Anthurium (skg 'Ace Of Spades' X Papillilaminum) X Besseae Aff Is Toxic To Humans
Anthurium (SKG 'Ace of Spades' x papillilaminum) x besseae aff
Apr 26, 2024•3 min read
- Calcium oxalate in Anthuriums can cause severe symptoms if ingested.
- Children are more susceptible to plant toxins; watch for vomiting, drooling.
- Teach kids early about plant safety with role-playing and flashcards.
Is Anthurium (SKG 'Ace of Spades' x papillilaminum) x besseae aff Toxic to Humans?
🌵 Identifying Toxic Traits
Anthuriums, including the hybrid SKG 'Ace of Spades' x papillilaminum x besseae aff, contain calcium oxalate crystals. These microscopic daggers can wreak havoc if ingested or if they come into contact with skin. Symptoms can range from skin irritation to severe pain and swelling in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal distress.
🚨 Understanding the Risk
The risk of poisoning in adults is real, though typically less severe than in children. Still, even a casual brush with the plant's sap can lead to discomfort. Ingestion, while unlikely for most adults, should be treated with urgency due to the potential for significant gastrointestinal upset. It's a no-brainer: keep Anthuriums out of the snack category.
Special Considerations for Kids and Babies
🧒 Why Kids Are at Greater Risk
Kids are not mini-adults; their tiny bodies and developing systems amplify the effects of toxins. The natural curiosity of children, combined with their habit of putting things in their mouths, puts them at an increased risk for plant poisoning.
🚨 Recognizing Symptoms of Poisoning
Immediate action is crucial if you suspect your child has ingested part of a plant. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, look out for difficulty breathing, seizures, or any sudden change in behavior. If any of these symptoms occur, contact Poison Control or seek emergency medical help without delay.
Keeping Your Family Safe
🚼 Kid-Proofing Your Green Space
Visibility is your ally. To keep Anthurium (SKG 'Ace of Spades' x papillilaminum) x besseae aff out of reach, place it on high shelves or in rooms that are off-limits to kids. Safety locks on doors can prevent unsupervised access, not just to the plant but also to any plant food or fertilizers. Securing heavy pots is a must to prevent tipping accidents. After gardening, clean up any stray leaves or soil immediately—these are not toys.
🤢 What to Do in Case of Ingestion
If your child ingests part of the plant, remain calm. First, remove any plant material from their mouth and have them rinse with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional. Call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention, providing details about the plant. Keep emergency numbers visible, like those fridge magnets that never seem to hold anything up. Regularly educate your children that plants are not food, and supervise them closely, especially if they're naturally curious about the greenery in your home.
Communicating with Your Kids about Plant Safety
🌿 Teaching Kids about Toxic Plants
Start early—just like tying shoelaces, plant safety is a lesson best learned young. Role-play with your kids, turning the serious business of toxic plants into a game of make-believe adventure. High stakes, no risks. Use flashcards to visually distinguish between friend and foe in the plant kingdom, making it a game that sticks.
🚸 Creating a Safe Exploration Space
Designate a "kiddie corner" in your green space where the plants are as safe as the toys in a playpen. Here, curiosity doesn't court danger. Encourage hands-on learning with non-toxic plants like Spider Plants—no toxicity, just fun. Share your passion for plants, but keep it safe, like a lifeguard at the pool of knowledge.
Secure your Anthuriums 🌱 and protect your family with Greg's reminders to place your plants safely, blending care with caution effortlessly.
