Is the ZZ plant toxic to humans?
The Zamioculcas Zamifolia, aka ZZ Plant, is one of those “tough as nails” houseplants that can survive just about anywhere, even in extremely low light. Unfortunately, it also happens to make the list of poisonous houseplants, and all parts of the plant are considered toxic to humans and pets.
Do houseplants cause cancer?
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 22): A plant expert has dismissed recent social media claims that a popular house plant causes cancer as lacking scientific proof.
Is it good to keep ZZ plant at home?
The bottom line. Having plants in your home or office can be a source of pleasure. Indoor gardening relieves stress, boosts creativity, productivity, and focus, and promotes recovery. There's some evidence that houseplants may positively influence the air quality in your home as well.
Is ZZ plant good for bedroom?
ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a versatile houseplant that is approved by NASA Clean Air Study in removing air pollutants such as toluene, CO2, and xylene from the air. Also, the ZZ plant is drought-resistant and needs to be watered once every 3-4 weeks. This quality makes it ideal for bedrooms.
What plants can cause cancer?
Certain fungi found on plants like corn, peanuts, and tree nuts can contain aflatoxins. Plants used for herbal medicines sometimes contain aristolochic acids. Both of these substances have been linked to the development of cancer.
Are there any plants that cause cancer?
Cycasin. Cycasin (methylazoxymethanol-β-glucoside) is one of the most potent carcinogens found in plants (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1976; Magee et al., 1976). This compound and at least one related glucoside (macrozamin) are present in the palmlike cycad trees of the family Cycadaceae.
Why should you not put plants in your bedroom?
It's fairly common to hear, "you shouldn't keep houseplants in the bedroom because they're not safe". This is based on the fact that most plants will release Carbon Dioxide and absorb Oxygen from the air while you're sleeping.
Is ZZ plant good luck?
The ZZ plant (Fortune Tree) is thought to bring good fortune and luck with its significant thick, textured leaves. As the ZZ plant grows, the leaf will sprout and unfold into a symmetrical feather-like stem.
Which plant is not good for home?
Negative Vastu Plants #1: Cactus It is believed that the prickly and sharp thorns on the leaves carry the bad energy in them. Cacti can bring misfortune at home and also cause stress and anxiety within the family.
Why should we not touch plants at night?
Explanation of the correct option: At night, since photosynthesis does not occur, oxygen is not being produced by the trees. In addition to this, the trees continue respiring thereby causing the amount of carbon dioxide to be increased and the amount of oxygen to be reduced.
What is the deadliest plant in the world?
7 of the World's Deadliest PlantsWater Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) ... Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) ... White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) ... Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) ... Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius) ... Oleander (Nerium oleander) ... Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Does a ZZ plant purify the air?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia has small but wide, dark green, glossy leaves that zig-zag up tall, slender stems. The plant has air purifying qualities too, removing volatile organic compounds benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene.
Is indoor plants harmful?
There are hundreds of gorgeous houseplants that you can grow, but a few happen to contain chemicals that can have unpleasant or even deadly effects. Poisonous houseplants can cause skin irritations, upset stomachs, and burning of the mouth and throat.
What indoor plants are good for cancer patients?
6 Stylish Plants That Help Clean Toxins From The AirBOSTON FERN – Nephrolepis Exaltata. Image @balconygardenweb. ... DRAGON TREE – Dracaena. Image @leedyinteriors. ... RUBBER PLANT – Ficus Elastica. Image @inbedstore. ... BAMBOO PALM – Chamaedorea. Image @frenchyfancy. ... PEACE LILLY – Spath OR Spathiphyllum. Image @hgtv.
What are the most poisonous house plants?
Take a look at the 10 common houseplants which can be toxic if ingested.. Peace Lily. Grumpy Cow StudiosGetty Images. ... Devils Ivy. FeelPicGetty Images. ... Caladium (Elephant Ear) Kanchanalak Chanthaphun / EyeEmGetty Images. ... Sago Palm. ... Calla Lily. ... English Ivy. ... Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law's-Tongue) ... Dieffenbachia.More items...•
Which plant is not good for home?
Negative Vastu Plants #1: Cactus It is believed that the prickly and sharp thorns on the leaves carry the bad energy in them. Cacti can bring misfortune at home and also cause stress and anxiety within the family.
How to care for a ZZ plant?
