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Cat Decorating - Protecting Your Pet
Interior Decorating for Cat owners Part 2: Protecting your pet If you own a cat, then designing the décor of your home will require taking several precautions in order to protect your pet from harm. Glass items should be avoided both because...

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The concept of positive and negative spaces in interior design.
While talking about positive and negative spaces it is important to first understand the term "space" in itself. In interior design any volume which is being contained within masonry walls and are habitable is normally termed as space. The...

The two pillars of a successful interior design project!
Dear Friends, Whenever I think of any design, be it interior design or product design, a few things very naturally come up in my mind. These are in the form of questions. The best part is, answers to these questions can give rise to a very...

 
Are Your Houseplants Safe?

There is nothing more attractive and cheerful than a room filled with healthy green houseplants. They offer aesthetics to the interior of our homes, improve indoor air quality, and often provide emotional satisfaction to the caregiver in getting the plant to bloom or produce new growth. However, did you know that plant exposures are some of the most frequent poisonings reported to poison control centers?

There are more than 700 species of poisonous plants in the United States and many of these can be found around the home. According to the American Association of Poison Control, poisonous plants are among the three most common causes of accidental poisoning in children under 5 years old.

Some or all parts of a plant can be poisonous including the roots, stems, berries or even the nectar and pollen. There are several chemical compounds capable of poisoning that can be found in a variety of plants. Chemicals concentrated in the cells of roots, leaves, bark and seeds serve as the plant’s defense against insects and animal attacks. Some of these compounds can be toxic, especially if ingested or touched by humans.

The word “poisonous” generates many kinds of reactions and the majority of them are non life-threatening. Among the key effects of poisonous plants are allergic reactions (caused by spores, pollen, or naturally occurring volatile compounds emitted into the air by plants), skin rash or dermatitis (caused by direct or indirect contact with allergenic or irritant compounds), and internal poisonings or irritations (caused from ingesting plants or plant parts).

There are many houseplants which are perfectly safe to grow and others which appear harmless but are toxic and dangerous. It is important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the plants you have growing in your home. According to the Washington Poison Center, the following houseplants (listed by common name) are considered safe and non-toxic, but still should not be ingested:

•African Violet
•Aluminum plant
•Birds Nest Fern
•Boston Fern
•Cast Iron plant
•China Doll
•Christmas Cactus
•Coleus
•Corn plant
•Dracaena
•Gardenia
•Goldfish plant
•Jade plant
•Mosaic plant
•Orchids
•Peperomia
•Piggyback plant
•Pink Polka-dot plant
•Ponytail plant
•Prayer plant
•Purple Velvet plant
•Spider plant
•Swedish Ivy
•Sword Fern
•Yucca plant
•Zebra plant

The Washington Poison Center reports the following houseplants (by common name) to have some level of toxicity and therefore are considered to be toxic and/or poisonous. Also listed are the parts of the plant that can be toxic and what effects it has on humans if ingested.

Caladium: a showy plant with variegated, heart-shaped leaves. The whole plant is injurious and causes irritation to the lips, mouth, and throat if ingested. This plant can also be dangerous for animals if ingested.

Calla Lily: a flowering plant with smooth-edged arrow-shaped leaves which grow on long stalks. The leaves are toxic and cause intense burning of the lips and mouth if ingested. Contact dermatitis is also common.

Devil’s Ivy: a climbing vine with large heart-shaped leaves that


are usually streaked with yellow. The whole plant is toxic and causes a burning sensation in the mouth when eaten and dermatitis when touched.

Dumb Cane: tall, erect plants with large oblong leaves splotched with ivory markings. The leaves are toxic and chewing on the leaves produces immediate and intense pain followed by swelling of the mouth.

Jerusalem Cherry: an ornamental houseplant that has bright red berries about the size of cherries. The leaves and berries are toxic and causes a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, followed by gastric irritation and fever if ingested.

Philodendron: climbing vines with aerial roots and heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are toxic and cause painful burning of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested. Contact dermatitis is also common and can be dangerous to animals if ingested.

Children under the age of six are at the greatest risk for accidental poisoning. They are curious by nature and often investigate their surroundings by putting things in their mouths. Obviously, the best prevention of plant poisonings is to teach your child to avoid the plants that are dangerous to touch and to resist the urge to taste even the most tasty looking berries and sweet smelling flowers. Below are five more suggestions to help you and your family avoid possible plant poisonings:

1. Learn the names (common and scientific) of all plants in your home, garden, and landscaping and know which ones are poisonous. Make a list of these plants and keep it handy in case of an accidental poisoning.

