Snake Plants Poisonous To Humans - Toxicity Mother In Laws Tongue

Snake plants, commonly known as Sansevieria, are popular houseplants for their simple maintenance and air-purifying characteristics. Their toxicity, especially to humans, has aroused concerns. In this blog post, we will explore the question, “Are snake plants toxic to humans?” and understand the potential dangers and damages can be done by this plant species for people.

According to Healthline, snake vegetation are considered to be fantastically safe, but they may be mildly poisonous if consumed. Their leaves include a poison which could cause swelling and numbness on the tongue if eaten in big doses. Therefore, it’s beneficial to keep this plant far from children and animals who are liable to nibbling.

According to BabyCenter, snake plant life need to be kept out of reach of toddlers, kids, and pets because they’re poisonous to them, despite being appealing and easy to grow.

Plant Addicts mentions that snake plants are not toxic for birds, however they are poisonous for different mammals which includes hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, and many others. Animals typically avoid them.

The University of Kansas Health System warns that ingestion of snake plants might also reason minor signs which include rash, vomiting, or diarrhea in humans and may cause issues in animals.

Quora offers a blended view, with some saying that snake vegetation (Mother in Law’s tongue) aren’t taken into consideration poisonous to human beings or animals, whilst others share their studies with the plant.

Table of Contents

Realtor.Com highlights that snake flora are not unusual in office areas and houses because of their ability to thrive in low light, however they’re additionally mentioned as poisonous if ingested.

Are Snake Plants Toxic To Humans?

Snake plant (Mother In Laws Tongue) is poisonous to cats and dogs but mildly toxic to humans. It contains saponin compounds, which cause minor human toxicity and the plant uses and defend itself against insects, bacteria and fungus. Snake plant toxicity is minimal. In excessive dosages, the plant is toxic and may induce nausea and vomiting. Plant poison numbs the tongue and throat, causing swelling.

The snake plant is somewhat poisonous to dogs and children, so keep it out of reach. Accidental consumption requires medical treatment.

Before starting the article let me tell you something which is important for you. As you all know, where the development is increasing, people are gradually shifting from rural to urban areas.

Maximum people shift to urban cities because of their jobs, but in urban areas that we all spend 90% of our time indoors, yes whether you are on job or at home we spend all our time indoors. So scientist did a study on whether the pollution of indoors is harmful or outdoor and what they found is indoors have too much pollution than outdoors as this pollution came from filth in windows or congested apartments. All the pollution of the outdoors, such as cars, buses, trucks, motor-wise, all the smoke that goes out of it later goes into the homes of common people.

NASA has talked about some such plants by which air pollution is being removed. In the ancient period this plant is used for many medicinal purposes and its green leaves are mainly for wound dressing. In Malaysia mother in-law’s tongue plant was used to solve swelling, fever, ear pains, and boils , it’s like an ointment that was used back in the time.

One study showed that it was effective in terms of treating an issue called callosities that happen in the toes and fingers. This plant showed great medicinal uses that can be used to solve many problems of human beings. Every research is worth and these plants can play a major role in development of medical science.

Sansevieria plant ( Snake plant) extracts are very effective and have minimal side effects on the skin. This plant may be dangerous to dogs but it may give a medical boost in making new medicines.

Shop From Amazon

Buy Snake plant from AMAZON

Snake plant is safe to touch and is not toxic when your finger mistakenly touches it don’t worry you won’t get any problem as you get touched the snake plant from outside. Snake plants are only poisonous when ingested or eaten. So next time when you see the leaves of a snake plant touching your hand don’t worry it won’t hurt until you accidentally touch the sharp leafy point.

I would still suggest you to wear glasses so you can protect your hands from getting dirt. We generally touch the snake plant leaves when we are doing pruning and removing bad foliage from our air purifying plant. While repotting or doing trimming you should always wear gloves. Many gardeners I see don’t use gloves as they have decades of experience in it but for beginners it’s highly recommended to prevent any sharp leaf from touching you or your children.

Can I sleep with a snake plant in my room?

Yes, you can sleep with a snake plant in your room. The snake plant, often known as the “mother-in-tongue,” law’s improves sleep. The “bedroom plant” and “oxygen factory” owing to its unique capacity to release oxygen at night, this natural air purifier is great for your bedroom to improve sleep quality.

Due to its unusual Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, the snake plant purifies the air in your house and reduces carbon dioxide levels (CAM). The snake plant stores oxygen throughout the day and releases it at night, producing fresh air.

The snake plant likewise breathes in CO2 and releases oxygen in the evening. It purifies bedroom air and improves breathing and sleep.

In conclusion, the snake plant is a great bedroom plant for better sleep. Its nighttime air purification and oxygen release might help you sleep better.

How much snake plant is toxic to humans?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, snake plants (Sansevieria) are harmless for humans but harmful to cats and dogs (ASPCA)[1].

In big dosages, this plant is dangerous. Snake plant saponins may induce gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in people and dogs[2]. Humans have milder symptoms than animals.

Snake plant overdose may produce tongue and throat numbness, vomiting, and nausea. Hence, keep this plant away from pets and children.

In conclusion, the snake plant is normally harmless, but high doses may be hazardous. To protect dogs and children, keep the plant away.

What Parts Of Snake plant Are Poisonous or Toxic?

The parts of a snake plant that are poisonous are the leaves and the stem. The leaves are toxic because they contain saponins which is a type of toxin found in plants. The stem is toxic because it contains oxalic acid which is a type of toxin found in plants.

