Can one get poisoned by the fragrance of lily of the valley?
An article provides detailed information about the cultivation methods and precautions for lily of the valley at home, as well as the knowledge of whether one can get poisoned by its fragrance. Let's follow the editor to find out!
The toxicity and beauty of lily of the valley—how to care for it safely at home?
Lily of the valley is a common ornamental flower, with its white, bell-like flowers exuding a fragrant scent, giving a sense of purity and elegance. But, do you know?
Lily of the valley is actually a poisonous plant, with its stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits containing toxins. If ingested or coming into contact with open wounds, it may cause symptoms of poisoning, even threatening life.
So, is it suitable to keep lily of the valley at home? How can we safely admire its beauty? This article will introduce you to the following aspects:
One, what is the toxicity of lily of the valley?
Lily of the valley belongs to the lily family, and its toxicity mainly comes from the saponins it contains. Saponins are secondary metabolites widely found in plants, which have surface activity and can damage cell membranes, leading to cell lysis.
Saponins can also stimulate the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and asthma. Saponins can also affect the function of the heart and nervous system, leading to serious consequences such as arrhythmia, hypotension, convulsions, and coma.
The content of saponins in lily of the valley varies depending on the species and part of the plant.
Generally, the stems and leaves contain the highest amount of saponins, followed by the fruits, with the flowers containing the least.
Different people have different sensitivities to saponins, with some experiencing only mild poisoning, while others may be life-threatening. Therefore, one must be cautious when coming into contact with or consuming lily of the valley.
Two, is it suitable to keep lily of the valley at home?
Although lily of the valley is toxic, if it is only used for ornamental purposes without consumption or contact with wounds, it generally will not harm humans and does not emit harmful gases.
Therefore, it is fine to keep a pot of lily of the valley at home, as long as the following points are noted:
1. Place the lily of the valley out of reach of children and pets to prevent them from ingesting or playing with it.
2. Wear gloves and a mask when watering, fertilizing, or pruning the lily of the valley to avoid direct contact or inhalation of saponins.
3. If accidentally ingested or in contact with lily of the valley, rinse the mouth or wound with water immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
4. If allergic to lily of the valley or concerned about its toxicity, consider using other non-toxic or low-toxic ornamental plants as alternatives.
Three, how to care for lily of the valley at home?
Lily of the valley is a shade-tolerant and cold-resistant plant, suitable for growth in a warm and humid environment. When caring for lily of the valley at home, the following methods can be referred to:
1. Lighting
Lily of the valley does not tolerate strong light and direct sunlight, requiring a shaded or semi-shaded environment, with 4-6 hours of scattered light per day. In summer, avoid high temperatures and strong light, and in winter, maintain moderate lighting and temperature, avoiding temperatures below 5℃.
2. Watering
Lily of the valley prefers moisture but not waterlogging, requiring the soil to be slightly moist, not too dry or wet.
Water every 2-3 days, adjusting flexibly according to the dryness or wetness of the soil. When watering, water evenly and thoroughly, avoiding the leaves to prevent disease.
3. Fertilizing
Lily of the valley has a low demand for fertilizer, generally requiring a light application of fertilizer once a month during the growing season, which can be a compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer. When fertilizing, water thoroughly first, then dilute the fertilizer solution and pour it along the edge of the pot, avoiding contact with the roots and leaves.
4. Pruning
After the lily of the valley flowers, promptly cut off the flower stems and wilted leaves to promote nutrient recovery and new growth. Use a disinfected pair of scissors for pruning, cutting along the stem, ensuring a flat cut to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
5. Propagation
Lily of the valley can be propagated through seeds or division. Seed propagation needs to be done in spring, with thin soil covering, kept moist, and transplanted after germination.
Division propagation needs to be done in autumn, dividing the plant into several small ones, each with 3-4 bulbs and a few leaves, and replanted in the soil.
In summary, lily of the valley is a poisonous but beautiful plant, and caring for it at home requires attention to safety and method.
With proper protective measures and the right environment and nutrition, you can enjoy its fragrance and elegance. I hope this article can be of help to you.
The above introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions for lily of the valley at home and the knowledge of whether one can get poisoned by its fragrance, I hope this article can provide you with some help!