If you find you have sensitivities to the ZZ Plant but love it too much to replace it with something else, use your common sense to limit your exposure to its irritant. Wear gloves when watering, repotting, or dividing. Wash any clothing or rags that may have sap on them. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after handling it.
How does ZZ plant sap affect you?
The most common toxic effect people experience is through skin exposure to the plant’s sap, either by handling parts of the plant or when repotting it. Typically, exposure to the sap will cause itchy, red, sometimes painful, rash-like symptoms on your hands. Another potentially painful reaction to the ZZ Plant is through the eyes.
Can You Touch a ZZ Plant?
While it is true that every part of the plant contains calcium oxa late, most people keep and care for ZZs without ever experiencing any adverse side effects.
What is the ZZ plant?
The ZZ Plant is part of the Araceae family of plants, which includes many ubiquitous houseplants (Philodendron and Pothos, to name a few). Many of the plants in this family are considered toxic because they produce a compound called calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalate is a compound found naturally in plants and animals.
How to keep a ZZ out of reach?
If you have small children or babies in your home, keep your ZZ out of their reach. Move your ZZ to a tall shelf or plant in a hanging pot where little hands won t be able to reach.
How to keep cats from messing with ZZ plant pots?
Animals tend to dislike pungent smells, which may be enough to deter them from messing with your ZZ. A diluted vinegar solution sprayed on the plant might prevent them as well.
Can ZZ sap hurt your eyes?
Another potentially painful reaction to the ZZ Plant is through the eyes. Unless you are extremely careful, it can be very easy to expose your eyes to the calcium oxalate if the ZZ sap gets on your hands. Like any other soft tissue, your eyes will become aggravated by the sharp edges of the irritant, and you’ll most likely experience itching, burning, redness, and watery eyes.
What is a Zamioculcas?
This species was described to science in 1905. Some sellers advertise Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a "new plant" but in truth Zamioculcas zamiifolia has been around since the beginning of time. Commercially, the plant has been sold since the year 2000. The genus name Zamioculcas was derived due to a vague similarity to the foliage of a group of Cycads found in the genus Zamia . The genus Zamia is in the family Zamiaceae which contains fern-like plants native to tropical and subtropical America while the ZZ plant is in a different family, ie Araceae. Despite the general appearance there is no scientific relationship between Zamioculcas zamiifolia and plants in the genus Zamia. The plant is also not a fern.
Where are the Zamioculcas found?
The Genera of Araceae continues by stating the distribution of the single known species of Zamioculcas is tropical east and subtropical southeast Africa including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa (Natal), Tanzania including Pemba , Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe.
How tall is Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
This strange plant has been reported on some websites to reach a maximum height of approximately 50cm or 20 inches, but Zamioculcas zamiifolia can grow much larger. The debate is a result of a discovery by aroid botanists who have recently been required through scientific study to combine all the synonyms (other names for the same species) into the single species of Zamioculcas zamiifolia. Interestingly the basionym for the species is Caladium zamiaefolium even though the only relationship between the genus Zamioculcas and the genus Caladium is both are aroids. A basionym is the original name applied to the taxon (species). The word is composed of "basio" from the Latin meaning basis, from the Greek "bainein" meaning step, and "nym" also from the Latin word "nomen" which means name. A basionym is the first step in the naming process. The confusion arose many years ago when botanists had yet to clearly define all the species in the family Araceae and simply had no idea which genus properly fit the strange plant. At one time the species names including Zamioculcas loddigesii, Zamiacaulcas zamiifolia and Zamioculcas lanceolata were considered to be unique species but all are now considered to be the single species Zamioculcas zamiifolia. The difference in all the names appears to have been only the size of the plant or other non-significant differences due to natural variation.
How tall does a zamiifolia grow?
An aroid, Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZAM-e-o-CUL-cas, ZAM-e-eye-FOL-e-a) is a sub-erect herb which sometimes grows to 0.75 meters (2.5 feet) or larger in height. It is commonly found growing in rocky areas as well as on stone in its native region of the African continent.
Why do my Zamioculcas zamiifolia roots rot?
Rich soil eventually suffocates as well as "drowns" a specimen causing the tuberous roots to rot due to the growth of saprophytes. A saprophyte is an organism such as a fungus or bacterium that grows on and derives nourishment from dead or decaying organic matter. When the roots of Zamioculcas zamiifolia are kept in wet soil they cannot easily gather oxygen and thus begin to decay. The end result is rapidly rotting roots and eventually a dead plant.
Where is ZZ plant found?
