Indoor plants are indeed ideal for keeping the home in harmony and full of life, helping to purify the air, however, some spices can be potentially dangerous, to the point of being deadly, as is the case with Dieffenbachia or cane fool. Although this plant has very beautiful and leafy leaves, its beauty can be deadly.
The dumb cane, or Dieffenbachia.
This plant is native to Central and South America and contains a toxin called Raphides, which in high enough doses makes a person unable to speak due to a swollen tongue. This swelling can be dangerous for children and pets.
In what way is it dangerous?
The plant tends to have straight, woody stems and variegated leaf patterns. And while it’s easy to grow and hard to kill, it’s incredibly dangerous. Its sap is toxic, but many are not fully aware of it.
Raphides are quite a sinister toxin. Raphidia are needle-shaped crystals contained in Dieffenbachia cells and, when ingested, can cause a burning sensation and erythema on the skin. Death among humans is incredibly rare if exposed, but it can happen.
And even if it’s not life threatening, the symptoms are incredibly unpleasant. So, it is best to avoid, by all means, that someone can ingest it. Children sometimes ingest a piece of the plant (as they tend to ingest random things they find). Another way to get contaminated is by touching the plant and then rubbing your eyes.
If rap hides toxin gets into your eyes it can cause extreme redness, swelling and discomfort. It’s definitely not fun, especially if you’re a kid!
Tips for having Dieffenbachia at home.
If you keep Dieffenbachia in your home, know the signs of rap hide poisoning. These include loss of vision, burning in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, swelling in the mouth, a hoarse voice, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms in children or pets, check your plant for missing pieces and see a doctor immediately.
The National Poison Control Center (which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by recommending that, in case of poisoning, you should flush your eyes with water, drink a glass of milk if swallowed, and also It can be cleaned inside the mouth with a cloth that has been immersed in cold water.
