8
for People with Allergies
Worst Houseplants
This plant reproduces via spores, which can be as irritating as pollen to some allergy sufferers. Fern fronds also can cause contact dermatitis in people who handle them often, and these rashes are likely attributable to the spores, too.
2. Figs
Decorative ficus species contain latex-like proteins in their sap. Therefore, the plants can be a problem for people with latex allergies. Keep in mind that brushing against some figs can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, potentially causing burns.
Although orchid sap has the sweet name of “honeydew,” it can “sting like a bee” if it comes into contact with sensitive skin, producing rashes or blistering.
English ivy and Algerian ivy aren’t poison ivy, but they may as well be for people who are sensitive to the falcarinol in their sap. To avoid learning the hard way, wear plastic gloves or gardening gloves while pruning these vines.
5. African violets
African violets aren’t high pollen producers. However, they are dust catchers due to the velvety texture of their leaves. So, people with dust allergies should probably avoid such “warm and fuzzy” plants, which are unfortunately not as easy to clean as more glossy-leaved types.
This plant is related to ragweed. So its pollen can cause some of the hay fever symptoms often associated with its more raggedy cousin. Also, chrysanthemum foliage may raise rashes on the skin of those who frequently handle the plant.
Although not all palms bloom indoors, the pollen can be profuse in those that do. Only male plants produce pollen, so female palm plants are usually more tolerable.
8. Junipers
Any bonsai junipers intended for indoor use should be female plants that don’t produce pollen cones, since juniper pollen is so fine and fast spreading that it reportedly can cause hay fever symptoms in up to half the population.