Is Schefflera Poisonous to Humans? Understanding the Risks
Many people like to keep Schefflera as a houseplant because of its lush, tropical leaves. But is this pretty plant actually poisonous? The short answer is yes. Schefflera has toxins that can irritate the skin and kill people or animals if they eat them. Schefflera poisoning is rare, though, and the plant can be enjoyed safely indoors as long as the right steps are taken.
What Makes Schefflera Toxic?
Calcium oxalate crystals can be found in the leaves, stems, sap, and roots of the Schefflera plant. If you touch the sap on your skin, it can cause mild dermatitis or skin inflammation. If you eat the oxalate crystals, they can make your mouth, lips, and throat hurt. Larger amounts can cause more dangerous effects, such as trouble swallowing, vomiting, and heartbeats that aren’t regular.
The highest concentration of toxins is typically found in the leaves, stems, bark, roots, and sap. Both humans and pets are at risk if they eat the plant.
Risk of Poisoning for Humans
For humans, accidentally ingesting parts of the Schefflera is the main risk. Young children are most likely to put leaves, stems, or berries from the plant into their mouths. The effects can include:
- Numbness, burning, or swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, and tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Dilated pupils and irregular heartbeat (in severe cases)
Adults may experience skin irritation or rashes after contact with Schefflera sap, especially when pruning or repotting the plant. The toxins can cause redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort.
Overall, serious Schefflera poisoning is uncommon in humans. Most exposures only lead to minor symptoms like sore mouth, but larger amounts can be life-threatening if they are not treated quickly.
Schefflera Toxicity in Pets
Schefflera plants have poisons that are very dangerous for dogs and cats. When pets are bored or curious, they may chew on or eat houseplants. Even small amounts can cause significant reactions in animals.
Possible symptoms after ingestion include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe poisonings may lead to dilated pupils, low blood pressure, seizures, coma, or death.
All parts of the plant are toxic to pets, but the highest risks come from eating the leaves, stems, sap, and berries. Skin contact can also cause irritation.
Preventing Exposure to Schefflera
While Schefflera does contain toxic elements, poisonings are preventable with proper care:
-
Keep houseplants out of reach of children and pets, up on high shelves or plant stands.
-
Supervise young kids and animals closely around any houseplants.
-
Wear gloves and wash hands after handling Schefflera to prevent skin irritation.
-
Clean up fallen leaves or berries which may be tempting.
-
Choose pet-friendly alternatives if you have pets that like to chew plants.
With adequate precautions, Schefflera can be an attractive, low maintenance houseplant in homes with kids and pets. But know the risks and respond quickly if poisoning occurs.
Treating Schefflera Poisoning
If skin contacts Schefflera sap, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. For eye exposure, flush eyes out with cool water for 10-15 minutes.
For suspected ingestion, call poison control or emergency services right away. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so. Treatment may include:
-
Activated charcoal to prevent further toxin absorption
-
Medications to counter allergic reactions and low blood pressure
-
IV fluids to stabilize the patient
-
Endoscopy to evaluate damage and irrigation to flush toxins
-
Supportive veterinary care for poisoned pets
With early intervention, most Schefflera poisonings can be treated successfully. But swift action is essential, so contact a doctor or vet immediately if poisoning occurs.
Growing Schefflera Safely at Home
Despite having some toxic elements, the Schefflera houseplant can still be grown safely when a few common sense precautions are followed:
- Keep out of reach of kids and pets
- Wash hands after handling
- Supervise closely around the plant
- Clean up fallen plant parts
- Mist leaves instead of wiping to limit sap contact
With proper care, Schefflera can add beauty to indoor spaces for years. Its lush green foliage and tropical appeal make it a popular houseplant. Just be mindful of its potential to cause injury when ingested.
Overall, Schefflera has relatively low toxicity for humans. With adequate supervision and placement out of reach, the risks to people are very low. The exception is curious young kids who may handle the plant or put leaves in their mouths. Extra vigilance is needed in homes with infants, toddlers, or special needs children.
For pet owners, take some additional precautions to protect dogs and cats. But the attractive umbrella-shaped leaves can still enhance indoor spaces when reasonable steps are taken to prevent access and accidental poisoning.
If you believe poisoning may have occurred in a person or pet, call for medical guidance immediately. Rapid treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery and prevents severe complications. With proper education and common sense care, Schefflera can be safely enjoyed as a houseplant despite its potential toxicity.
How to grow umbrella plant
Grow umbrella plant in a spot that gets bright, indirect light for the best results. Keep it out of direct sun and in a room that doesn’t get too cold. It does best with temperatures above 12ºC and benefits from some humidity as its native habitat is South East Asia.
How to care for umbrella plant
It grows quickly, so you might need to prune it to keep it at a size you can handle.
Be careful not to overwater umbrella plants as this can cause the roots to rot. If you notice that the plant has yellowing leaves or is dropping leaves, you may be overwatering. Water once the compost is dry on the top – around a third of the compost should be dry. Stick your finger in to check it’s dry beneath the surface. Water less often in winter. Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity or stand on a tray of moist gravel.
Feed once a month with a general purpose liquid fertiliser.
Poisonous indoor plants. | Harmful to pets & humans.
FAQ
Is Schefflera toxic to touch?
Schefflera plants are poisonous to humans. Easting the leaves or stems can cause tongue, mouth, and throat swelling, as well as nausea. The sap contains a skin irritant, so contact with the sap may cause a rash. Touching the plant is safe, but ripping leaves or stems and exposing the sap can be harmful.
Is Schefflera toxic to children?
Schefflera plants are poisonous to humans and animals if eaten. It is not often fatal but causes a burning sensation, swelling, difficulty in swallowing and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties. So be alert if you have pets or small children that can get close to this plant.
Is Schefflera a good indoor plant?
Schefflera (also called umbrella plant or arbicola) is a popular houseplant because it’s easy to grow (it tolerates a range of growing conditions) and adds fun texture with its divided hand-like leaves. Because it’s so tolerant, schefflera makes a good choice for living, dining, family, and bedrooms.
Is Schefflera toxic for pets?
Schefflera. You might know this common household plant as an umbrella tree or starleaf. It adds a touch of green to your house, and it’s easy to care for. But if your pets nibble on it, they could get severe burning and irritation in and around their mouths, as well as vomit, drool, and have trouble swallowing.