By Kiersten Rankel
Jun 18, 2024•3 min read
Beware the beauty of Red Spider Lilies 🌺: a must-know guide for parents on its hidden dangers to kids.
- 🚫 Lycorine makes Red Spider Lilies toxic, causing nausea and abdominal pain.
- 🧒 Especially dangerous for children; even small nibbles can upset stomachs.
- 🚨 Immediate action required after ingestion; call Poison Control, don't induce vomiting.
What Makes Red Spider Lilies a No-Go for Nibblers
🚫 The Nasty Stuff Inside
Lycorine is the toxic alkaloid lurking in Red Spider Lilies, making them a serious no-go for anyone considering a taste. This compound is a defense mechanism for the plant, but a potential nightmare for humans.
🤔 When Curiosity Backfires
Chewing on a Red Spider Lily can trigger a cascade of unpleasant symptoms. Expect abdominal pain, nausea, and a salivation party in your mouth. Vomiting and diarrhea are also on the menu, making for a truly regrettable snacking experience.
Little Hands, Big Risks: Keeping Kids and Babies Safe
🌺 The Ingestion Menace
Red Spider Lilies are no snack for kids. Their allure masks a toxic secret: alkaloids like lycorine that wreak havoc if ingested. For tots, who often explore the world mouth-first, this plant is a definite no-go. Even a small nibble can lead to stomach upset or worse.
🖐️ Skin Contact: It's Not Just a Rash
Touching a Red Spider Lily might seem harmless, but skin contact can be just as risky as ingestion. Delicate skin, especially that of babies, can react poorly to the plant's sap, causing irritation or a rash. It's not the kind of red we want to see on our little ones.
Emergency Playbook for Parents
🌿 Immediate Steps Post-Oopsie
If your kiddo decides to sample a Red Spider Lily, don't panic, but act swiftly. First, remove any plant parts from their mouth. Have them rinse and spit with water—no gulping. Inducing vomiting is a no-go; leave that to healthcare pros. If there's been skin contact, a soap and water cleanup is your first move. Keep them hydrated if they start the not-so-fun activities of vomiting or diarrhea.
🚨 When to Sound the Alarm
Breathing troubles or swelling in the mouth or throat? Skip the home remedies. Head straight to the ER or dial 911. For less severe reactions, but still concerning, like a rash or stomach upset, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. They're your go-to plant ninjas. Remember, overreacting is better than underreacting when it comes to potential poisoning.
Making Your Garden Kiddo-Friendly
🌱 Plant Placement and Childproofing
Keeping Red Spider Lilies out of reach is crucial for a child-friendly garden. Elevate these plants in hanging baskets or tall plant stands, well beyond the grasp of curious toddlers. Consider enclosures or barriers around garden beds containing these toxic beauties to deter little explorers. Regularly inspect the area for fallen flowers or leaves that can be enticing but dangerous playthings.
📚 Educating Your Mini-Me on Plant Safety
Start the plant safety chat early. Make it clear: not all plants are for touching or tasting. Create a narrative around each plant, assigning roles like 'look-don't-touch' for the Red Spider Lilies and 'safe-to-handle' for others. Encourage questions and foster a sense of stewardship. When kids understand the why, they're more likely to respect the don'ts. Set up a dedicated zone with child-friendly plants for them to care for, instilling responsibility and satisfying their need to engage with nature.
Keep your family and Red Spider Lilies thriving 🌱 by using Greg to identify and manage toxic plants, ensuring a safe and beautiful garden space.
#RedSpiderLily
7 posts on Greg-
Family visiting all weekend and we took a stroll thru an area park and stumbled upon this beauty! #RedSpiderLily #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #naturefinds
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These are Beverlies. We call them naked ladies. They are the surprise of the week. I didn’t know if they would survive the months of 100F temps. Yay nature!
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These ladies are done for the season. How do I pause care of outdoor plants while they hibernate? #RedSpiderLily
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The Naked Ladies live outside. They are done for the season, but they will come back in greater numbers next year! #RedSpiderLily
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Learn More About
Red Spider Lily Care
- 🪴 Soil
- 🤒 Root Rot
- 💨 Humidity
- 💦 How Often to Water
- 🌸 Flower
- ✂️ Pruning
- 🌤️ Light Requirements
- 🪴 Repotting
- 🌟 Benefits
- 🌡️ Temperature
- 🍃 Leaves Curling
- 🍃 Leaves Drooping
- 🍃 Leaves Dropping
- 🍃 Leaves Falling Over
- 🍂 Leaves Mushy
- 🍂 Black Spots on Leaves
- 🍂 Brown Spots on Leaves
- 🤔 Problems
- 🌞 Direct Sunlight
- 🐞 Bugs