certain plants
FAQs Are Monstera Leaves Poisonous?
Here are some commonly asked questions about Monstera plant safety:
Are Monstera Leaves Poisonous in All Parts of the Plant?
These sharp calcium crystals are found in all parts of the Monstera plant including the stems, leaves, and roots. The leaves are the most common part to be ingested due to their easy access and size. The stems and roots also contain toxins and should be equally avoided.
Is monstera leaf toxic to humans?
All parts of the Monstera plant are potentially harmful if ingested. This includes the leaves, stems, roots, and even the unripe fruit however indoor Monsteras often do not grow the fruit.
Even though your Monstera leaves are toxic to both pets and humans, understanding the risks associated with them and how to prevent ingestion can lead to a safe home for everyone while still enjoying your tropical oasis!
If you have any questions or experiences to share leave a comment below!
