Homeowners urged to keep this one festive plant out of kitchen this November — 'It's a hygiene nightmare waiting to happen'

As the festive season is upon us, we find ourselves looking for ways to bring the cozy, charming nature of the holiday season into our homes. Plants are one of the easiest ways to do this, but there are some plants that should never come into your kitchen.

If you're anything like me, this will be brand new information and now I'm wondering how many years I've put my dinner guests at risk from the trouble some of these plants can cause. And experts have warned about one plant in particular – poinsettias.

They're a bit of a holiday staple in my home, the perfect festive color palette with eye-catching bright red leaves and vibrant green foliage. And while they're also one of the 7 best plants to make your home look festive, they could actually be a lot more trouble than they're worth. Here's why.

Why poinsettias should stay out of the kitchen

Caitlin King is the CEO of Wrap Your Kitchen and when it comes to poinsettias this holiday season, she says: "Poinsettias are messy plants that constantly drop leaves, especially in the warm, humid environment of a kitchen.

"Those fallen leaves can carry sap residue, which then spreads across your surfaces. It's a hygiene nightmare waiting to happen."

And your poinsettia will drop more leaves, like most houseplants, if its underwatered or overwatered, but figuring out the best middleground can be tricky.

So, how worried about poinsettia sap should we be? Well, according to the National Capital Poison Center: "If children and pets eat it, they can develop a mouth rash and stomach upset. The sap can cause a skin rash, too."

And what you don't in the festive season (or any other time of the year) is uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms.

Luckily, I've not fallen victim to the effects of poinsettia sap, but that doesn't mean it can't easily happen and I can certainly see how the leaves falling around your kitchen worktops could expose you to the potential upsetting side effects.

While I'm left feeling bad about all the poinsettias I've gifted in the past, I think going forward I'll pop a little 'don't put it in your kitchen' note along with them. Because you can still enjoy these festive houseplants in your home – just not around your food.

Here's what to use instead

While Caitlin has been kind enough to impart her expert advice on avoiding poinsettias in the kitchen, she also has some festive alternatives to share: "The good news is there are plenty of kitchen-friendly alternatives that look beautiful without the hygiene headaches.

"Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary are perfect: they smell amazing, they're useful for cooking, and they're completely safe around food." And buying herbs for friends and family over the holidays is also a great gift!

She adds: "If you want flowers, opt for sunflowers or gerberas in a clean vase. They don't produce excessive pollen, and they're non-toxic. Just remember to change the water every couple of days and wipe down the vase exterior regularly."

But, having no poinsettias in the kitchen doesn't have to be the end of your love affair with the festive-loving plant. Instead, you could pop your poinsettia on a fireplace (because what's more festive than a crackling fire), on a windowsill, or on a side table around your home. Anywhere, but your kitchen.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 best plants that will thrive in your kitchen
• How to care for a poinsettia in 6 simple steps
• These 5 powerful houseplants will ease stress and boost your mood