9 Houseplants That May Cause Allergy Flare-Ups

Do you suffer from plant allergies? If so, be extra careful before bringing home houseplants that may cause allergies. These indoor bloomers beautify your living spaces but can be problematic. 

The most common allergies are pollen allergies. Pollen allergy symptoms include a runny nose, itchy red eyes, and sneezing. In severe cases, it can cause fatigue, asthma, and rashes that need powerful antihistamine treatments. Other times, it could be mold in the soil, spores, or sap that can cause severe reactions in some people. It’s important to know your allergies and its triggers. 

A houseplant’s potential for causing allergies depends on the species, variety, and individual. Technically, any flowering houseplant can cause allergy flare-ups in people allergic to pollen. However, some houseplants are worse than others. Below are nine common houseplants that may cause allergy flare-ups. 

Weeping Fig

	botanical name Ficus benjamina
	sun requirements Bright, indirect light
	height 5-30’
	hardiness zones 10-12

Weeping fig is a wonderful air purifier and gives your indoor spaces a tropical feel. Besides its beauty and air-purifying capabilities, it can sometimes cause allergy flare-ups, especially in people with respiratory diseases. 

This tropical houseplant produces a latex sap that can trigger reactions in some people. In rare cases, people develop respiratory ailments and skin reactions. Fortunately, few people ever need medical attention. 

If you have skin or respiratory diseases, check with your doctor before bringing home a weeping fig. If not, don’t miss out on this gorgeous and easy-to-grow evergreen. 

Boston Fern

	botanical name Nephrolepis exaltata
	sun requirements Bright, indirect light
	height 12-36”
	hardiness zones 10-13

Boston ferns are incredibly beautiful houseplants that produce foliage that feels like the understory of a jungle. Although they don’t have flowers, these prehistoric plants produce spores and send them through the air. Some people who suffer from respiratory conditions may experience unpleasant allergic reactions to these spores. 

In some people, touching the houseplant’s leaves can cause skin allergy reactions, including itching and redness. If you have sensitivity to houseplants or severe asthma, see how you respond to Boston ferns before bringing one home. 

If you don’t have allergies, Boston ferns are excellent houseplants for purifying the air and bringing a tropical vibe to your space. Because they can cause allergies, keep them away from guest rooms and close quarters where guests can accidentally touch them. 

Hoya Plants

	botanical name Hoya spp
	sun requirements Bright, indirect light
	height Up to 30’ vines
	hardiness zones 10-12

Hoya plants come in a variety of stunning colors and sizes. They are sometimes called wax plants and have over 200 species and several unique cultivars within their genus. They smell like sweet perfume and look absolutely stunning. 

Because of their pollen, these houseplants can cause respiratory reactions in some people with allergies. Symptoms are usually runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. People with asthma may be more susceptible to hoya plants’ pollen. 

If you have respiratory allergies or asthma, consider growing less irritating plants. If not, have fun with this diverse and striking genus of tropical houseplants. 

Peace Lily

	botanical name Spathiphyllum wallisii
	sun requirements Bright, indirect light
	height 1’-3’
	hardiness zones 11-12

Peace lilies are impressive tropical plants with dark green glossy leaves and colorful spathes. They make your inside spaces look like tropical botanical gardens. They need very little maintenance and even purify the air by removing harmful chemicals. 

Besides their air-purifying power and beauty, they produce powdery pollen that can cause some troublesome allergic reactions. The most common symptoms are runny nose, itchy eyes, and occasionally respiratory tract reactions. 

These houseplants also contain the toxic compound calcium oxalate. This can be harmful to pets and children if they take a bite out of the leaves or spathes. Keep them far away from pets and children. If you have allergies, consider trying a different houseplant instead. 

African Violet

	botanical name Streptocarpus ionanthus
	sun requirements Bright, indirect light
	height 6”–12”
	hardiness zones 11-12

African violets are some of the most popular indoor plants, with good reason. They have stunning purple heart-shaped blooms and adorable fuzzy flowers. They are small and compact houseplants that are hard not to love. 

However, if you suffer from pollen allergies, avoiding these popular flowering houseplants might be best. The fuzzy leaves may trap allergy-causing particles such as dust. The flowers also release pollen into the air. Because of this, they can cause asthma and respiratory flare-ups in some people. 

If you don’t have allergies, African violets are some of the best indoor bloomers you can grow. However, if you suffer from pollen allergies, try growing colorful succulents instead. 

Poinsettia

	botanical name Euphorbia pulcherrima
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2’-13’
	hardiness zones 9-11

Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas decorations. There are over 100 varieties to choose from, each with its uniquely colored blooms. They are native to Mexico and Central America, where they were revered by the Aztecs and used in ceremonies. 

Today, it’s hard to find a home without them in North America. As popular as they are, they can, unfortunately, cause allergic reactions. If you have a latex allergy, touching a broken leaf can be problematic. 

The plant’s sap contains a milky latex compound that can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms include itchy skin, hives, itchy eyes, and even asthmatic reactions. Severe reactions are rare but a few people have needed medical attention for anaphylaxis. But as long as you don’t touch the sap, you’ll be fine. 

Madagascar Dragon Tree

	botanical name Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia
	sun requirements Bright, indirect light
	height 6-20’
	hardiness zones 10-12

Madagascar dragon trees resemble palms with long, draping foliage and bare trunks. They’re actually closer to lilies than true palms. As houseplants, they are easy to care for and grow, making them perfect for beginners. 

The plant’s leaves can trap allergy-triggering dust particles. To make it even more problematic, its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals. These compounds can cause some irritating reactions in many people. 

Because of this, handling the plant can trigger skin irritations. If you handle your dragon tree, wear gloves instead of using your bare hands. 

Pygmy Date Palm

	botanical name Phoenix roebelenii
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height Up to 6’
	hardiness zones 10-11

Pygmy date palms are fantastic houseplants that can help filter indoor air. They are easy to care for and fill your home with tropical-looking foliage. They also grow slowly for palm trees, making them great for large containers and indoor spaces. 

These beautiful indoor plants produce a lot of flowers and a lot of pollen. Some people report experiencing allergic reactions such as runny nose and itchy eyes. The healthier and more mature the plant is, the more irritating pollen it produces. 

If you’re susceptible to allergies, try growing a female plant instead. Male trees release their pollen in spring and summer. In indoor spaces, the pollen can become overwhelming during these seasons, even for people without allergies. 

English Ivy

	botanical name Hedera helix
	sun requirements Bright, indirect light
	height Up to 50’
	hardiness zones 4-13

English ivy grows fast and fills indoor spaces with beautiful foliage and vines. It will cover your furniture, kitchen, or walls if you let it. It’s also easy to grow and maintain, making it almost perfect for beginning gardeners. 

As perfect as it is, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions when people touch it. English ivy contains several chemical compounds that are known to cause allergic reactions. The most common symptom is allergic contact dermatitis. In some people, it can be similar to symptoms of poison ivy. 

If you’re growing this beautiful creeper, prune it with gloves and avoid touching it with your bare skin. Grow it away from children and warn your guests that it could cause mild irritation in their skin.