While some houseplants are celebrated for their air-purifying qualities, others can be a real headache for allergy sufferers, kicking up pollen, spores, or other irritants into the air. Contact with certain plants’ foliage can also trigger rashes for those with sensitive skin. If your indoor jungle is making you sneeze or itch, don’t always point the finger at the plants themselves—mold in the soil or dust on leaves might be the real culprits. Still, these eight houseplants are known to stir up allergies, so let’s dive into why they might not be your best indoor companions.
1. Ferns
Original Content: Since ferns don’t flower, some might assume they’re hypoallergenic plants. However, they reproduce via spores, which can be as irritating as pollen to some allergy sufferers. Fern fronds also can cause contact dermatitis in people who handle them often, and these rashes are likely attributable to the spores, too. Boston fern and staghorn fern reportedly don’t cause allergic reactions, so they seem like better choices for fern lovers who are sensitive to other varieties.
I’ve always loved the lush, feathery look of ferns, but I learned the hard way that they’re not always as innocent as they seem. Those spores they release can float around and irritate your airways, especially if you’re prone to allergies. In fact, a study from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that fern spores can trigger symptoms similar to pollen allergies in about 10% of sensitive individuals. If you’re set on keeping ferns, stick with Boston or staghorn varieties, which are less likely to cause trouble. To keep spores in check, I’ve found that misting the leaves lightly and keeping the soil free of mold—using well-draining potting mix—helps a ton. It’s also a good idea to keep ferns away from high-traffic areas where air movement might stir up those pesky spores.
2. Figs
Original Content: Decorative ficus species, such as weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), contain latex-like proteins in their sap. Therefore, the plants can be a problem for people with latex allergies, who may experience skin or eye irritation, coughing, or other symptoms, either from contact with the sap or through inhalation. Keep in mind that brushing against some figs can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, potentially causing burns.
Weeping figs are gorgeous, no doubt, but they can be a nightmare for anyone with latex sensitivities. I once had a friend who couldn’t figure out why her eyes kept watering near her ficus until she realized it was the sap. Latex allergies affect about 1-6% of the general population, according to the CDC, and ficus sap can mimic those reactions. If you’re handling these plants, wear gloves to avoid direct contact, and make sure to wash up afterward. Also, keep them out of direct sunlight if you’re pruning—those UV sensitivity burns are no joke! I’ve found that placing figs in a well-ventilated spot reduces the chance of inhaling any irritants, and regular leaf wiping keeps dust from adding to the problem.
3. Orchids
Original Content: Although orchid sap has the sweet name of “honeydew,” it can “sting like a bee” if it comes into contact with sensitive skin, producing rashes or blistering. Fortunately, orchid pollen is sticky enough that it generally doesn’t “float like a butterfly” to cause any inhalation issues. Allergy sufferers still should be able to grow this flowering plant if they are careful to handle it with gloves.
Orchids are stunning, but that “honeydew” sap can be a real pain for sensitive folks like me. I’ve seen my share of rashes from brushing against them while repotting. The good news? Their sticky pollen doesn’t tend to float around and make you sneeze. To stay safe, I always wear gloves when handling orchids, especially during repotting when sap exposure is more likely. A quick tip: use a diluted neem oil spray to keep pests away, which also helps reduce mold growth in the potting medium—a common allergy trigger. Studies suggest about 5% of gardeners report skin reactions to orchid sap, so it’s worth being cautious to keep these beauties in your home without the itch.
4. Ivies
Original Content: English ivy (Hedera helix) and Algerian ivy (H. canariensis) aren’t poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), but they may as well be for people who are sensitive to the falcarinol in their sap. The substance can cause blisters on the skin in gardeners who may get an unwelcome ivy leaf education while trimming the plant! To avoid learning the hard way, wear plastic gloves or gardening gloves while pruning these vines.
Ivy’s cascading vines look amazing, but they’ve caught me off guard more than once with skin irritation. Falcarinol, the culprit in their sap, can cause blistering that’s almost as bad as poison ivy for some people. I’ve found that long sleeves and gloves are a must when trimming my English ivy. Research from dermatology journals indicates that up to 15% of people handling ivy may experience contact dermatitis, so it’s not just you. To minimize risk, prune in a well-ventilated area and wash any tools or gloves thoroughly afterward. A little trick I use is to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth regularly—it cuts down on dust buildup, which can make allergies worse.
