If you’re someone who suffers from environmental allergies, you probably don’t need us to tell you what a pain the “shoulder seasons” (aka spring and fall) can be. While it’s always lovely to see the landscape burst back to life in the spring—or, in the case of fall, flush to vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange—the allergenic pitfalls that come along with pollen and ragweed can make sufferers shut themselves indoors in hopes of a reprieve.

Well, we have some not-so-great news. Depending on the type of plants you have in your house, spending time inside may be just as bad for your allergies as the great outdoors. The reason? There are a surprising number of allergens in houseplants that can be just as irritating to those sensitive to things like spores, dust, pollen, and more. To keep you safe, sane, and sneeze-free, we tapped two houseplant pros to bring you a list of plants to avoid if you want to truly ensure your indoor escape is as allergen-friendly as possible.

• Krystal Duran, plant expert and founder of the blog Plants with Krystal
• Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, plant expert and founder of the blog The Houseplant Guru

Ferns

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“If you have an allergy to spores, then ferns are not the houseplant for you,” explains Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, the pro behind The Houseplant Guru. “Many ferns have an abundance of spores that can coat whatever is below them with a thick layer of fine ‘dust.’’

When those spores are breathed in, allergy sufferers can show symptoms similar to those with outdoor allergies, warns plant pro Krystal Duran of Plants with Krystal. Fern fronds can also lead to contact dermatitis, especially if you’re already prone to allergies or have sensitive skin and often experience eczema, flushing, or rashes.

Steinkopf specifically recommends stearing clear of holly fern and rabbit’s foot fern, both of which have an abundance of spores on a mature plant.

African Violets

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These sweet potted plants may be petite and pretty, but according to Duran, they can really pack a punch for allergy sufferers. “Two of the main characteristics of an African violet—fuzzy leaves and impressive flowers—are both causes of allergies,” she explains. “The leaves hold onto dust particles and the flowers contain pollen, which makes these small plants unpleasant to allergy sufferers.”

English Ivy

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While we typically associate allergies with sneezing and sniffing, some plants can cause contact allergies as well and should be avoided. “Falcarinol is the substance in the ivy that causes skin irritation, including blisters,” says Steinkopf, who suggests wearing gloves when working with ivy and locating the plant somewhere you’re less likely to brush up against it often.

Rubber Trees

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Beloved for their dark, shiny leaves and easy temperament, rubber trees are a popular houseplant but may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers. “They produce a milky white substance called latex, which is a major source of natural rubber,” says Duran. “When pruning this plant, beware of getting the sap on your skin, especially if you have a latex allergy. It can cause skin irritation, hives, and difficulty breathing.”

Purple Passion Plant

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“If dust is your enemy, then steer clear of fuzzy-leaved plants, like the purple passion plant,” suggests Steinkopf. “The leaves are great at holding onto dust, though keeping your plants clean and dusted will help a lot with your allergies. Though they have fuzzy leaves, they can be rinsed in the sink. Use tepid water when rinsing them, and make sure no water is standing in the center crown of the plant, as this may cause rot.”

Weeping Fig

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Anyone who suffers from asthma or any other breathing allergies should steer clear of weeping fig trees, which are beautiful but can be especially detrimental to allergy sufferers. The reason? Particles from the leaves, trunk, and sap can cause a range of reactions and symptoms, ranging from skin irritation to difficulty breathing. Moreso, prolonged exposure to weeping fig trees can even make those who aren’t typically allergic develop symptoms.

Anything That Blooms

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It may go without saying, but if your allergies begin to act up in the springtime when everything is starting to bloom, you should probably avoid bringing flowers into your home. “Most plants, when they bloom, will have pollen,” says Steinkopf. “If you’re allergic to pollen, flowering plants aren’t for you. You can always cut the flower stalk off before it fully opens and releases its pollen, but often that is the reason the plant is grown or enjoyed in the first place.” One bloom that is fairly safe to keep around? Orchids, which are actually the official flower of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Orchids have very little pollen, and what they do have is not airborne, making them one of the most allergy-friendly flowers available.