The variegated croton is famous for its extremely decorative leaves that shimmer with shades of yellow, red and green. However, it is not easy to cultivate and, in addition, it can pose a threat to people and animals. How to care for Croton Speckled to avoid its poisonous properties? And what are the symptoms of poisoning in this case?
Croton variegated , otherwisetricolor(the name refers to its tricolor leaves), kodieum ( Codiaeum) is a cousin of the popular Christmas star - just like she comes from the spine family. Just like she is beautiful, and just like she can hurt.
The Croton Moth came to Europe from distant Asia in the first half of the 19th century. Its name may be misleading as it suggests that this plant belongs to the genusCroton .
Croton proved to be an exceptionally capricious flower. He hates temperature fluctuations, so it's better not to bring him home when it's less than 15 degrees Celsius outside.
The croton lion is not allowed in a home where someone is smoking. Reportedly, he is harmed by the smell of cooked dinner and the gas being burnt in the stove working at that time.
However, if only it is provided with the right conditions and careful care, it will please the eye with its exceptionally decorative leaves.
However, it is better not to place it within the reach of small children's hands, claws and mouths of domestic animals, especially cats.
Why is croton poisoning?
Like all spurgeons, the croton produces toxic white sap, most of which is found in the stem and leaves.
Juice is bitter, so it is impossible to consume it voluntarily in such amounts that it could seriously harm an adult. But even a small amount of it (e.g. found in a bitten leaf) can severely irritate the mucous membranes of a baby's mouth (the younger it is, the more delicate its mucosa is).
Swallowing a small piece of the plant causes diarrhea and vomiting.
In contact with the skin (e.g. while taking the legs or preparing cuttings) it can severely irritate it and cause blisters, and if it accidentally splashes into the eye, it can burn the cornea. If swallowed by an animal, it will severely irritate the mouth area and may also cause diarrhea or vomiting.
When collecting the legs of the croton, it is worth rinsing the cut with water or sprinkle itpowdered charcoal - this will stop leaking juice and reduce the risk of accidental irritation or poisoning.
Croton poisoning: first aid
If the croton juice comes in contact with the skin, wash it off quickly with lukewarm water.
If it gets into your eyes, rinse them with plenty of lukewarm water, and then see a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist.
If you suspect that a child has poisoned with croton juice, it is best to induce vomiting as soon as possible and go to the doctor (especially when you do not know how much juice has got into the stomach).
If there are still parts of the bitten plant in his mouth, remove them quickly, rinse his mouth with water, give him half a glass of water to drink, and then go to the doctor.
Similarly, if you suspect that a cat or a dog has eaten croton leaves or licked the juice flowing from a damaged plant: then the pet's mouth must be rinsed with water and quickly taken to the vet.
Read also:
- Poisonous houseplants
- Dieffenbachia: a poisoner from Brazil
- Narcissi: all poisonous
- Tulips: edible petals, stems and leaves, poisonous
- Monstera: as beautiful as she is dangerous
- Dracaena: dangerous to children, toxic to animals
- Peaceflower: decorative but poisonous
- Passiflora - exotic passion flower
- Common ivy (hedera helix) - poisonous, although healing
- Cyclamen: poisonous beauty
- Anthurium: challenging and dangerous
- Kliwia - rich in poisonous alkaloids
- Hoja full of toxic juice