Is the Other Shore Flower Poisonous? Can It Be Touched?
In Eastern legends, the mysterious Other Shore Flower, known for its bright color and unique growth habits, has drawn considerable attention. The toxicity of this Lycoris plant has always been a hot topic among gardening enthusiasts. This article will delve into its toxicity principles and systematically introduce scientific care methods.
Deep Analysis of Other Shore Flower Toxicity
Contact Safety and Poisoning Mechanism
The Other Shore Flower contains more than 30 alkaloids, including lycorine, with the highest concentration in the stem juice. Experimental data shows that its LD50 (median lethal dose) is 300mg/kg (oral in mice), and contact with skin may cause erythema and pruritus. Touching the petals casually does not cause poisoning, but gloves should be worn when pruning to avoid contact with the juice and wounds.
Grading of Poisoning Symptoms
Mild ingestion (＜5g) may cause a burning sensation in the mouth, moderate amounts (5-15g) accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, and severe cases (＞15g) may cause neural paralysis. Special attention should be paid to the risk of children ingesting it. According to statistics from the Japanese Poison Control Center in 2019, 78% of Other Shore Flower poisoning cases involved children under 5 years old.
Home Care Guide for Other Shore Flower
Environmental Risk Assessment
In homes without children or pets, it can be planted in a well-ventilated balcony. It is recommended to use a raised planter (≥1.2 meters) to prevent contact. The amount of carbon dioxide released at night is only 1/3 of that of the Epipremnum aureum, and it does not affect indoor air quality.
New Interpretation of Feng Shui Meaning
Modern horticulture believes that the meaning of "life and death flower" originates from its special flowering period during the autumnal equinox. Actual planting can be combined with positive plants like Monstera deliciosa to form an observing combination with yin and yang balance.
Professional-Level Care Techniques
Microenvironment Control System
Establish a constant temperature zone of 16-28°C, combined with a 60% shading net to create a scattered light environment. Use a matrix of ceramsite and peat soil (3:7) to ensure a slightly acidic environment with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Intelligent Care Solution
In the growing season (March to June), adopt a "dry-wet cycle" watering method, and use NPK 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer (diluted 1500 times) every half month. In the dormant period (July to September), implement forced water control, maintaining the matrix moisture content ≤15%.
Through scientific understanding and standardized operations, the Other Shore Flower can become a safe ornamental plant. It is recommended to hang warning signs when planting, regularly check the plant's condition, and let this flower, known as曼珠沙华, bloom beautifully under safe conditions.