Opinions differ on the question of whether the mountain palm (Chamaedorea) is actually poisonous. In the database for poisonous plants created by the University of Zurich, mountain palms are listed as non-poisonous plants. They can therefore easily be kept as houseplants.
Is the mountain palm poisonous?
According to the University of Zurich's poisonous plant database, the mountain palm (Chamaedorea) is non-toxic and can easily be kept as a houseplant. However, its leaves and flowers contain small amounts of saponins, which can cause mild stomach and intestinal problems if consumed.
The mountain palm is not poisonous
Palm lovers can assume that the mountain palm is one of the non-toxic houseplants. You can care for this type of palm tree without worry, even if children and pets live in the apartment.
However, parents and pet owners should exercise some caution when keeping mountain palms indoors. You should never leave brown leaves or fallen flower remains lying around so that a crawling baby or curious cat doesn't chew on them.
Mountain palms contain only a few unhe althy substances
According to some gardening experts, mountain palm leaves and flowers contain saponins. Eating plant parts is therefore said to lead to stomach and intestinal problems.
Indeed, all parts of the mountain palm are believed to contain small amounts of saponins. However, this proportion is so small that there is hardly any risk of poisoning unless huge quantities are consumed.
The danger posed by mountain palms is that children or animals choke when eating the leaves, which poses a he alth risk to them. Therefore, position the mountain palm tree so that no one unauthorized can get to it.
Tip
Mountain palms come from the rainforests of Mexico, where they generally receive little sun. That's why they don't need as much light indoors as other types of palm trees. They can only tolerate direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours.
