Can Houseplants Cause Allergies?

Many people are allergic to pollen, dust, pet dander, and other common allergens, but did you know that you can also be allergic to houseplants? While most houseplants are relatively harmless, there are a few species that can cause allergies in some people. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at can houseplants cause allergies and what you can do to avoid them.

First, let’s start by understanding what an allergy is. An allergy is your body’s overreaction to a foreign substance, like pollen or dust. Your immune system mistakes these particles for threatening invaders and goes into attack mode. This release of histamines can cause everything from a runny nose to hives to difficulty breathing. Yikes!

Allergy Busting Houseplants

So, what does this have to do with houseplants? Well, it turns out that certain houseplants can help filter out common allergens like mold, dust, and pollen from the air in your home. This can help lessen your symptoms and give you some much-needed relief. Here are a few of our favorite allergy-busting houseplants:

Snake Plant

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this tough plant is almost impossible to kill (which is good news if you’re not exactly a green thumb). It’s great at filtering out formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides—two common indoor pollutants that can aggravate allergies.

Bromeliads

These beautiful plants come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and they’re excellent at removing impurities from the air. They’re especially good at filtering out formaldehyde, which is found in many household cleaning products.

Aloe Vera

Not only is aloe Vera great for treating cuts and burns (just ask any parent of a toddler), but it also helps remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air—two pollutants that can cause respiratory problems. Plus, it’s super easy to care for—just place it in a sunny spot and water it when the soil feels dry.

Spider Plant

If you’re looking for an attractive plant that’s also easy to care for, look no further than the spider plant. It’s great at filtering out carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, making it perfect for placing near heating sources like fireplaces or radiators. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of curious pets—spider plants can be poisonous if ingested.

Allergy-Causing Houseplants

There are a few different types of allergies that people can have to houseplants. The most common is allergic rhinitis, which is an irritation of the nose and throat caused by plant pollen. Other allergens that can be found in houseplants include mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites. Some of the most common allergy-causing houseplants include:

Pelargoniums

These plants are also known as geraniums, and they’re popular for their showy flowers. However, they can also cause allergies in some people. If you’re allergic to pelargoniums, you may experience sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are another type of flower that can cause allergies. If you’re allergic to chrysanthemums, you may experience sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. In severe cases, you may also experience difficulty breathing.

Ficus trees

Ficus trees are a common type of houseplant, but they can also cause allergies in some people. If you’re allergic to ficus trees, you may experience itchiness, swelling, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur.

Allergens in House Plants: The Most Common Offenders And Allergy Symptoms

There are a variety of indoor allergens that can be found in house plants. The most common offenders include pollen, dust mites, and mold, used on plants and trigger allergy symptoms. Let’s take a closer look at each of these:

Pollen

Pollen is a fine powder that is released into the air by flowering plants. It is comprised of protein and other chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of a pollen allergy include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing.

If you are allergic to pollen, it is important to avoid touching or inhaling it. You should also avoid buying house plants that produce large amounts of pollen (such as Easter lilies, chrysanthemums, and daisies).

Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in dust. They are too small to be seen with the naked eye and they feed on the dead skin cells that humans shed. Dust mites are a common cause of allergies and asthma.

Symptoms of a dust mite allergy include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If you have a dust mite allergy, it is important to vacuum your house regularly and wash your bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill the dust mites.

You should also avoid buying stuffed animals or pillows made with natural materials (such as down or wool) as they may contain dust mites.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp environments. It can be found on wet leaves, soil, or potting mix. Mold can also grow on wet clothing or towels that are left lying around the house.

Symptoms of a mold allergy include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If you have a mold allergy, it is important to keep your house free from dampness by using a dehumidifier or opening windows on dry days.

To prevent mold growth, you should also clean any moldy areas with bleach or another disinfectant and dispose of any moldy material in sealed bags so that it does not spread to other areas of your home.

Tips For Avoiding Allergens In House Plants

There are a few simple steps you can take to avoid exposure to allergens from house plants:

Wash your hands after handling any plant material
Avoid touching your face after handling any plant material
Vacuum regularly
Wash bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) every 1-2 weeks
Use a dehumidifier
Open windows on dry days
Bleach moldy areas
Dispose of moldy materials immediately
Ventilate any area where you are using cleaners/detergents
Consider using an air purifier in your home.
Talk to your doctor about possible medication options.

Allergies are no fun, but with a little care and precaution, they don’t have to ruin your enjoyment of houseplants.

Conclusion

If you’ve been dealing with allergic reactions from certain plants even though you haven’t been spending time outdoors, it’s possible that your indoor plants are to blame.

There are a few different ways that plants can cause allergies, but there are also some things you can do to lessen the symptoms. If you think your plants might be causing problems, try removing them from your home or Dusting them regularly with a damp cloth.

You should also avoid letting insects into your home and make sure to wash your hands after handling any plants. By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy being around your plants without having to worry about sneezing fits or itchy eyes!