The 8 trendy houseplants that could put your child’s life at risk

FILLING your home with plants can certainly brighten up the place and make it feel cosy.

But some shrubs might be risky to keep when you have toddlers crawling around or curious children popping things into their mouths.

Some greenery may cause skin irritation if handled, while others might be harmful or toxic if ingested by youngsters who just don't know any better.

Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), told Sun Health: "Houseplants are very seldom implicated in harming people and any potential risks are small compared to the proven benefits of houseplants in improving health and well-being.

"Having said that, it is very unwise to consume any vegetation indoors or out that is not specifically grown to be eaten."

He noted that houseplants that "are potentially harmful" to tots should contain warnings when purchased.

Here are eight plants "parents may wish to avoid buying", according to the RHS.

1. Dieffenbachia

Also known as dumb cane or leopard lily, the dappled leaves, stalk or root of this pretty plant are "toxic if eaten", according to the RHS.

It also takes its name 'dumb cane' from another peculiar side effect.

If chewed, dieffenbachia can actually render someone speechless, as it contains a poisonous ingredient called oxalic acid that can cause swelling and burning in the mouth.

According to , symptoms of ingesting this plant include:

• Blisters in the mouth
• Burning in mouth and throat
• Diarrhoea
• Hoarse voice
• Increased saliva production, also known as drooling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain when swallowing
• Swelling of mouth and tongue

The plant can also irritate the skin and eyes, causing "possible corneal damage", experts say.

If your little one munches on a dumb cane leaf, you should wipe their mouth with a cold, wet cloth and rinse their eyes and skin well if they also handled the plant.

Mount Sinai also recommends you give your little one milk to drink.

2. Caladium

Caladium, also known as angel’s wings, is recognisable due to its pink-tinged leaves that are almost heart shaped.

It can be "harmful if eaten", according to the RHS, as it contains the same poisonous oxalate crystals as dumb cane.

It can also cause eye and skin irritation.

Symptoms of eating parts of the plant or getting it in your eye include:

• Burning in the mouth or throat
• Damage to the outer clear layer (cornea) of the eye
• Diarrhoea
• Eye pain
• Hoarse voice and difficulty speaking
• Increased salivation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling and blistering in the mouth or tongue

3. Anthurium

Anthuriums - called flamingo flowers too - are known for their glossy red foliage.

Labelled "harmful if eaten" by the RHS and a "skin and eye irritant", these plants can cause burning, swelling and blisters in the mouth .

4. Monstera deliciosa

Monstera plants - also known Swiss cheese plants for their holey leaves - are a super popular choice to add some greenery to people's homes.

But it's another one of those plants that can be harmful if munched on by curious children, as it contains the same oxalate crystals.