2. Put all poisonous houseplants out of the reach of children and pets.

3. Stored labeled bulbs and seeds out of the reach of children and pets.

4. Do not use flowers or other plant materials for food decorations or in cooking unless they are labeled “edible”.

5. Don’t assume a plant is safe because birds or other wildlife eat it.

No matter how careful we are, accidents can and do happen. It is important to place the Poison Control Hotline phone number (800-222-1222) near the telephone so you can reach them quickly in the event of an accidental poisoning. To better assist the poison experts, you will need the common and/or scientific name of the plant in question. If at any time you are in doubt about a particular houseplant, take it to your local nursery or garden center for identification and what possible toxic characteristics the plant may have. Finally, the above lists name just a few of the non-toxic and toxic plants that exist today. You should consult the appropriate reference books or poisonous plant guides for a complete list. To research non-toxic and toxic plants on the internet, visit www.poison.org or visit www.vth.colostate.edu/poisonous_plants/report/search.cfm.

About the Author

Lesley Dietschy is the creator/editor of The Home Decor Exchange, a popular home decor, garden decor, and home improvement website. Please visit the website for quality resources, articles, ideas, tips, decorating pictures, free projects, and much more. The website also has a shopping marketplace and a unique Gallery featuring Pine Needle Baskets and Gourd Art. http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com

 

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Content Menu
  • 10 home decorating ideas to quickly update any room

  • 10 tips for a window coverings makeover

  • 12 considerations when choosing contemporary lighting

  • 20th century home decorating guide

  • 3 kinds of wood used in real wood furniture

  • 5 essential factors of a good bedroom design

  • 5 external climatic factors that affect an interior design project

  • 5 fast ideas to freshen the look of your room

  • 5 most popular styles of christmas ornaments

  • 5 things your christmas table should not be without

  • 5 top bathroom decorating style ideas

  • 6 factors that affect a bedroom design project

  • 6 ways to use an area rug

  • 6 ways to use contemporary area rugs in your home decor

  • 9 ways to inexpensively decorate your bathroom

  • add some pizzazz to your powder room

  • an introduction to shutters

  • an overview of commonly used materials in interior design

  • area rug buyers guide

  • are your houseplants safe

  • art prints for home decorating

  • a beautiful carpet sets the mood of any room

  • a guide to choosing the right closet

  • a guide to interior shutters

  • a study of furniture elements for smaller bedrooms

  • balanced decorating

  • basic furniture and its place in design

  • beautifying your home

  • breaking away from white paint walls

  • building closet organizers

  • building or decorating your home requires house plans

  • buying custom wood blinds

  • carpet takes center stage

  • cat decorating protecting your pet

  • cat decor finding the beauty in cat decorating

  • ceiling medallions crown molding and ceiling domes 3 ways to add elegance and beauty to any room

  • chill out with a quality ceiling fan

  • choosing beautiful furniture for you home

  • christmas decorating ideas

  • classic home decorating with empire furniture

  • consider sunroom plans for a luxury addition

  • consult interior designer for flooring

  • country home accessories

  • cozyin up to winter

  • create an underwater adventure in your childs room

  • creating unique details with wallpaper borders decorating with wallpaper

  • decorating a childs room to look like a mysterious jungle and teaching them something too

  • decorating a comfort zone

  • decorating for thanksgiving budget friendly decor for the holiday

  • decorating frugally

  • decorating then make a smart flooring choice

  • decorating toolbox 101

  • decorating to sell a house by meeting three key needs

  • decorating transit areas

  • decorating where theres a will theres a way

  • decorating with authentic zebra decor

  • decorating with interior shutters

  • decorating with table fountains

  • decorating your entrance foyer

  • decorating your home 5 style tips that cost less than 50

  • decor for cats protecting your home

  • decor for cat owners protecting your posessions

  • dummies guide to interior design color schemes

  • eastern influences on western interiors japanese decor part i of ii color texture and contrast display

  • elements of interior design

  • emphasize your decor style in seven easy ways

  • empire furniture for home decorating

  • extending the living space outdoors working with color

  • exterior paint schemes for historical houses

  • five tips for helping your guests feel at home

  • five ways to create a healthy home

  • floral futon covers

  • four decorative painting techniques

  • from toss out to sensational keeper lamp re make

  • furnishing and decorating your own home

  • furniture placement secrets

  • furniture styles for your home decorating ideas

  • get your home ready for the holidays

  • granite countertops an overview

  • hand painted furniture the must have home furnishings of the season

  • hardwood floors for interior design and for home decorating

  • have you considered these space saving bed designs to maximize your interior decorating space

