Although some houseplants reportedly help clean the air, others can trigger allergy symptoms by adding extra baggage—such as pollen or spores—to the air instead. Contact with the foliage of certain plants also can cause rashes in people with sensitive skin. If your houseplants are aggravating your allergies, keep in mind that it isn’t always the plants themselves that are to blame. Mold in soil or the dust-coated leaves could be the actual culprit. Any of these eight houseplants, however, can and do cause allergies.
1. Ferns
Since ferns don’t flower, some might assume they’re hypoallergenic plants. However, they reproduce 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. Boston fern and staghorn fern reportedly don’t cause allergic reactions, so they seem like better choices for fern lovers who are sensitive to other varieties.
If you’re set on keeping ferns but worry about allergies, try placing them in well-ventilated areas to reduce spore concentration. Regularly misting the fronds can also help keep spores from becoming airborne, though you’ll want to avoid overwatering to prevent mold growth in the soil.
2. Figs
Decorative ficus species, such as weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), contain latex-like proteins in their sap. Therefore, the plants can be a problem for people with latex allergies, who may experience skin or eye irritation, coughing, or other symptoms, either from contact with the sap or through inhalation. Keep in mind that brushing against some figs can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, potentially causing burns.
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For those with latex sensitivities, it’s worth noting that even minor contact—like brushing a leaf while watering—can trigger a reaction. If you love the look of figs, consider wearing long sleeves when tending to them, and keep them away from high-traffic areas where accidental contact is more likely.
3. Orchids
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. Fortunately, orchid pollen is sticky enough that it generally doesn’t “float like a butterfly” to cause any inhalation issues. Allergy sufferers still should be able to grow this flowering plant if they are careful to handle it with gloves.
Orchids can be a great choice for allergy sufferers if handled properly. Their vibrant blooms add elegance without the pollen problems of other flowering plants. Just be sure to trim dead stems with gloves on, and avoid touching your face until you’ve washed your hands.
4. Ivies
English ivy (Hedera helix) and Algerian ivy (H. canariensis) aren’t poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), but they may as well be for people who are sensitive to the falcarinol in their sap. The substance can cause blisters on the skin in gardeners who may get an unwelcome ivy leaf education while trimming the plant! To avoid learning the hard way, wear plastic gloves or gardening gloves while pruning these vines.
Ivy’s cascading vines are undeniably charming, but they’re not worth the itch. If you’re prone to skin reactions, consider mounting ivy in hanging baskets to limit contact. This also keeps the plant’s sap away from pets or kids who might brush against it.
5. African Violets
Often associated with grandmothers (who might collect as many of the plants as they do knickknacks), African violets aren’t high pollen producers. Like knickknacks, 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.
If you can’t resist African violets’ cozy charm, try using a soft, dry brush to gently remove dust from their leaves every couple of weeks. It’s a bit of extra work, but it can make a big difference for those with dust sensitivities.
6. Chrysanthemums
People who always sneeze at chrysanthemums should keep in mind that the plant is related to ragweed. So its pollen, along with other allergens present on the flowers and leaves, 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. For some indoor gardeners, mum is not the word!
Chrysanthemums’ bright blooms can tempt any plant lover, but their pollen is a dealbreaker for many. If you’re set on mums, opt for varieties with fewer open flowers, which may produce less pollen, and keep them in a low-traffic corner to minimize exposure.
7. Palms
An allergy sufferer who owns a male palm plant may want to palm it off on a less sensitive friend. 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. However, keep in mind that even lady palms aren’t always ladylike!
Identifying whether your palm is male or female can be tricky—most nurseries don’t label them as such. If you’re unsure, ask your local garden center for help or stick with female plants to avoid pollen issues altogether. A quick check during blooming season can save you a lot of sneezing.
8. Junipers
Although not often grown indoors, juniper occasionally shows up in a home as a bonsai tree. 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—including even people who generally don’t suffer from allergies.
Juniper bonsai trees bring a serene, outdoor vibe indoors, but their pollen can be a nightmare. If you’re new to bonsai, double-check the plant’s sex before bringing it home. Female junipers are a safer bet, and they still offer that miniature tree charm without the sneeze-fest.
Tips for Allergy-Friendly Indoor Gardening
Beyond choosing the right plants, a few simple habits can make indoor gardening easier on your allergies. Regularly clean plant leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, and avoid overwatering to prevent mold growth in the soil. Using a small fan to improve air circulation can also help disperse any stray pollen or spores. For those with severe sensitivities, consider low-maintenance, non-flowering plants like snake plants or pothos, which are less likely to trigger reactions.
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