Despite their beauty and air-purifying properties, indoor plants can trigger allergy symptoms in certain individuals. While plants themselves are not considered allergens, the conditions in which they live can lead to issues with dust and mold. Allergic reactions are complex events that can involve mold in soil, the release of plant pollen, the accumulation of dust on foliage, etc. This article will find out some of the worst indoor plants for allergies that can cause you discomfort and even lead to respiratory health issues if you or someone else in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. We will also look at which plants are more likely to induce allergies and how you can take the necessary precautions to reduce them.
This guide will offer practical tips for keeping the air in your home (apartment, or dorm) squeaky clean by selecting hypoallergenic plant varieties and maintaining a healthy cleaning regimen. By comprehending the allergenic potential of indoor plants and implementing mitigation strategies, you can enjoy the beauty of indoor greenery without worrying about your allergies. Our hope is for this piece to have you feeling a bit more educated on what choices will create those healthy, comfortable living quarters.
Plant That Triggered Allergies
But before we give you a list of the worst indoor plants for allergies, it is necessary to know why and how certain air-filtering vegetation causes such reactions. There are a few main ways that plants can cause allergic symptoms:
Plants release pollen: As part of their reproductive process, plants shed pollen. While weeds produce only low amounts of pollen, others release large amounts of airborne pollen and begin to irritate the respiratory system.
Mold growth: If you overwater your indoor plants or they end up surrounded by humidity, get ready for mold growth in the soil. Mould spores are a common allergen, and people with a history of mold sensitivity have allergic reactions to mold.
Chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are chemicals that some plants release into the air, which can cause allergic reactions by acting as an irritant in your nose, throat, and lungs.
Contact Dermatitis: Skin irritation and allergies upon touching some plants can cause rash or contact dermatitis in humans.
Worst Problems with Indoor Plants
Now that we know why, here are some of the worst indoor plants for allergies;
Ficus (Weeping Fig)
Ficus benjamina, often known as the weeping fig or ficus tree, is a common indoor plant thanks to its attractive shiny green leaves and minimal upkeep. Regrettably, it is also one of the worst indoor plants for allergies.
Why it sucks: The Ficus tree releases a sap that can lead to skin irritation and other allergic reactions in certain individuals. Furthermore, pollen and mold spores can irritate asthma sufferers’ breathing as these airborne allergens are blown in through its flowers.
Allergic reactions: People who are allergic to ficus plants develop a sneezy, runny nose, itchy eyes, and a skin rash.
English Ivy
The English ivy is known for its air-cleaning properties as well as being an ornamental plant. However, it also tops the list of worst indoor plants for allergies.
Why it’s an issue: Their leaves and stems contain allergenic particles that can be released into the air after shearing or touching. When stored in a damp environment, it may trap mold spores.
Symptoms: A person with allergies might feel it, but try not to be worried by the following symptoms: sneeze, cough, watery eyes for breathing, and skin irritation if they touch directly with the plant.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is a favourite because of its beautiful white flowers and low-light requirements, which are what people like in their offices or homes. However, allergy sufferers find it a trigger.
Why It Sucks: Pollen from the peace lily gets in the air, and if you have allergies to pollen (one of those things few people set out to purposefully enjoy), it can trigger a runny nose and other allergy tidbits. Plus, peace lilies like humidity—they need moist soil to grow well, but moisture equals mold. Mold can also trigger allergic reactions.
Signs: Sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes (the latter only with peace lilies). People may also cough or have a sore throat. You can read more peace lily here.
Fern, Boston Fern, and Asparagus Fern
Indoor fern plants: Ferns are a popular houseplant choice, and they prefer shade along with high humidity. Ironically, ferns may be the worst indoor plants for allergies.
Why they stink: Ferns, such as the Boston fern and asparagus fern, have a thin spore that can become airborne, causing respiratory distress. Because of their love for moist places, they may also grow mold in the soil, worsening your allergies even more.
Signs: Allergies due to Fern cause sneezing, whizzing cough, and a runny nose with irritation in the eye. Mould allergy may cause the same symptoms and can also lead to skin rashes.
