We sometimes have to be careful of their thorns when doing maintenance work. The question arises as to whether bromeliads pose a danger to humans. You can find out here to what extent tropical plants can be poisonous.
Are bromeliads poisonous to humans?
Bromeliads are generally not poisonous to humans, with the exception of unripe pineapples, whose ingredients can have a laxative effect. When caring for bromeliads, only the sharp spines of some species should be taken into account.
Unripe pineapple spoils the stomach
One of the few bromeliad species that goes beyond a decorative function is the pineapple (Ananas comosus). The queen of tropical fruits enjoys worldwide popularity. The juicy, sweet pulp, however, poses a he alth risk. When unripe, various ingredients are toxic and have a strong laxative effect. Small children and pregnant women should therefore exercise caution when eating fresh pineapple.
Sniffing and cutting allowed
Apart from the slightly toxic ingredients in an unripe pineapple, the all-clear can be given for bromeliads. As long as you pay attention to the sharp spines of some species, there are no concerns for young and old. Sniffing the magnificent flowers is just as safe as handling them in the garden as part of their care.