Maegan-Leigh JacobsFresh blooms can instantly lift a kitchen, making it feel lived-in and warm. But not every plant belongs near chopping boards and cooking pots.
Some popular flowers can create hygiene problems or even pose health risks when kept where food is prepared. These are five plants best admired elsewhere in the home:
Lilies
Lilies may look elegant, but their powdery pollen drops easily. It can land on counters, crockery or food, leaving stubborn stains and triggering allergies like sneezing or itchy eyes.
Another concern for pet owners: lilies are highly toxic to cats, even in tiny amounts. A safer spot is a dining room or passage table.
Mistletoe
Often used during festive seasons, mistletoe doesn’t belong in the kitchen. Its berries are poisonous if eaten and can easily be mistaken for something edible in a busy space.
The plant also releases a sticky sap that’s tricky to clean off surfaces, increasing the risk of mess around food areas.
Daffodils
These cheerful yellow flowers signal the change of season, but they come with a downside. Daffodils contain toxic compounds in their bulbs, stems and blooms.
The sap can irritate skin and, if transferred to utensils or ingredients, may cause stomach upset. Best enjoyed outside or on a windowsill away from food prep.
Oleander
Oleander is striking, but it’s one of the most poisonous plants you can bring indoors. Every part contains toxins, and even handling it can be risky if you then touch your face or food.
In a kitchen, where hands are constantly in use, it’s simply not worth the danger.
Poinsettias
A festive favourite, poinsettias release a milky sap when damaged. This can irritate skin and cause discomfort if swallowed. With leaves that can snap easily, they’re better placed in a living area, well out of reach of pets and children.
Plants add life to a kitchen, but safety should always come first. If you love greenery near your cooking space, opt for hardy herbs or non-toxic foliage that can handle the heat – and leave these blooms to brighten other corners of your home.
ALSO SEE: 6 HOUSEPLANTS THAT WILL THRIVE IN YOUR KITCHEN
