Garden Houseplants 6 Houseplants You Should Never Buy If You Have Allergies, According to an Allergist Avoid these houseplants if you're prone to allergies. By Jennifer Lobb Jennifer Lobb Jennifer Lobb is an editor and writer with nearly two decades of experience writing many topics, including gardening and personal finance. When she's not writing, she loves to cook and spend time outdoors—tending to her garden and experimenting with new plants and recipes. Editorial Guidelines Published on December 11, 2024 Close Photo: OlgaMiltsova / Getty Images There’s nothing like walking into a room filled with inviting green leaves or bright blossoms adorning shelves, tables, or windowsills. But for people with allergies, what is otherwise a welcoming aesthetic can trigger everything from minor congestion to constant sneezing, itchy eyes, hives, and more. To help you or your loved ones avoid potential allergy attacks, we talked to experts to find out which species make the list of the worst indoor plants for allergies and what you can do to reduce potential allergic reactions to houseplants. John James, M.D., board-certified allergist and spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Joe Moussa, owner of Mosaic Home & Garden Center and Mosaic & Co. Studio. 9 Tall Houseplants That Will Add Drama to Your Interior 01 of 06 Weeping Fig Getty Images Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is commonly used as household décor thanks to its glossy green leaves. However, if you have allergies, you may want to avoid keeping this plant in your home. “Weeping figs can be associated with allergic rhinitis and contact hives, says John James, M.D., board-certified allergist and spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). 02 of 06 Peace Lilies Helin Loik-Tomson / getty Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), a popular springtime flower, are frequently sent as gifts during Easter or as sympathy offerings. But you may want to think twice if you or the recipient is sensitive to allergens. Attractive though they may be, plant expert Joe Moussa says that customers frequently avoid peace lilies due to their propensity for causing allergies. Dr. James agrees, noting that peace lilies can cause allergic contact hives. 03 of 06 Corn Plant Wirestock / Getty Images Corn plants (Dracaena fragrans) are known for their bright, broad leaves and low-maintenance characteristics. Still, Dr. James says to avoid them to prevent the risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma reactions. What's more, these plants can bloom and produce pollen, which can also trigger allergies, he says. 04 of 06 Yucca Plants Getty Images Yucca plants (Yucca giganteai) can grow up to 15 feet tall, making them a popular choice for anyone looking for a tall houseplant for their home. But, if someone in your household has allergies, consider choosing another type of plant. Dr. James says yucca plants can trigger asthma symptoms. 05 of 06 Scented Geraniums Getty Images Skip scented geraniums (pelargonium) as a houseplant if you have allergies—their strong fragrance can be potentially irritating and lead to hives or contact dermatitis, Dr. James says. 06 of 06 Ferns OlgaMiltsova/Getty Images Ferns are beautiful houseplants with lush foliage, but they can be irritating to people with allergies. “Ferns have spores on them,” says Moussa. “Eventually, those little spores on the back of the leaf of a fern burst, or they'll break open, and they release that little particle of not-so-pleasant pollen into the air, which is an agitator." Tips for Avoiding Houseplant-Related Allergies Just because you suffer from allergies doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of indoor plants. Keep these expert tips in mind as you shop your local nursery or big box plant store. Consult Experts If you know you suffer from allergies, ask an allergist what plants to avoid and which will make a welcome addition to your home. Allergists can also help you cope with your allergies and provide recommendations for personalized treatments, says Dr. James. Gardening experts may also be able to help, says Moussa. “Give them your lighting conditions and let them know you have an allergy problem, and they’ll be able to point you to thousands of varieties that will be fine for your home and, of course, for you.” Keep Your Plants Clean Keep your houseplants clean to prevent dust buildup, which can trigger allergies. “They have super large, really beautiful leaves. But sometimes people forget to keep them clean and free of dust," says Moussa. "This is particularly true if you have large-leafed plants like monstera and philodendrons." Prevent Mold Growth Certain household plants are prone to developing mold, which can make allergy symptoms worse, says Dr. James. To avoid or reduce mold-related issues, he recommends taking note of the type of houseplant you have and the conditions in which it’s kept. Regular cleaning and proper ventilation can prevent issues. "Molds thrive in damp, humid conditions, and their spores can become airborne," he says, adding that decreasing the humidity in your home and using air purifiers can help prevent mold growth. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Martha Stewart is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Bunnag C, Dhorranintra B, Limsuvan S, Jareoncharsri P. Ferns and their allergenic importance: skin and nasal provocation tests to fern spore extract in allergic and non-allergic patients. Ann Allergy. Dust Allergy. Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology