Is a Ficus Plant Safe for Children?

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina ) is an evergreen shrub used as a houseplant for its long, glossy leaves, flowers and fruit in a sac turning from green to red, then dark purple. Although not considered poisonous, the fig is a poor choice for households with children.

Plant Parts

• Plant sap coming from any portion of the fig plant contains furocoumarins, psoralens, ficin. These chemicals cause allergic reactions in some people.

Symptoms

• Dermatitis includes itching, pain and redness when the affected skin is exposed to sunlight. This is minor and dissipates within a few minutes, according to North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Other allergic reactions include itchy eyes, coughing and wheezing.

Solution

• Consider other houseplants in homes with very young children. If you already have a ficus plant, place it up high where young children cannot reach it. Teach older children not to handle the fig without protection, such as wearing long sleeves and gardening gloves.