The reasons will probably surprise you! The origins of the species Zamioculcas zamiifolia. The ZZ plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is found in a region of Africa which has somewhat extreme growing conditions.
Can Zamioculcas cause cancer?
An invalid claim that appears to have originated out of SE Asia in the summer of 2010 now claims Zamioculcas zamiifolia can cause cancer! Internet discussion groups include the bogus notion the ZZ plant is so poisonous a clay pot cannot be used for another plant once it holds the ZZ since the "pot can be dangerous to touch". Such rumors are based on reading untrue information on another website and then, as happens with all rumors, enhancing and elaborating on it repeatedly, and posting an enhanced notion on another website again and again. These stories have been spread for years on the internet about aroids but no scientific foundation can be found. This quote came from retired research chemist and aroid expert Ted Held, "Just a quick check on Google ("Zamioculcas" and "poison") did not find anything substantive. As far as I can tell, this appears to be hysteria." Noted aroid botanist Peter Boyce in Malaysia responded, "The best one circulating here in Malaysia is that the pollen alone is enough to cause death in adult humans. I know of NO science whatsoever to back-up these claims."
What is the ZZ Plant ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia )?
There is only one species of plant in the genus Zamioculcas. The most common type of ZZ plant is the green-leaved herbaceous plant with its shiny foliage. The Raven ZZ plant is of the same species but it has dark purple, almost black foliage.
How tall do ZZ palms grow?
ZZ plants grow to between 18” and 23.5” (45 – 60 cm) tall. The thick stems grow from a succulent rhizome that looks like a small potato. This rhizome is the reason why emerald palms can survive months without water.
How should I care for a ZZ plant?
How to care for ZZ plant: grow the Zamioculcas plant in well-draining potting soil and only water the plant when the soil is partly dry. Zizi plant thrives in plenty of light, away from direct sunlight, average room humidity, and a temperature between 65 and 75°F (18 – 24°C).
How long are the leaves on a ZZ plant?
These shiny leaves grow alternately on the stem and are around 2.8” – 6” (7 – 15 cm) long. Botanically speaking, each stem is a leaf that contains pairs of leaflets.
Is ZZ poisonous?
Even though it is on lists of poisonous houseplants, there are many reasons for having a ZZ plant at home or at work. Some studies show that Zamioculcas zamiifolia is one of the most efficient houseplants for removing certain toxins from the air. ( 3)
Can Zizi grow in sunlight?
Although the plant grows best in bright, indirect sunlight, bright light isn’t essential. The Zizi plant will grow well in a shady corner, under fluorescent lights, or on a sunny windowsill. Caring for a Zanzibar gem is easy because it doesn’t need a lot of water. In fact, the hardy houseplant seems to thrive on neglect.
What Makes The ZZ Plant Poisonous?
The plant actually produces the same substance that human kidney stones consist of, Calcium Oxalate. This substance has a crystal-like form with sharp edges. This is what causes skin irritation on contact with the sap and can cause irritation of the internal tissues if ingested.
What happens if a dog eats a ZZ plant?
You can expect your dog or cat to have a stomach ache and a bad case of diarrhea. If vomiting occurs, you need to ensure that your pet is well hydrated. Dehydration can cause death in pets.
Are ZZ Plants Poisonous To Dogs, Cats And Other Pets?
While a ZZ plant can bring about allergies if humans come into contact with its sap, what happens if a pet eats part of the ZZ plant? Many people think that because their cats and dogs are smaller than they are, that the ZZ plant can have more of an impact.
How to keep dogs off ZZ plants?
You can sprinkle some orange peel or coffee grounds onto the soil around your ZZ plant. Cats and dogs tend to dislike the strong odors produced, and will often stay away. You can also spray your ZZ plant with a dilute vinegar solution which will deter all but the most persistent of pets.
Is it safe to touch a plant?
Many people have a misconception about just how poisonous the plant actually is though. Ingesting the leaves and sap can definitely be toxic to both humans and pets, but simply touching the plant will only cause minor issues at worst. However, it is important to wash your hands directly after touching the plant to ensure ...
Can you eat ZZ plants?
Yes, ZZ plants are poisonous to both humans and pets. ZZ plants can cause skin and eye irritation with direct contact, and can cause stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. However, you can share your home safely with a ZZ plant with a few simple precautions.
Can a dog die from eating a plant?
Dehydration can cause death in pets. Encouraging your pet to eat can help the body pass the plant and toxins. If you have overly curious cats or dogs, perhaps avoid bringing the plant into your home or move it to an area where pets won’t have access to it.
