houseplants and mold allergies

Mold allergy patients are sometimes advised by doctors to remove any houseplants they keep at home or at work. Though the plants themselves may not pose a threat, the related soil and containers may cause mold allergy symptoms.

Can mold in house plants make you sick?

Your Houseplants Might Be Making You Sick

When mold grows on your plants, it might look white and fuzzy or dusty. These spores are released into the air, where you can inhale them and suffer from allergic reactions or even chronic illness.

What houseplants are bad for allergies?

Here are a few examples of plants you should avoid having in your home or workspace.

Bonsai. Those mini trees look really amazing though certain types of bonsai (juniper, cedar) could cause a lot of trouble to people allergic to birch. ...
Weeping Fig. ...
Male Palms and Yuccas. ...
Fern. ...
African Violet. ...
Chrysanthemum.

Can house plants affect allergies?

Your house plants may not cause allergies thanks to the pollen, but thanks to mold growing in the soil. To keep mold from growing in your indoor plant soil, you can do a few things. Don't over water your plants so they have constantly soggy soil. Keep them in a well-lit area and keep the air around them moving.

How do you get rid of mold in houseplant soil?

How to remove mold in houseplant soil

Locate the mold, which is usually white and fuzzy. Use a spoon to scrape off the moldy part of the soil and then discard it. ...
After removing the mold, add an anti-fungal solution to the soil. ...
If there is mold on the plant, remove it immediately.

Do houseplants help with mold?

It has become common knowledge that indoor plants can improve air quality in homes by absorbing toxins and releasing clean air. ... In fact, rooms with plants have 40 to 60 percent fewer mould spores and bacteria. Bathrooms, kitchens and rooms that suffer with humidity, damp, mildew or mould could benefit from houseplants.

How do you tell if House is making you sick?

What are the symptoms of sick building syndrome?

throat irritation.
breathing difficulties.
tightness in the chest.
runny nose.
allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing.
burning sensations in the nose.
dry, itchy skin rashes.
headaches.

Can houseplants cause sinus problems?

Houseplants and flowers

Plants and flowers add a touch of colour to any home, but they might be to blame for your poor sinus health.

Are peace lilies bad for allergies?

Worst plants for allergies

The following plants are likely to cause symptoms in those with allergic rhinitis. Chrysanthemums, common ferns, lilies and geraniums have been found to produce airborne allergens that can cause contact dermatitis, according to the Institute of Medicine's 1993 book, Indoor Allergens.

What are the worst plants for allergies?

Worst Plants for Allergies

Flowers/herbs. Amaranth (pigweed), chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, ordinary sunflowers.
Shrubs/vines. Cypress, jasmine vine, juniper, wisteria.
Trees. ...
Grasses. ...
Weeds.

Can houseplants cause breathing problems?

Though the right houseplants in your Randleman, North Carolina, home can help clean the air, many homeowners make mistakes when purchasing indoor plants. Instead of cleaning your home's air, some plant species can aggravate allergies and worsen asthma symptoms.

Are indoor plants bad for you?

A plant, depending on the type and conditions in a home, could produce more carbon dioxide than oxygen, thus literally competing with its owner for air. So don't overdo it with the indoor shrubbery, the soil expert and plant-lover advises.

Can Indoor Plants Make You Sick?

Unfortunately the answer is yes. Not only are some houseplants poisonous (such as lilies and philodendron) the moist soil inside planted pots can also be a breeding ground for mold, a common allergen that can cause allergy or hay fever symptoms.

How do I get rid of mold in my potted plants?

Prior to introducing the plant to its new habitat, the pot must be thoroughly cleaned out. Kill off mold spores by soaking the pot in a solution of nine parts water and one-part bleach. Once the container has bathed for ten minutes in the sterile solution, rinse out the pot with water and dishwashing liquid.

Does baking soda kill mold on plants?

Sodium Bicarbonate In Gardens: Using Baking Soda On Plants. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has been touted as an effective and safe fungicide on the treatment of powdery mildew and several other fungal diseases. ... The compound seems to prevent some fungal spore flare ups but doesn't kill the spores.

Why is my indoor plant soil Mouldy?

A white mold growing over the surface of houseplant potting soil is usually a harmless saprophytic fungus. ... Overwatering the plant, poor drainage, and old or contaminated potting soil encourage saprophytic fungus, which feeds on the decaying organic matter in soggy soil.

Can plants kill mold?

Plants produce clean, healthy moisture during transpiration that will not cause mold or mildew. Plants give off a phytochemical substance that suppresses airborne mold spores and bacteria.

What plant helps with mold?

Palms. 'Palms are a great choice to help control humidity and keep mould at bay, absorbing moisture through their leaves. Varieties to look out for include Areca palms, bamboo palms, the lady palm, dwarf date palm and reed palm. '

Does peace lily clean the air?

A long-time favorite among house plant enthusiasts, research conducted by NASA found the Peace Lily to be one of the top indoor plants for cleaning air. This tropical plant breaks down and neutralizes toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.

How do you know if mold is making me sick?

Symptoms of mold exposure may include headache, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and fatigue. In those with asthma, asthma attacks can occur. In those with impaired immune systems, serious infection can occur.

How do you know if your house is toxic?

Key Signs Your House May Have Toxic Mold

Dormant allergies or allergic reactions.
Aggravated asthma or other lung problems.
Discolored walls.
Stains.
Black spots.
An increase in negative health symptoms such as a fever or feeling itchy; usually these problems are associated with an increased consumption of medications such antihistamines.

What in my house can make me sick?

Lead paint, pesticides, gases, mites and mold are among the culprits. The more you're exposed to them, the greater your risk of illness. According to WebMD, sick-building syndrome usually results in a group of symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, stuffiness, a feeling of spaciness, and skin rash.