Poinsettias are members of the Euphorbiaceae family, better known as the spurge family. Many plants in this group produce a milky white sap that acts as a natural bandage to seal up “wounds” if a stem or leaf gets broken. The catch? That sap contains toxic substances.
Is the Poinsettia Poisonous?
Every part of the popular poinsettia is technically toxic. The sap contains diterpenes and terpenes, which are known skin irritants. Now, the wild poinsettias growing in Central America pack a much stronger punch than the ones we buy at the store. The varieties sold as houseplants during the holiday season have been bred to be much less toxic, but “less” doesn’t mean “not at all.” You still need to make sure neither humans nor pets are snacking on your holiday decor.
Potential Symptoms in Children
We all know that kids—especially toddlers—love to explore the world by tasting and chewing on everything they can get their hands on. Unfortunately, houseplants aren’t off-limits to them. It’s super important for parents to know which plants are safe and which aren’t. If a child chews on or swallows poinsettia leaves, stems, or flowers, they might experience symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Trembling
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Liver issues
- Irregular heartbeat
If your little one touches the sap or eats part of the plant, rinse their mouth or skin immediately and have them drink plenty of water. If you’re at all worried, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician or the Poison Control Center right away.
Poinsettia Poisoning in Pets
Our furry friends—like dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters—are much smaller than we are, which makes them way more sensitive to the toxins in a poinsettia. Beyond just diarrhea and vomiting, pets often suffer from paralysis and heart rhythm issues if they ingest the plant. Sadly, there have even been cases where pets have died from poisoning. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of your poinsettia, get them to the vet immediately.
