Window leaf: is the Monstera poisonous? Information for people, cats and dogs

Monstera deliciosa, better known as the delicious Window leaf, is one of the most popular houseplants and is offered in pots in numerous hardware stores and even supermarkets. The arum plant is often kept because of the large leaves, as these create a tropical character in your own four walls. Since the plant is a plant from tropical Central and South America, many parents and pet owners wonder whether window leaves are poisonous.

ingredients

Because of their ingredients, Monstera species are considered to be a slightly poisonous plant that can cause symptoms of poisoning in humans and animals. As such, the ingredients of the arum family are not poisons, but they have a toxic effect on mammals due to their concentration within the plants. The substances are in the Sapwhich is found in all parts of the Monstera plant and can be easily absorbed through the digestive system, the mucous membranes or the skin. The ingredients listed below can be found in the window leaf.

1. Calcium oxalate

Calcium oxalate is a special one salt oxalic acid, which occurs in the form of crystals that are used as protection against predators. Calcium oxalate is a fundamental building block of kidney stones and works because of the sharp or sharp points star-shaped structure irritates the mucous membranes and in the worst case can even cause ulcers in the mouth and neck lead. The crystals literally cut into the mucous membranes and always appear together with oxalic acid, which can make them so dangerous.

2. Oxalic acid

Oxalic acid is in the window leaf as oxalate, i.e. as salt, represent and are harmful to your health in large quantities. Oxalic acid is known to be involved in the formation of kidney stones, especially in people who are prone to them. It removes calcium from the blood, which in large quantities can lead to problems with the circulatory system and the heart. However, since Monstera are only consumed in small amounts, that much oxalic acid cannot accumulate in the body at all. It only becomes a problem for people struggling with kidney stones, heart problems and circulatory problems.

3. Resorcinol

This phenol is also Crystalswhich come in the form of needles and are commonly used in hair dyes. The substance is derived from benzene and in higher doses can be toxic and attack the central nervous system.

4. More fabrics

There are several other substances found in the Monstera Bitter substances and a previously unexplored one Sharp stuff. These give the window leaf and, above all, the plant sap an inedible, slightly pungent taste, which usually causes children to spit the plant out again. These substances serve as a further deterrent against predators.

Sap

The sap is strongest in the root and leaves and therefore consumption should be avoided at all costs. There is only part of the plant, because you can safely eat it, but due to the weather this is extremely rare in Central Europe. We're talking about the fruits. Yes, the window leaf forms tasty fruits, the aroma of which is reminiscent of a mix of banana and pineapple. For this reason, they are offered as pineapple bananas in South America. You should definitely avoid all other parts of the plant. The following symptoms are typical when consumed, even in small amounts.

• severe irritation of the mucous membranes, especially around the mouth
• Pain in the mouth, stomach and throat
• Formation of vesicles
• Swelling of the mucous membranes
• Skin irritation from the plant sap
• strangle
• Vomit
• Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
• hoarseness
• increased salivation´
• rarely cramps
• If consumed frequently, health problems due to oxalic acid, such as kidney stones, can occur

Toxicity

Babies, toddlers, sensitive people and allergy sufferers are more susceptible to the toxicity of Monstera affected and should therefore have as good as no contact with the plant and you only from a safe distance regard. The concentration of ingredients is usually very low in the varieties offered in Germany and does not lead to death. However, allergic reactions are possible and can lead to death without prompt treatment. If parts of the window leaf have been consumed, water or tea should be given to drink and a doctor should be consulted. Fortunately, the parts of the plant are usually spit out immediately due to the bitter substances.

Tip: Due to the toxic sap of the plant, you should definitely wear gloves when caring for it. This will reduce the risk of skin irritation that could result from touching the Monstera.

For cats

Effect on cats

The window leaf is particularly poisonous for cats, as the large ones leaves literally represent a found food for the velvet paws. Cats explore the world with their mouths, even if their senses of smell and taste are weak. In many cases, the four-legged friends do not even notice that it is a poisonous plant. For this reason, you should place your Monstera in such a way that cats cannot get to them, even if it has to be moved to another room.

Typical symptoms include:

• increased salivation
• severe discomfort when swallowing
• bloody diarrhea
• Vomit
• Tumbling

Everyone is for cats Plant parts, even the fruit, cannot be consumed and you should take the animal to a veterinarian immediately if curiosity is too great. Be sure to take a piece of the leaves or roots with you to the doctor so that they can apply the necessary medications and treatments.

For dogs

Effect on dogs

Dogs cannot tolerate the window leaf any more than humans and cats. Even the fruits are poisonous to man's best friend and should be avoided. Dogs are less at risk than cats because in most cases they are not at the Monstera are interested, unless they are bored or they are alone. You need to be extra careful with puppies, as they like cats like to chew on plants to explore their world. Since window leaves do not have a strong odor, dogs do not perceive possible toxins because the sense of taste is not as pronounced as in humans.

Tip: The window leaf is not only poisonous for cats and dogs, but also for small animals and rodents. Guinea pigs and rabbits in particular like to nibble on whatever form of “green stuff” they can find, so the Monstera should be out of reach of the animals.

Source:

• http://www.gizbonn.de/111.0.html