Spring is here, and while it’s the season for beautiful flowers and warmer weather, it’s also the time for pollen allergies. Whether it’s constant sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes, allergies can often ruin your day.
But, if you have tried all the methods of fight allergy season (no luck): You might want to look at your houseplants. Interestingly, there are certain flowering plants that release high levels of pollen into your home, which can trigger and worsen allergy or hay fever symptoms. In addition, touching parts of a plant could cause allergic reactions, caused by certain liquids or sap of various species. That is why it is advisable to carry one of the best gardening gloves when handling a plant using the best pruning shears or even transplant – especially if you are prone to allergies.
According to sleep experts, these plants can interfere with sleep, as a high pollen content is likely to bother you during the night. Alternatively, if you want to reduce allergens in the home, invest in one of the best air purifiers to improve air quality in the home. Or you can also follow these 9 tips to reduce allergens in your home.
In the meantime, if you’re a plant lover, make sure you don’t have these houseplants if you have allergies.
1. Chrysanthemums
With their colorful globe shapes, chrysanthemums are beautiful spring bouquets that brighten our homes. However, these are also a heavy pollen producer and should be avoided by allergy sufferers. “A popular choice, chrysanthemums add bursts of color to our homes and gardens,” says Ashley Hainsworth, founder and CEO of bed kingdom. “But they should be avoided because of the high levels of pollen they carry in almost all parts of the plant.”
2. ferns
Ferns are a popular houseplant and can add many features to home decor. Plus, they are also non-toxic, making them safe for children and pets.
However, these can trigger serious allergic reactions, especially in hay fever sufferers. This is because breathing in fern spores can cause sneezing, itchy skin and eyes, or in the worst case, respiratory symptoms.
3. Dahlias
Another popular bright bouquet option are dahlias, which come in several colors and varieties. And while they add a pop of color to any room, dahlias also have pollen that can cause a season-long flare-up of allergy symptoms.
“Dahlias are another species that produces large amounts of pollen,” Hainsworth agrees. “Fortunately, there are hybrid varieties available that allergy sufferers can enjoy without worsening symptoms.” That is why it is always better to check the species or simply avoid having them at home.
4. Wax plant (Hoya carnosa)
These houseplants can be great for decorating your home with their beautiful flowers and ornamental leaves. However, Hoya species are known to trigger allergic reactions such as rhinitis, red eyes, cough, and asthma. In the worst case, allergens could reach the respiratory tract through the air causing serious illness.
Other symptoms are caused by direct contact with wax plants, when pruning or watering, which could cause a bad skin reaction. If this occurs, be sure to seek medical attention immediately and refrain from handling plants without gardening gloves.
5. Baby’s breath
These little white flowers may seem harmless, but according to experts, they are the worst houseplants for allergies. “A sweet little flower that has a big impact: baby’s breath is one of the worst causes of allergies,” says Hainsworth. “A study from the National Library of Medicine concluded that these plants contribute to the symptoms of allergic people and are a possible asthma trigger. “Single flowers are reportedly worse for allergies than their double-flowered variant.”
Symptoms of pollen exposure include rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma, so it is best to avoid them.
6. Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)
Weeping fig is another common, lush plant that looks attractive in the home. However, ficus species are known to cause allergies indoors.
This is due to particles from the leaves, trunk and sap of the plant that can cause a reaction similar to a latex allergy. Not only can it cause minor skin irritations, but over time it can trigger respiratory problems. This is especially worse for asthma sufferers or those with other lung conditions. “Other common indoor fiscus, such as Fiscus Benjamina or weeping fig, is another to avoid as they produce a milky sap that can cause allergic reactions in some people.” says Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream. “Certain varieties of ferns that reproduce through spores, such as the Boston fern, can also be problematic in the home for allergy sufferers due to the release of spores into the air.”
Experts suggest removing weeping fig plants from indoor spaces or keeping them outdoors to avoid allergies.
7. marigolds
Bright marigolds are another spring bloomer and add a burst of warm color to a room. However, this is bad news for people with hay fever or allergies. Marigolds can produce an excessive amount of pollen, causing allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching or respiratory illnesses. What’s more, the strong smell can cause asthma problems or sensitivity to odors.
Remember to always seek medical advice if you experience any allergic reaction or symptoms caused by these houseplants.
What plants are best for allergies?
Whether you’re a plant parent or like to decorate with plants, you can still do it, as long as you opt for allergy-friendly options.
“While flowering plants may be out of the question, leafy green options offer the same joy,” Wilson suggests. “Some allergy-safe options include snake plants (Sansevieria), spider plants (Chlorophytum), dragon plants (Dracaena), cast iron plants (Aspidistra), and bamboo palms (Chamaedorea). It’s worth noting that “Plants with large leaves can collect dust, so to reduce any dust allergy symptoms, be sure to regularly wipe the surface of the leaves with a damp cloth.”
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