African Violet
A member of the Gesneriaceae family, the common African violet has become a favorite houseplant for its compact, tidy appearance and attractive purple flowers. Unfortunately for all, you garden lovers out there, the levels of moisture indoors can easily cause indoor plants to become infested with mould, and as many a gardener will tell you, this one is a particularly bad idea, as it is a notorious water attractor in and outside, so just do yourself a favor and leave the Azalea at your local flower market.
Why it matters: African violets enjoy moist and humid conditions that can carry mold spores with them in the soil. Also, the plant’s fuzzy leaves latch onto and hold dust, pollen, and other allergens.
Allergies Symptoms: Mould allergies cause cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose or nasal congestion, and coughing when you are close to the mouldy species. In some people, it can also irritate the skin when contacting the leaves.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are highly sought after for air purification, but they are among the worst indoor plants for allergy sufferers.
Why they stink: Spider plants attract dust and can host mold on their long trailing leaves. With time, this can result in an increased buildup of allergens within the space. It also enjoys humid environments, which can act as an additional feeder for mold in the soil.
Spider plants can trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and coughing. The member of the Euphorbiaceae family, which can trigger reactions even in those not sensitive to mould, is very dangerous for individuals with mould sensitivity.
Jade Plant
I would also recommend investing in jade plants. They have beefy little leaves that look like plant wings, making them ideal for indoor spaces. However, because they are considered one of the worst indoor plants for allergies, they are not ideal for everyone.
Why it stinks: Jade plants are highly susceptible to leaf and soil mould, particularly when it’s humid. Through breathing, mould spores can easily become airborne and create allergic reactions in those who are susceptible to the plant.
This syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and irritation of the respiratory tract. In addition, a few people might get skin reactions as a result of contracting the mould after handling tree leaves.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are praised for their colorful flowers and ability to absorb indoor pollutants, but they are the worst indoor plants for allergies because of their pollen.
Why it’s bad: Chrysanthemums have tonnes of pollen that fly through the air and get up your nose, making allergy sufferers’ symptoms even worse.
Symptoms: Sneezing; runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; cough if allergic to chrysanthemum pollen Skin contact with plant leaves or flowers may also cause irritation or rashes.
Indoor Plant Allergy Treatment
Despite suffering from allergies, if you want to have plants inside the house, then here’s how you can protect yourself from an allergic reaction:
Plants with low allergens Go for plants that have minimal or no pollen suc, such as snake plants, bamboo palms, and orchids.
Clean plants: Dust, pollen, and mould can collect on leaves.
Prevent overwatering: too much watering causes the formation of moulds that starts to grow inside the soil, which can be a big reason for allergies. Drain the water properly, and do not let the plant sit in its saucer.
Ventilation: To reduce the concentration of allergens in the air, ensure that your home is well-ventilated.
Air purifiers: Air purification systems with HEPA filters can help remove allergens from your home and improve indoor air quality.
If you adore indoor plants but are concerned approximately hypersensitivities, consider these procedures to diminish potential risks:
Select Low-Allergen Plants
Selecting plants that are less likely to create dust or form can essentially decrease sensitivity dangers. A few of the best alternatives include:
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for its air-purifying qualities, the Creepy crawly Plant is moreover moo in allergens.
Boston Greenery (Nephrolepis exaltata): This plant makes a difference with discussed quality and has negligible dust production.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): It is successful at sifting indoor discussion poisons and is less likely to cause allergies.
Indoor plants can undoubtedly cause sensitivities in a few people, essentially through dust generation, form development, and plant flotsam and jetsam. In any case, with cautious choice of low-allergen plants, customary support, and great discuss quality administration, you can altogether diminish these dangers. The key is to be mindful of potential triggers and take proactive steps to make a sound, pleasant indoor environment. Adjusting the stylish and mental benefits of indoor greenery with hypersensitivity administration can offer assistance you make the most of your indoor plant collection. You can find more about the worst indoor plants for allergies here.
Most Viewed
Latest Articles
