The Diffenbachia is a tropical ornamental plant that is very popular in German households. However, very few people are aware of its deadly danger. The sap of the Diffenbachia is extremely poisonous and can even be fatal if action is not taken quickly.

 

The Amazon Indians traditionally dipped their arrowheads in the poisonous sap of the Diffenbachia for fast and deadly hunting. The highest concentration of the sap is found in the stem of the plant.

Direct contact with mucous membranes and eyes should be avoided at all costs.

If you come into contact with the sap of the Diffenbachia and it gets into your eyes, it causes temporary blindness.

An infant can die from the sap of the Diffenbachia within 10 seconds.

In adults, it can lead to death by asphyxiation within 20 minutes.

Diffenbachia should never be handled without rubber gloves and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. After handling the plant, the gloves should be rinsed with water to be on the safe side.