It all began so innocently.
‘Send us pictures of your house plants, John and his fellow Green Team Interiors maintenance team members will identify them and give tips on care and conditions’.
We thought that it was nothing more than a simple appeal, a bit of fun that might prove interesting and informative for our friends around the UK and beyond on social media.
Then we received our first response.
A lovely picture of a plant in rude health, which was very quickly identified.
As poisonous.
The specimen in question was a dieffenbachia, sometimes known as a leopard lily, or rather ominously, Dumb Cane. It’s called Dumb Cane because the sap of the plant contains calcium oxalate, which can cause swelling to the throat and tongue if ingested, causing speechlessness, and worse.
We immediately called the kind chap that sent the photo, and explained that the plant should be handled with great care, especially if leaves are removed, and stressing that hands must be thoroughly washed after any contact.
When we asked where he had acquired the plant, he explained that it was a gift from his wife…make of that what you will, but perhaps it’s a case of there being more questions than answers.
So, here is our take away tip from our first venture into plant identification. Car boot sales are wonderful, and great bargains are to be had, but if you are buying unlabelled, unidentified plants from a stall, please be careful.
If you have any plants knocking about the house or home office and you’re not too sure what they are, or how to look after them, please send us a photograph and we will be happy to help.
Help with the plants that is, not marriage guidance.
