Since Gerberas originally hail from the tropics, they definitely bring an exotic vibe to any room. It’s probably because of those stunning, vibrant blooms that so many myths have popped up about them—after all, we’re often taught that the most beautiful plants in nature are the most toxic. But here’s some good news: the Gerbera is actually a total sweetheart and contains zero toxins!
Safe for the Whole Family
From the roots all the way up to the petals, there isn’t a single part of the Gerbera that’s harmful to humans, whether you touch it or accidentally take a nibble. Now, I wouldn’t recommend adding them to your salad—the leaves and flowers don’t taste great and aren’t exactly “edible” in a culinary sense. Because of that, it’s still a smart move to keep your Gerbera pots just out of reach of curious toddlers.
What Happens if Someone Swallows a Piece?
If a little one does manage to swallow a bit of the plant, don’t panic—it’s not poisonous, even for babies. That said, if your child seems uncomfortable or upset, a quick trip to the pediatrician is always a good idea just to make sure no bits of the plant are stuck in the back of their throat.
Is It a Problem for Pets?
Good news for pet parents: Gerberas don’t contain anything dangerous for dogs or cats. However, we all know how cats are—they seem magnetically drawn to those bright, colorful flowers! While eating a Gerbera won’t hurt your furry friend, it’s not exactly a nutritious snack either. If you have a cat, I highly recommend keeping some cat grass near your Gerbera pots. It gives them something safe to munch on so they aren’t tempted to prune your beautiful flowers for you.
Even though Gerberas are non-toxic, here are a few pro-tips to keep in mind:
- Place your pots where kids and pets can’t easily get to them.
- If a toddler swallows a piece of the plant, check in with a doctor just to be safe.
- If you have cats, provide some cat grass as a tasty alternative to your houseplants.