  • help choosing door and window hardware

  • heres why interior decorating makes a statement about you

  • holiday decorating can cast a warm glow all year

  • holiday decorating tips christmas candles

  • holiday decorating tips thanksgiving a time for gratitude and giving

  • home decorating ideas for different furniture styles

  • home fragrance in vogue

  • home furnishing and decorating your home with designs

  • home improvements planning

  • home improvement projects that really pay off

  • home interior decorating

  • how do home furnishing experts study an interior space

  • how do i finalize budget for my bedroom design project

  • how to achieve indirect lighting in interior design

  • how to change a rooms dimension using wall pictures

  • how to choose a safe color to paint your rooms

  • how to decorate ethnic

  • how to decorate your home on ebay

  • how to extend your living space outdoors working with color

  • how to generate ideas for your bedroom design

  • how to lend your home a rustic decor theme

  • how to use accessories in a bedroom decorating project

  • how to use picture frames to decorate an interior space

  • how to use wall finishes in a bedroom design project

  • ideas for closet organizers

  • ideas for your interior christmas decorating

  • index

  • interior decorating and home decor needs

  • interior decorating and home decor with inuit art from the arctic north

  • interior decorating and home decor with native american indian art

  • interior decorating for cat owners

  • interior decorating themes

  • interior decorating themes whats your decorating style

  • interior designing

  • interior design for cat owners

  • in the mood

  • its easy being green at home

  • its spring lets decorate

  • it s spring let s decorate

  • keep your yard ornamental with sago palm care

  • landscaping how does your garden grow

  • leather is a great choice in your decor

  • log cabin living soften the decor with fabric artwork and plants

  • make your house feel more like a home

  • new decor for a new year

  • new trends in design and comfortable living

  • new trends in design comfortable living

  • not only should ones bedroom be a refuge but it should also be a sanctuary

  • one way to create extra space in your home is with closet organizers

  • optical illusions of interior decorating how to make the most of your living space

  • practical feng shui debunking the myths and finding out what we can actually learn from the ancients

  • prefabricated homes primer

  • principles of interior design

  • putting passion back into home decorating

  • real vs artificial christmas trees

  • roman shades give old house a rich look

  • rotator

  • selecting bean bag chairs to suit your home decor

  • selling your home dont be a victim

  • seven ways to emphasize a decor style

  • shag area rugs a great way to create a safe and easy to clean home

  • shag area rugs one of the most popular floor coverings around

  • simplicity with your home wall decor

  • smarten your interiors

  • stair rail decorating ideas

  • staying in tune with the change of season

  • study of

  • study of interior design as a reflection of the mind

  • style and perfection in home decoration with plantation shutters

  • style elegance of shutters and safety of hurricane shutters

  • style on a budget simple changes dramatic results

  • style your home with decorative plantation shutters

  • tasteful home decorating changes your house into a home

  • ten tips to ensure that you choose the right carpet for your home or office

  • the art of home decoration

  • the art of selecting your homes art

  • the beauty of a contemporary ceiling fan

  • the benefits of exterior shutters

  • the benefits of wood blinds

  • the concept of dynamic space in bedroom design

  • the concept of positive and negative spaces in interior design

  • the four essential tips to consider before choosing flooring for your home

  • the importance of bedroom design in a home decoration project

  • the importance of lighting in an interior design project

  • the latest flower trends in interior decorating for your home office

  • the magic of color

  • the magic of using wooden window blinds

  • the new stone in technical ceramics for interior decorating ideas

  • the oriental vs contemporary bedroom design theory

  • the truth about color schemes in an interior design project

  • the two pillars of a successful interior design project

  • the ultimate yard sale guide for home decorators

  • things to consider when purchasing sunroom kits

  • thinking about home improvement then heres a checklist

  • three easy home improvements for under 100 00

  • tips for buying sunroom kits

  • tips on budget decorating

  • too much stuff syndrome or how decorating and organizing can help your sanity

  • tuscan style decorating three essentials

  • use outdoor rugs to decorate your outdoor space

  • using window coverings to enlighten your home

  • wallpaper doesnt just cover it defines the room

  • warm your home with a taste of the tropics

  • whack o matic

  • whats old is new again

  • what does it take to be an interior designer

  • what is a platform bed

  • what should you know about house flooring

  • what to consider before you start decorating your home

  • where to find discount home furnishings

  • window blinds and curtains top decorating tips

  • window curtains help with adding more privacy to your home