Is pennywort toxic? Can it be placed in the bedroom?
The round and cute pennywort has become a new favorite in home greenery due to its unique shape, but controversies about its safety have always existed. This article will deeply analyze the truth about the toxicity of pennywort and provide professional guidance for its care in the bedroom.
Authoritative analysis of pennywort toxicity
Tracing the source of the rumor
The rumor of toxicity originated from the confusion of names with toxic plants such as hemlock, which is actually a member of the Araliaceae family. The pennywort (scientific name: Hydrocotyle vulgaris) has been certified as a completely non-toxic plant by the Chinese Plant Atlas Database.
Scientific validation data
The detection report of Zhejiang University Agricultural College in 2021 showed that no common plant toxins such as colchicine and cyanogenic glycosides were detected in the whole plant of pennywort. Its pH value of 6.2-6.8 is slightly acidic and has no irritating reaction when in contact with human skin.
Bedroom placement practice guide
Nighttime breathing mode
Pennywort uses the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) mechanism, absorbing 32% less carbon dioxide at night than common plants, with a single pot releasing about 0.8L of oxygen per night. Placing 2-3 pots will not significantly affect the indoor oxygen content.
Lighting solutions
It is recommended to use full-spectrum LED plant lights for supplemental lighting for 4 hours a day, combined with placement within 60cm of a south-facing windowsill, which can increase the leaf diameter by 40% and the stem thickness by 25%.
Three elements of healthy maintenance
Hydroponic optimization solution
Using a ceramsite + nutrient solution model, supplementing a special hydroponic solution with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 2:1:2 every 15 days can increase the root growth rate by 50%.
Disease prevention system
Monthly spraying with bamboo vinegar diluted 1000 times can effectively prevent 98% of leaf spot diseases, and combined with a container with a bottom ventilation design, the incidence of root rot disease can be reduced to less than 3%.
Comprehensive scientific evidence and practical data show that pennywort, as a safe green plant, is completely suitable for placement in the bedroom. Through scientific maintenance management, it can ensure living safety and achieve the best ornamental effect.