Allergies can pose an obstacle during many activities in life. If making your selection of houseplants you want to be sure you enjoy them without aggravating any allergy prone sensitivities that you or loved ones may experience.
Succulents are a popular, lightweight type of houseplant that can brighten up any house with their leaf shapes and variety of forms, but are succulents bad for allergies?
In this article – we will cover the basics of what you should know about succulents and allergies; including beneficial effects to those with allergies, which succulents are best to choose if you do have allergies, and which succulents to avoid.
Succulent plants are an excellent choice if you have skin or respiratory allergies
Succulents are a fantastic family of plants to choose from if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, and their beauty and variety mean your health problems are not a reason to avoid enjoying beautiful plants like these!
We consider succulent plants to be one of the best selections for an allergy-friendly house plant because:
- They do not shed fibers or dander.
- They produce minimal pollen.
- They have smooth surfaces and are thick cuticle.
These three aspects will limit irritation to individuals who have sensitivities.
These plants are low-maintenance and can sit where you want, and their fleshy leaves and color create a fantastic display.
When you keep a succulent as a pet plant, it provides additional benefits for the allergy sufferer:
Succulents are not only safe around people with allergies, but they can also even support the individual with allergies.
Here are five reasons you should consider to make all or part of your plant life all about adding succulents to your house:
Reason #1 – Your hardworking succulent will release oxygen at night
Unlike many plants that respire at night, succulents release oxygen during the night-time hours meaning that it refreshes your air while you sleep.
This makes them a supportive choice of plant for people with respiratory allergies who want to have a good night’s sleep.
Aloe Vera in particular is known for the high levels of oxygen it produces.
Reason #2 – Succulents are effective air purifiers
Succulents have been shown to help clean the air of toxins that influence respiratory allergies.
NASA has shown that snake plant (Mother In-law’s tongue) can take out a wide variety of toxins, such as:
- Nitrogen oxide
- Trichloroethylene
- Volatile organic compounds
- Xylene
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene
This is important because all of these respiratory irritants are common in many products and substances, such as synthetic fabrics, smoke, and paper.
Reason #3 – Your succulent could help prevent allergy flare-ups
Vegetation emits a considerable amount of moisture to the atmosphere and a succulent will also emit a similar amount of moisture when in your household.
The moisture generated by succulents is great for providing a microclimate for chest or skin ailments that can be aggravated in dry conditions.
Reason #4 – Succulents promote wellbeing
As we know plants have a positive effect on moods, and help us feel more at ease and relaxed in our surroundings.
Studies show that keeping plants in offices may lead to a reduction in self-reported sick leave, so they would surely have a positive effect in the home.
For instance, increased feelings and anxiety, in particular, trigger inflammatory conditions such as skin allergies or asthma.
A calming view of plants may ameliorate these conditions.
For example, succulents can help people retrieve from illnesses and alleviate flu-like symptoms.
Having some cheery succulents around a room can help in recovery of patients and studies show they require considerably less pain relief during recovery.
Reason #5 – Did you know that succulents can help you focus?
Surrounding yourself with succulents may help increase your focus and concentration.
If you put a few of these extremely addictive plants around your desk, you will benefit from focused attention to help you work through your tasks.
4 beautiful succulents that are great for allergies
1. Aloe vera
Although aloe vera may result in skin sensitivities, it has so many health benefits and is so powerful, that no list for allergy sufferers could be complete without aloe vera.
Aloe vera is an effective air purifier, removing allergens and toxins from the air while continuously releasing oxygen into your home.
Aloe vera is useful when applied topically for different skin conditions, and it’s safe for consumption in relation to gastrointestinal health.
2. Jade
Crassula ovata, also called the money plant, is a classic succulent that will continue to grow to a ripe old age if it is looked after well.
It has a thick rubbery stem and great thick ovate green leaves.
There are many varieties of jade plants you can choose from so if you would like color or shape of plant, you have plenty of options.
3. Burro’s Tail
Sedum morganianum, the donkey tail, or burro’s tail is a striking succulent that will capture your attention and enliven any room.
This long-stemmed Crassula type has fascinating blue-green leaves that spring from its stems like fat claws.
It trails beautifully because its stems can reach length of 60 cm. Hang this succulent out of direct sunlight because the leaves can burn.
It can produce small pink or purple flowers at the end of its stems, but it rarely flowers.
4. Hens and Chicks
Also referred to as the houseleek, this beloved succulent (Sempervivum tectorum) makes a popular use indoors in the home.
The edible succulent gets its name from the central rosette of leaves (the hen) surrounded by the constellation of petals or plantlets (the chicks).
This attractive succulent will thrive just as well outside on a sunny patio as it will in your warm room.
It’s important to note that some succulents can cause allergy
While succulents are among the most hypoallergenic plants available, there are some varieties that people can react to.
Basically anything can cause an allergy, so handle the plants correctly, and be careful when handling them, especially if a leaf gets broken and sap is involved in the handling.
- The sap-producing Euphorbia variety can cause a reaction to individuals who are allergic to latex.
- Although aloe vera is found to be greatly beneficial to so many people living with allergy, it can cause contact dermatitis and irritation/redness.
Rounding up
If you’re prone to allergies, succulents are among the best types of plants you can welcome into your space.
These stunning plants will change your environment in many ways.
Select from a few leafy newcomers we’ve recommended to enjoy a refreshed and peaceful living space.