Question
My sister a couple years back was given a potted plant that only said tropical. it had a ivy, a fern and another plant that kinda looks like the chinese luck plants but it only has one stalk and it is about 3 feet high with 3 tone leaves that go from vanilla from center to a darker green on outer edge. My niece was playing with the leaves had put her hands in her mouth and started gagging and choking started acting lethargic and her hands turn bright red and she said they were on fire. I have been trying to find out what the name of this plant is and if it is toxic. I have seen this plant many times in tropical arrangements. the leaves are at the top of the plant...please can you help me identify this plant and find out about it.

Answer
Hi Lori,

From your brief description, I suspect your plant is a ribbon plant or Dracaena sanderiana.

Do an image search under that name. If that is not what you have, please email a photo to me at my address below. Alternatively, let me know how yours differs form Dracaena sanderiana.

Here are some links to sites that list toxic plants:

http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/

http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.list?p_sci=sci&p_type=all&p_x=px

These links are to the WA and CA poison control centers:

http://www.wapc.org/hazards/plants_fungus.htm

http://www.calpoison.org/public/plants-toxic.html



Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

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