In order to generate an evergreen, vitalizing jungle atmosphere in living rooms and offices, there is no way around a dragon tree. The elegantly grown Dracaena species and varieties inspire with lush green, red-edged or cream-white variegated sword leaves and up to 200 cm in height. In view of so much floral lease development, little attention is paid to a possible poisonous content. In fact, the immigrants from tropical regions contain questionable ingredients. Read here to what extent caution is required for humans, dogs and cats. Use our tips for the correct handling of the decorative indoor tree.
Table of Contents
Characteristics
- Plant family of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae)
- Genus dragon trees (Dracaena) with more than 40 species
- Native to the tropical and subtropical regions
- Tree-shaped life form with a branched crown and self-supporting, woody trunk
- Heights of growth in culture from 30 cm to 200 cm, rarely higher
- Evergreen, lanceolate, linear leaves with and without colored markings
- Inconspicuous flowers rarely appear in indoor culture
- Orange berries, if the dragon tree was in bloom before
The dragon tree owes its generic name to the red sap that is said to be reminiscent of dragon blood. A large number of easy-care species and varieties can be found in German living spaces and offices. Dracaena fragans stretches up to 200 cm in height in order to present its lanceolate leaves with colored edges. Dracaena goldieana trumps with its cream-green variegated leaves. The leathery and shiny green sword leaves of Dracaena hookerana create an evergreen feel-good atmosphere. Before you make a purchase decision for your favorite, the downside in the form of toxic ingredients should be known.
Saponins in high concentration
Almost all higher plants contain saponins. These are secondary phytochemicals that we ingest from vegetables such as tomatoes, peas or spinach every day without affecting our health. We even owe a large number of ecological detergents and cleaning agents to the active washing substances in them. In contrast, the red sap of dragon trees contains saponins in such a high concentration that caution is advised for humans, dogs and cats.
Small children are at risk
As long as you have a stable health constitution as an adult, a dragon tree poses no danger. If the leaves are eaten intentionally or unintentionally, the very bitter taste prevents them from being absorbed in larger quantities. Since the taste buds are not yet fully developed in small children, they do not perceive the bitter taste or perceive it to a limited extent. Due to their small size, ingesting small amounts of leaves can cause severe symptoms of poisoning. There is increased salivation, nausea, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. The child should be given medical attention the first time these symptoms appear. If possible, take a sheet of paper with you so that the doctor can take the correct countermeasures.
Tip : We recommend that you refrain from cultivating a dragon tree in a household with babies and toddlers. Even if the houseplant is out of the reach of your children, there is still a risk of poisoning from fallen leaves.
Asthma sufferers and allergy sufferers are affected
People with a history of asthma or allergies may suffer from an exacerbation of symptoms when a dragon tree is in their home environment. Field tests were carried out on patients undergoing treatment for diseases of the respiratory tract or skin with various indoor plants such as Dieffenbachia, Ficus and Dracaena. The results showed that up to 74 percent of atopic patients reacted positively to contact with the plants. As a result of such experiments and the experience reports of those who suffered, the following can be stated:
- The evaporation from dragon trees causes breathing difficulties in asthma sufferers
- In interaction with dry air and house dust, a blockage of the respiratory muscles can be triggered
- The negative effects of the evaporation are evident throughout the home
Sensitive or weakened people can suffer from breathing difficulties, malaise and sweating from being in close proximity to a dragon tree.
Effects on dogs and cats
While the negative effects of a dragon tree are limited to small children and people who are already in poor health, this does not apply to animals. Dogs and cats are explicitly endangered by the saponins in the plant sap. The toxins irritate the mucous membranes on mere contact. If the toxins get into the bloodstream, they can reduce the number of red blood cells. The following symptoms can be used to diagnose dragon tree poisoning:
- Increased salivation
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Staggering as a result of circulatory disorders
- cramps
The smaller the pet, the lower the amount of Dracaena plant parts that will trigger these symptoms. However, there is no need to panic if the dog or cat nibbles on the dragon tree for a short time. However, if the process is repeated daily, the saponins accumulate in the animal organism and still trigger the complaints mentioned.
Tips for correct handling
All domesticated dogs and cats lose the instinct that would warn them of poisonous plants in the wild. Puppies and kittens who are not in need are particularly at risk due to a pronounced play instinct and irrepressible curiosity. In order to integrate an animal-poisonous dragon tree into the design of the living space, precautions should be taken so that your four-legged house mates are not harmed.
- Offer pets employment opportunities so they don’t get bored
- Set up a scratching post and cat grass for cats
- Buy toys for dogs and spend time with them on a regular basis
Dogs are popular as pets because they are so docile. If you take consistent action every time the animal tampered with the dragon tree, the plant will be registered as prohibited terrain. By putting your four-legged friend in another place with a loud ‘no’, you train them to behave correctly. In contrast, any punitive actions are ineffective.
Cats mostly ignore human instructions and happily continue to nibble on the dragon tree. You can keep an unteachable house tiger in your apartment, assign the room tree a location in a room inaccessible to the animal or do without it altogether.
Immediate action if poisoning is suspected
If the symptoms of poisoning with dragon tree leaves appear, please bring the animal to the vet immediately. A veterinary emergency service is available outside of the opening times and can be contacted by phone to discuss how to proceed. If there are still plant residues in the mouth, get them out if possible and take the sample with you. The more precisely the vet knows the cause of the poisoning, the more effective measures can be taken.
Conclusion
For an adult human with stable health, a dragon tree poses no danger. The saponins contained in the plant sap only develop a potential hazard when they come into contact with asthma sufferers, allergy sufferers or weakened adults. Furthermore, Dracaena have no business in the reach of small children, as they are not aware of the bitter taste of the leaves, so that a toxic amount could be consumed. Dogs and cats react to saponins with symptoms of poisoning to a greater or lesser extent. Train your four-legged house mates consistently to avoid a dragon tree or banish the plant completely from the apartment.
