Is the Jade Plant Actually Toxic? The Latest Answer Is Here
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family, mostly used as a potted plant to decorate balconies and other places. The leaves of the jade plant are usually green; when light, water and temperature all reach its favorite state, the edges of the leaves turn red, and the whole plant looks very beautiful, with strong ornamental value. But quite a few people online say the jade plant is a toxic organism, so is it actually toxic or not? Below, QinNongNet will explain it for everyone.
1. Is the jade plant toxic?
Regarding whether the jade plant is toxic, there has never been a very accurate answer to this question. The jade plant is also called "fleshy evergreen"; everyone knows that evergreen (Lily of the Valley? no, Rohdea japonica) is toxic, and the sap of its stems and leaves has a very strong irritant effect on the human body. Accidental ingestion can cause throat edema, and may even cause loss of voice due to vocal cord paralysis. Such severe toxicity makes people recoil in fear, so it is believed that the fleshy evergreen, similar to evergreen, is also a toxic plant. There are also many people who believe the jade plant is not toxic, because the jade plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family, and most plants in the Crassulaceae family are non-toxic; moreover, searching domestic and foreign literature, no record of jade plant poisoning can be found.
As to whether the jade plant is actually toxic, there is still no accurate answer to this day. QinNongNet reminds everyone here that since it cannot be confirmed whether it is toxic or not, we should pay attention to our own safety during cultivation. However, everyone does not need to be too nervous; even the toxicity of evergreen exists only in the sap of the stems and leaves. As long as we take care during daily maintenance not to casually touch the sap of the jade plant, it is still safe.
2. Can the jade plant be grown indoors?
Without a doubt, the jade plant is a plant very suitable for growing indoors, mainly for the following two reasons.
1. Ornamental effect
Jade plants grown at home are usually cultivated as potted plants. The jade plant has a peculiar leaf shape, and the whole plant is upright and sturdy. Planted in flower pots and made into small bonsai, or simply potted and placed on windowsills, desks and other places, it has a certain decorative effect. A well-grown jade plant will show a beautiful red-green color throughout the plant, and the color is very unique; some can even bloom small white flowers.
2. Air purification effect
Speaking of purifying air, this is a function most green plants have, but the jade plant differs from them. The jade plant has the same effect as cactus: it can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night. This is a relatively special function possessed by some plants in the Cactaceae and Crassulaceae families, called Crassulacean acid metabolism, or the CAM cycle. Its principle is to open stomata at night to absorb carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, and close the stomata during the day, releasing carbon dioxide through acid fractions to satisfy photosynthesis. This function ensures photosynthesis while also reducing water loss. At the same time, the jade plant also has a certain adsorption effect on indoor benzene, and can also protect against radiation
The above is QinNongNet's introduction to whether the jade plant is toxic and what benefits there are to growing the jade plant indoors. In fact, besides the two points introduced above, the jade plant also has medicinal functions. Research shows that the jade plant has a clear blood sugar-lowering function, and can also improve our immunity, resist fatigue, etc. However, considering that home cultivation is usually not for medicinal use, and that using it as medicine must also follow a doctor's arrangements, QinNongNet will not introduce more here. We hope that after reading this article, it can be of some help to everyone.