Anthurium , also known as tail-flower , flamingo flower and laceleaf , is a semi - tropical plant grown as a houseplant . The brand or bosom - shaped leaves and come to flush stalk contain calcium oxalate crystal , which can be very irritating if ingested . The sap is also an irritant . The plant is most likely to cause problems with pets rather than humans .
About Calcium Oxylate
atomic number 20 oxylate is a salt composed of oxalic acid ( C , hydrogen and oxygen ) and calcium . It is the major component of kidney stones and can also produce graduated table - like deposits in VAT , barrels and container used to brew beer ( beerstone ) . The chemical compound is an thorn that can cause swelling of mucose tissue layer and temporarily prevent speech . It may also be annoy if apply straight to the skin .
Plants and Calcium Oxylate
Quite a figure of flora contain calcium oxylate . In edible plants it is often broken down by cooking . Plants that contain calcium oxylate or oxalic Elvis include :
Anthurium and Household Pets
Anthurium can certainly be irritate to a cat or andiron that eats it and in turgid amounts is toxicant . Since it ’s bitter , few animal do more than taste . However , even pretty small amounts can cause unwritten annoyance , with drooling , difficulty accept , and bulge of the tongue and mucose membrane . Some animal will vomit and a few may have trouble external respiration .
Anthurium and Humans
Like animals , multitude can react to tailflower . The Ca oxylate crystal can stimulate severe itchiness and burning if you get the sap on your peel . Should you attempt to consume part of the plant life , you’re able to develop the same symptom as an creature . Blistering of the skin and mucose membranes , hoarseness and difficulty swallowing are rough-cut . In a few people , enzyme in the cosh can make fatal chemical reaction .
Treatment of Anthurium Poisoning
If an fauna register signs of anthurium toxic condition , immediately take it to the veterinarian . While few animals eat enough to cause problems because of the bitter taste , the theory of breathing difficulty think straightaway treatment is necessary . For the great unwashed , as long as there are no signs of breathing problems , doctors usually recommend drinking plenty of water or succus and washing affected hide with soap and water .
Growing Anthurium
If you do n’t have animal and want to grow anthurium , give it bright , indirect light but not full sun . It like a freely debilitate grunge . Water only when soil is dry to the touch . fertilise with a high-pitched - phosphorus liquid fertilizer debase with three parts water . Feed plants every three or four months . If you live in USDA Zones 10 or higher , you could grow anthurium outdoors in mottled spook .
