There's More to Bringing Flowers and Plants Indoors Than You Think - Don't Rush to Move Them In

People who cherish and love flowers can't bear to see their beloved plants buried under frost and snow, so they move them indoors as soon as the weather turns slightly cold, believing this keeps the plants evergreen and also purifies indoor air. Little do they know, things may turn out quite the opposite.

We know that green plants can only carry out photosynthesis during the day when there is sufficient light, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making people feel the air is fresh and pleasant. But when indoor flowers are placed in low light at night or when the lights are off and there is no light, the flowers enter the respiration phase, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

According to experimental measurements, a 100-watt bulb placed at a height of 1 m at night is needed for flowers to carry out photosynthesis. Households simply don't have such conditions. Thus, the more green flowers are placed indoors, especially in the bedroom, the more carbon dioxide is exhaled. Carbon dioxide does not flow easily and is heavier than air. Moreover, on winter nights when doors and windows are all closed, air circulation is restricted, and carbon dioxide accumulates more and more at the lower level. Especially in the latter half of the night, the carbon dioxide concentration indoors becomes greater, and the oxygen concentration becomes lower and lower. Sleeping in an oxygen-deficient state for a long time can easily cause persistent fatigue; people feel stuffy, and sleep quality declines. In addition, the following flowers and plants are especially harmful and require special attention.

Mimosa (Mimosa pudica), Tulip (Tulipa)The plant body contains a harmful alkaline component. Excessive contact can cause sparse eyebrows and yellowing hair; in severe cases, it can lead to hair loss and a feeling of dizziness and head congestion.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)The entire plant is toxic, with strong toxicity. Accidentally eating corn poppy can cause central nervous system disorders, and in severe cases can even endanger life. The white milky sap in the stems and leaves of poinsettia can cause skin redness and swelling; if the stems or leaves are accidentally eaten, there is a risk of poisoning or even death.

Narcissus (Narcissus), Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica)The bulb of narcissus contains biological toxins; accidental ingestion can cause diseases such as enteritis, and its leaves and flowers can cause skin redness and swelling. The entire heavenly bamboo plant is toxic, containing toxic components such as nandanine and nandin; accidental ingestion can cause whole-body convulsions, spasms, coma, and more.

Chinese Rose (Rosa chinensis), Orchid (Orchidaceae), Lily (Lilium)The fragrance they release is too strong. Some people feel chest tightness and discomfort after smelling it, with breath-holding and difficulty breathing, while others become overly excited and suffer from insomnia.

Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)When it stops photosynthesis at night and enters the respiration phase, it can release a large amount of particles with a strong irritating odor. People with high blood pressure and heart disease easily feel dizzy, depressed, and uncomfortable, and their condition may even worsen.

(Text/Xiao Yun, Chongqing)

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