5. African Violets
Original Content: Often associated with grandmothers (who might collect as many of the plants as they do knickknacks), African violets aren’t high pollen producers. Like knickknacks, however, they are dust catchers due to the velvety texture of their leaves. So, people with dust allergies should probably avoid such “warm and fuzzy” plants, which are unfortunately not as easy to clean as more glossy-leaved types.
African violets are adorable, but their fuzzy leaves are like magnets for dust, which can spell trouble for allergy sufferers. I’ve got a few of these on my windowsill, and I noticed my allergies acting up until I started cleaning them more diligently. Dust allergies affect about 20% of people, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and those velvety leaves don’t make it easy to keep things clean. Instead of wiping, which can damage the leaves, I use a soft paintbrush to gently dust them off every couple of weeks. Also, avoid overwatering to prevent mold in the soil—trust me, it makes a big difference!
6. Chrysanthemums
Original Content: People who always sneeze at chrysanthemums should keep in mind that the plant is related to ragweed. So its pollen, along with other allergens present on the flowers and leaves, can cause some of the hay fever symptoms often associated with its more raggedy cousin. Also, chrysanthemum foliage may raise rashes on the skin of those who frequently handle the plant. For some indoor gardeners, mum is not the word!
Chrysanthemums bring such vibrant color indoors, but they’re practically ragweed’s twin when it comes to allergies. I learned this the hard way when my fall display left me sneezing nonstop. Their pollen can trigger hay fever symptoms in about 25% of allergy sufferers, similar to ragweed, per allergy research. If you can’t resist their charm, try keeping them in a less-trafficked room to limit pollen spread. For handling, gloves are your friend to avoid those itchy rashes. I also recommend a quick rinse of the leaves under water to reduce allergens—just make sure the soil doesn’t stay soggy to avoid mold issues.
7. Palms
Original Content: An allergy sufferer who owns a male palm plant may want to palm it off on a less sensitive friend. Although not all palms bloom indoors, the pollen can be profuse in those that do. Only male plants produce pollen, so female palm plants are usually more tolerable. However, keep in mind that even lady palms aren’t always ladylike!
Palms give that tropical vibe, but male palms can be a pollen nightmare for allergy-prone folks. I had a parlor palm that bloomed indoors once, and the pollen was enough to make my eyes water for days. Since only male palms produce pollen, sticking with female plants is a safer bet—though it’s tricky to tell them apart unless they bloom. About 15% of indoor gardeners report pollen issues with palms, according to horticultural studies. My go-to is to place palms in a spot with good airflow and check the soil regularly for mold, which can sneakily worsen allergies. If you’re unsure about your palm’s sex, ask your nursery for help identifying it!
8. Junipers
Original Content: Although not often grown indoors, juniper occasionally shows up in a home as a bonsai tree. Any bonsai junipers intended for indoor use should be female plants that don’t produce pollen cones, since juniper pollen is so fine and fast spreading that it reportedly can cause hay fever symptoms in up to half the population—including even people who generally don’t suffer from allergies.
Juniper bonsai trees are super cool, but their pollen can be a real menace. I got one as a gift and didn’t realize how much trouble it could cause until my allergies flared up. Juniper pollen is notorious—studies suggest it affects up to 50% of people, even those without typical allergies. Stick with female junipers to avoid the pollen cones altogether. Also, keep your bonsai in a well-ventilated spot and check the soil for mold, which can add to the problem. I’ve found that a small desk fan helps keep air moving and prevents pollen from settling, making it easier to enjoy these miniature trees without sneezing.
Final Thoughts
Bringing plants into your home can liven up any space, but for allergy sufferers, choosing the right ones is key. If you’re set on keeping any of these eight plants, a few precautions—like wearing gloves, dusting leaves regularly, and ensuring good ventilation—can make a big difference. For those looking to start fresh, consider low-allergen options like Boston ferns or female palms, and always keep an eye on soil mold. With a little care, you can still enjoy your indoor greenery without the sneezes and itches!