The dragon tree is one of the most popular houseplants in Central Europe. Especially in connection with small children or pets, as with so many plants, the question arises as to the possible content of toxins in the plants.
Is the flower of a dragon tree poisonous?
The flower of the dragon tree is no more poisonous than the rest of the plant, but the strong smell attracts the attention of children and pets. Saponins in the flowers and leaves can cause he alth problems for these groups.
Dragon trees are conditionally safe for adults
The flowers and leaves of the dragon tree contain so-called saponins, which are also found in other plant species. The intake concentration, which is usually very limited due to the bitter taste, generally does not have any serious effects on the organism of an adult. However, things can look different when it comes to allergy sufferers or asthmatics: In this more sensitive group of people, various symptoms such as itching or breathing difficulties have been observed simply due to polluted room air.
Caution is advised around children and pets
Because young children do not yet notice the bitter taste of dragon tree leaves, they could actually consume quantities of the leaves unsupervised, which could lead to serious he alth problems. So that children or pets cannot tamper with the dragon tree unnoticed, it can also find a seasonal location on the balcony in summer, for example. To prevent dogs or cats from nibbling on the leaves of the dragon tree, you should take preventative measures:
- place the dragon tree out of reach of small animals
- offer alternative employment opportunities
- Do not leave animals unattended in the room with a dragon tree
Tip
The flower of the dragon tree is no more poisonous than the rest of the plant, but its strong smell attracts the attention of children and pets alike. Since the dragon tree is usually propagated by cuttings rather than seeds, annoying flower heads can be cut off at any time.