Why is the ZZ Plant Poisonous?
ZZ plants contain calcium o xalate. If you have never heard of that term before, it is what kidney stones are made of. Calcium oxalate is very sharp even though we can’t see it without a microscope. Unfortunately, all parts of the plant contain this substance. It includes roots, seeds, leaves, etc.
What happens if you eat a ZZ plant?
If someone tries to eat any part of a ZZ plant, they will immediately feel pain and swelling in the mouth. The discomfort will be enough for a child to spit the plant out. The ZZ Plant. However, if a youngster swallows a piece of the plant, it will experience stomachache, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Why are my ZZ plants yellow?
If your ZZ plant has yellow leaves that are falling off, stop watering it right away. Additionally, aphids are attracted to the poisonous sap, and they could infest your plant.
What is a ZZ plant?
Zamioculas zamiifolia or the ZZ plant is an absolute must-have for indoor gardeners. You can see its gorgeous green leaves in the majority of Instagram posts showcasing houseplant collections. Native to Africa, the ZZ plant is easy to maintain. It will thrive in low light conditions and is drought tolerant.
How to help a dog that ate a ZZ plant?
If you are suspecting that your pet has nibbled on a ZZ plant, check their mouth and remove any leftover pieces. Then help them drink fluids. Not every pet likes them, but cold treats can help out as well. Keep a close eye on your cat or dog in case they develop more severe symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
How tall is ZZ plant?
ZZ plant is ideal for small apartments or offices since its maximum height is somewhere around three feet. Not to forget that this plant also removes polluters from the air. With that said, we have to address a couple of burning questions related to the ZZ plant – Is it poisonous and harmful to humans? What about pets? Are they deadly?
What to do when a child eats a ZZ plant?
When a child eats a part of a ZZ plant, you have to act quickly by making them spit out the material left in their mouth. Clean their mouth with a cloth and remember to wash your hands afterward. A child might be feeling pain and discomfort by now. Cold liquids do wonders in these situations so give them a glass of milk or some ice cream.
Where does Zamioculcas zamiifolia come from?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia has been around for centuries, originating in drought-prone Africa (where it thrives outdoors). A couple of decades ago, Dutch nurseries located in South Africa saw the plant’s propagating potential and in 1996 started distributing it around the world.
Why are ZZ plants so popular?
Above: A four-inch ZZ Plant comes in a plastic nursery pot; $11 from The Sill.
How to propagate ZZ?
Propagating ZZ is as simple as separating these rhizomes and replanting. Another method is to take a cutting with two leaves and a bit of stem. ZZ grows quicker when more rhizomes or larger rhizomes are grown together.
How tall does a ZZ plant grow?
Its waxy, smooth leaves reflect sunlight and brighten rooms. ZZ usually grows slowly to a height and width of two to three feet so it is not a plant monster that outgrows containers quickly.
What is a ZZ plant?
ZZ plant also is an air purifier and in a NASA study, researchers found it is specifically adept at removing copious amounts of toxins such as xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air.
Do ZZ plants need potting soil?
Care of ZZ is simple, making it the gold standard for houseplant beginners, preoccupied office workers, and brown thumbs. The ZZ plant luckily doesn’t need any special type of potting soil: any well-drained potting soil will do.
When does ZZ flower?
If your plant’s branches intrude into your space and get in the way, simply prune them away. The plant will potentially flower mid-summer to early autumn but the flowers are quite small and not super attractive, making ZZ mainly a foliage plant.
Cultivation
Overview
Names
- Known by many regional as well as poorly devised common names including Zanzibar Gem, Aroid Palm, Money Tree, Eternity Plant, the Chinese New Year Festive Plant, Succulent Philodendron and Arum Fern the plant is popular around the globe Zamioculcas zamiifolia is neither a fern, a palm, nor Philodendron but it is in the same plant family as the genus Philodendron which is also a me…
Taxonomy
- This species was described to science in 1905. Some sellers advertise Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a \"new plant\" but in truth Zamioculcas zamiifolia has been around since the beginning of time. Commercially, the plant has been sold since the year 2000. The genus name Zamioculcas was derived due to a vague similarity to the foliage of a group of Cycads found in the genus Zamia. T…
Habitat
- Like much of the misleading plant information found on the internet it is commonly believed the ZZ plant is found in the desert. That information is absolutely false since the Royal Botanic Garden Kew in London states the plant grows in \"tropical moist forest, savannas; geophytes on forest floor or in stony ground.\" See all the references at the bottom of this page. Aroid scientifi…
Origin
- An invalid claim that appears to have originated out of SE Asia in the summer of 2010 now claims Zamioculcas zamiifolia can cause cancer! Internet discussion groups include the bogus notion the ZZ plant is so poisonous a clay pot cannot be used for another plant once it holds the ZZ since the \"pot can be dangerous to touch\". Such rumors are based...
