Can ZZ Plant Cause Cancer? Myth or Reality?

Can ZZ Plant Cause Cancer? If you too have this question lurking in your mind, then we have all the right answers for you!

ZZ plants (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) is a hard-to-kill, low-maintenance houseplant from the Araceae family. In 1996, Dutch nurseries started planting the ZZ plant and distributing it worldwide.

Popular for the bright green waxy foliage, this houseplant is an excellent choice for forgetful gardeners as it thrives on neglect, has low watering needs, and requires little grooming.

This indestructible plant is reputed to be mildly poisonous, raising the question – Can ZZ Plant Cause Cancer? Keep reading!

According to the department ofHorticulture at Iowa State University, the ZZ plant is considered poisonous to humans and pets if ingested. As stated by theUniversity of Florida, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

The plants from the Araceae family contain calcium oxalate, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain if ingested in large quantities.

Note: All parts of the ZZ plant have calcium oxalate crystals – this includes green foliage, stems, roots, seeds, and sap.

When the ZZ plant sap comes in contact with skin or is ingested, it will cause a burning pain sensation.

According tothe Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, poisoning from swallowing an oxalate-containing plant is rare because intense mouth pain/irritation usually prevents children/adults from eating a significant quantity of the plant.

Wear gloves while handling the leaf cuttings, planting rhizomes, re-potting, or dividing the tubers. Wash your hands and arms, especially if any sap touches your skin.

ZZ plant is mildly toxic to humans, and if ingested in large quantities, severe calcium oxalate poisoning causes kidney stones. In