What To Do When Someone Consumes a Snake Plant?

If someone has eaten a snake plant and is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, they should go to the hospital. If they are experiencing other symptoms such as a rash or abdominal pain, they should contact their doctor immediately.

How to Stay Safe from the Toxic Effects of a Snake Plant?

Learn how to protect yourself from the snake plant’s harmful effects if you have one in your house. First, make sure you don’t touch any of the plant’s parts, including the leaves. Additionally, you need to make sure that you keep this plant away from youngsters and dogs. Make careful to use gloves if you plan to operate close to a snake plant.

What Are The Symptoms Of Poisoning?

Snake plant poisoning is a type of plant toxicity that occurs when someone accidentally ingests the sap from a snake plant. This can happen when someone eats or drinks the sap or if they get it on their skin. If you suspect that you have been exposed to snake plant poisoning, seek medical attention. The symptoms of snake plant poisoning are as follows:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and abdominal swelling.

Are snake plants toxic to dogs?

According to the ASPCA, snake plants (Sansevieria) may induce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. If you feel your dog has eaten snake plant parts, seek veterinarian attention immediately.

Snake plant intake may cause severe pain in dogs. The plant generates saponins, which may poison pets. The toxin may burst red blood cells, causing significant gastrointestinal activity.

Snake plants are somewhat harmful to dogs. The plant’s saponins froth, causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset if consumed[3]. To avoid unintentional consumption, keep snake plants out of dogs’ reach and seek immediate veterinarian care if you suspect ingestion.

What if my dog eats a snake plant?

If your dog eats a snake plant, immediately call a pet care center or go to a vet hospital nearby. Your dog might show signs of uneasiness and the stomach may be giving it a hard time. If your dog eats the leaves of a snake plant then understand it’s toxic so you can see he might be vomiting and have some stomach related problem. Dog may see some leaves in his mouth or teeth so you can remove it by yourself and also wear gloves because the snake plant leafy liquid may irritate you.

Faster your dials up vet doctor or goes to pet center, the faster your dog can be saved. Also if you have pets save a vet number in case of an emergency.

What are the signs of snake plant poisoning in a dog?

Some of the signs in dogs after getting poisoned by snake plants are diarrhea, nausea, stomach problems, vomiting, uneasiness, sleepiness and unrest. You should immediately call the vet or go to animal hospital for immediate treatment.

Is snake plant pet friendly?

Snake plants are not pet friendly and your dog, cat can mistakenly eat its leaves and you don’t know. To make sure your pet doesn’t eat snake plants, you should train them and provide timely food which is important as if they are hungry pets will not hesitate to eat any plant nearby.

I also have a dog but he doesn’t eat any snake plant specially I have over 14-20 these type of plant pots but I make sure he had full stomach so i timely provide him food. Otherwise if your pet ingested any of the leaf it can be harmful and toxic, might show symptoms like diarrhea vomiting. If you don’t know what to do, call the pet care center of your area immediately.

Also you can put pots of snake plant to a location where your pet doesn’t come often. This will surely make them don’t want to go to a location where the owner doesn’t present. My dog doesn’t generally go where I don’t go, he sits with me, sleeps with me and the hall doesn’t have any plants. I Put all the plants outside of my house, some of them are inside but I make sure somebody is watching my pet if I am not here.

Also It didn’t happen to my dog ever as I actually fulfill his needs like food and going to the playground or walking. He understands what I say and he is intelligent, still I have saved the no. of pet care centers so if something happens i would be the first person to take him to the vet/hospital.

How To Protect Pet Owners From The Snake Plant?

The succulent plant known as a snake plant can be avoided in a few different ways. The simplest method is to put on gloves whenever you are near the plant. You can also put on a mask or a dust mask if you are allergic to them.

Furthermore, snake plants are extremely dangerous to both people and animals. Because of this, pet owners should exercise caution when around snake plants. You must act fast if your dog or cat unintentionally eats on a snake plant. As soon as you can, you should take your pet to the veterinarian or an animal hospital.

Here are the links to buy Snake plant :

Variegated Snake Plant (*MOST POPULAR)

Shop Now

Snake Plant ( Sansevieria trifasciata )

Shop Now

Pots for Snake plants

Mkono Plastic Planters

Shop Now

Final thoughts

I hope you get the answer on “Are snake plants toxic to humans?”. In conclusion, Snake plants are usually non-toxic or moderately poisonous, however they should be handled and eaten with care. Large quantities of the plant’s saponins may induce numbness, swelling, and trouble breathing. Snake plants are dangerous, so keep them away from children and pets and seek medical assistance if you have a response.

Snake Plant Brown Tips, Edges, Spots – Can I Cut It?

Snake Plant Leaves Folding in Half or Inwards (Why Curled & Fix)

Snake Plant Soil Mix Recipe – Best For Sansevieria

What Size Pot Does A Snake Plant Need? (Best Planters For Sansevieria)

Snake Plant Spider Mites

Snake Plant Leaves Bending: Why & How to Fix If Falling Over?

Snake Plant In Bedroom: 5 Reasons It May Improve Your Sleep

Snake Plant Spiritual Meaning

Snake Plant Flower Meaning: Lucky? What Does Bloom Mean?

Snake Plant Dying – Why And How to Revive?

Snake Plant Turning Yellow & Brown – Why Yellowing(How to Fix)

When to Water Sansevieria(Snake Plant) – How Much, Often?