Where a delicious window leaf feels comfortable in the optimal location, it gives its gardener a decorative flower that turns into a tasty fruit. Nevertheless, assigning a Monstera deliciosa to the plant family of the poisonous arum plants is a headache. You can find out here what the actual poison content of the ornamental foliage plant is.
Is the Monstera Deliciosa poisonous?
The delicious window leaf (Monstera deliciosa) is poisonous because it contains calcium oxalate crystals and oxalic acid s alts, which can cause symptoms of poisoning in people. The only exception is the ripe fruit known as pineapple banana which is edible.
Poisonous in all parts - with one exception
A delicious window leaf is filled with various calcium oxalate crystals and oxalic acid s alts. If these toxins enter the human organism in higher concentrations, typical symptoms of poisoning occur. Nausea, vomiting and cramps occur, particularly in children. The plant sap can also cause a skin rash. This is what you need to pay attention to during cultivation:
- Place Monstera deliciosa out of the reach of children
- Do not consume leaves, shoots, roots or flowers
- Wear gloves when carrying out maintenance work to avoid skin contact with the poisonous plant sap
These concerns do not apply to the edible fruits from which a delicious window leaf gets its name. The ripe fruit is also called a pineapple banana because its sour taste is reminiscent of the exotic fruit.
Be careful with dogs and cats
A delicious window leaf and pets should not share an apartment. The ingredients are not only harmful to humans. If dogs and cats nibble on the mighty leaves, symptoms of poisoning are inevitable. Difficulty swallowing, staggering, vomiting and diarrhea often occur. Therefore, fallen leaves should never be used as green food for rabbits.
Tip
With their aerial roots, Monstera act as a natural cleaning aid in the aquarium by climbing into the water. The long root strands remove fish-toxic nitrate and nitrite from the water in order to use these substances as food.
