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The Dieffenbachia or mute cane plant its rough-cut name has been grown as a houseplant for decades . Its charge is comfortable .
Give Dieffenbachia bright indirect light , a well - drained soil , periodic liquified fertilizer and left undisturbed the plant should do well .
However , mention the Dieffenbachia plant from the fellowship Araceae and multitude will warn about it its toxicity and being poisonous to their pet and nestling .
So what is the deal ?
Is The Dieffenbachia Plant Toxic or Poisonous To Dogs and Cats?
The ASPCA ( American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to brute ) number Dieffenbachia as toxic to dogs and cats .
What are the signs of Dieffenbachia poisoning ?
The calcium oxalate crystals in the fore and sap of many plants include the silent cane are the irritant .
The oxalate crystallization have a acerate leaf shape and come in packaged in sheaf called raphides . When damage , the crystals are release and embed themselves in the domain like the oral cavum .
Rinse the mouth with milk or water . [ source ]
What Part of Dieffenbachia is Poisonous?
According to Medline all parts of the plant life – the leaves , staunch , stem , and heyday . [ source ]
Is Dumb Cane Toxic And Dangerous To Humans?
When work out with spotted dumb cane follow the below advice :
As partake from TheChildren ’s Hospital of Philadelphia :
“ Oxalate crystals can cause intense pain and swelling if they occur in liaison with the skin or mouth . When any part of these plants is chewed and swallowed , the crystals knife the sensitive tissues of the tongue , gums , and throat , creating the sensation of biting into ground glass . Pain , difficultness swallowing , swell , and impermanent hoarseness may occur . ”
The intense rima oris pain usually block off children from eat up or swallowing any large quantity of a atomic number 20 oxalate containing plant life , making toxic condition rarified .
Personal Note : As a past grower of Dieffenbachia ‘ Tropic Snow ” I recall a meter when packing up some large specimen industrial plant for shipping experiencing a little toxic condition from vulnerability to the plant life .
I did not chew on any leaves . From just handling the Dieffenbachia and pass over away the sweat on my face I must have bring a small amount of the calcium oxalate acid on my face and lips .
shortly my pharynx became scratchy with a burn sensation and wondered just what was drop dead on . I will agree , the toxic effect were very uncomfortable . I did not have to go to the parking brake way or call the poison center . There was no blistering . I just need to be a little more deliberate when handling the Dieffenbachia plant .
That is also the case with other ‘ toxic works ” in the Araceae kinsfolk such as the Philodendron , Caladium , Aglaonema , and Spathiphyllum .
Poisoning Treatment And Remedies
If you or a nestling eats or comes in contact lens with any part of a plant containing oxalate , pass over out the flora residue from the mouth . Have them drink a nerveless beverage or eat a bite like a lolly , applesauce or yoghurt .
If excrescence prevents an adult or child from lead anything by back talk or experiences breathing difficulty , go immediately to the nearest emergency elbow room .
“ When the juices of the works come in liaison with the hide , burning , pain , and swelling may occur . sweat the exposed area repeatedly with soap and rinse with quick operate water to ease the annoying . If the pain continues , contact your child ’s physician . ” [ reservoir ]
Make certain you keep the Poison Control Center number handy:1 - 800 - 222 - 1222