Toxicity
- If you believe the plant is dangerous because it contains calcium oxalate crystals you should know that the same chemical substance is found in Parsley, Chives, Cassava, Spinach, Beet leaves, Carrot, Radish, Collards, Bean, Brussels sprouts, Garlic, Lettuce, Watercress, Sweet potato, Turnip, Broccoli, Celery, Eggplant, Cauliflower, Asparagus, Cabbage, Tomato, Pea, Turnip greens…
Development
- The scientific text, The Genera of Araceae states this type of leaflet to plant regeneration is not common under the heading Leaf tubercles and regeneration: \"Tubercles regularly develop at the juncture of leaflet and petiole in Pinellia ternata (Hansen 1881, Linsbauer 1934, Troll 1939), at the apical end of petiole in Typhonium bulbiferum (Sriboonma et al, 1994) and at the first and secon…
Nomenclature
- IIn the case of plants with pinnately compound leaves, such as Zamioculcas, the arrangement f the separate leaflets is like the structure of a feather. The portions of the leaf stalk where the leaflets are joined along a common axis is known as the rachis (RAY-kis), Below this point the stalk is called the petiole and it is in turn attached to the stem. Thus, rachis and petiole are term…
Description
- Despite incorrect descriptions on well-meaning well sites, the petiole grows from a central axis structure at or just below the surface of the soil known as a rhizome. While one well known site states the plant can live for long periods without water \"due to the large potato-like rhizome that stores water until rainfall resume\", in the case of Zamioculcas the rhizome is somewhat tubero…
Reproduction
- When the leaflets fall to the ground they attempt to replicate themselves as a natural reproductive process by growing a small tuberous rhizome which forms naturally at the junction of the rachis and the leaflet but roots may develop from other parts of the leaflet. Once the rainy season arrives the habitat is no longer dry and the plant has managed to survive by duplicating itself but can gr…
Advantages
- Using this unique survival ability house plant growers may be able to grow their own plant using this unique characteristics by placing a leaflet with a petiolule in a a closeable clear salad container with a sandy soil mix also containing a small amount of good soil, Perlite, and bark. With the adaxial surface (upper side) facing upwards. Keep the high humidity in the container by cove…
Examples
- If you check garden websites you will read where house plant growers commonly ask why their ZZ plant is \"dying\" and loosing all the leaves when they are \"following the rules\". Those are the same \"rules\" which advise growers to rarely water the plant. Quite simply, those \"rules\" are not correct! Because some growers don't understand what the term deciduous means house plant g…
Causes
- Rich soil eventually suffocates as well as \"drowns\" a specimen causing the tuberous roots to rot due to the growth of saprophytes. A saprophyte is an organism such as a fungus or bacterium that grows on and derives nourishment from dead or decaying organic matter. When the roots of Zamioculcas zamiifolia are kept in wet soil they cannot easily gather oxygen and thus begin to d…
Varieties
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia is also not an orchid nor a palm even though at least one website is saying the species is an orchid! Orchid species produce very distinctive flowers which always contain three petals and three sepals. Zamioculcas zamiifolia does not produce a \"flower\". Instead the ZZ produces an inflorescence with a spathe and spadix. There are very tiny flowers …
Morphology
- HABIT: seasonally dormant or evergreen herb with short, very thick rhizome. LEAVES: few to many, erect, leaflets deciduous during dormancy leaving persistent petiole. PETIOLE: terete, base greatly thickened and succulent, geniculate at apex, sheath ligulate, free almost to the base, very short, inconspicuous. BLADE: pinnatisect, leaflets oblong-elliptic, thickly coriaceous, capable of r…
Distribution
- DISTRIBUTION: 1 sp.; tropical east and subtropical southeast Africa: Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa (Natal), Tanzania (incl. Pemba, Zanzibar), Zimbabwe. ECOLOGY: tropical moist forest, savannas; geophytes on forest floor or in stony ground.