Are Succulents Poisonous – List of 8 Toxic And Pet Safe Succulents
Last Updated on July 8, 2023
Succulents are a type of plant that is known for its thick, fleshy leaves. These plants are native to hot, dry climates and can store water in their leaves. Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
While they are often used as decoration in homes and offices, some people may not realize that some succulents can be poisonous.
Are Succulents Poisonous – List of 8 Toxic And Pet Safe Succulents
If you’re like me, you love succulents. They’re easy to care for, they look great, and they add a touch of life to any room.
But did you know that some succulents are actually poisonous?
That’s right, not all succulents are created equal. Some of them can be toxic to pets and even humans if ingested.
So, before you go adding any new succulents to your home, it’s important to do your research and make sure they’re safe.
To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of 8 common succulents that are poisonous. These include:
1. Aloe vera – This popular succulent is actually toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you have pets, it’s best to keep this one out of reach.
2. Cactus – Most cacti are actually safe for pets and humans alike, but there are a few exceptions (like the Easter lily cactus). If ingested, cacti can cause stomach upset and mouth irritation in both animals and people. So it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep them out of reach as well.
What Succulents Are Safe For Cats and Dogs?? | Toxic & Non-toxic Succulents| Pet Friendly Succulents
Non Toxic Succulents to Humans
Succulents are becoming increasingly popular as houseplants. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. But did you know that not all succulents are created equal?
Some succulents can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
If you’re looking for a non-toxic succulent to add to your collection, here are a few safe choices:
1. Aloe vera – This popular succulent is known for its healing properties.
The gel inside the leaves can be used topically to soothe burns or cuts. Just be sure to wash the leaf thoroughly before using it on open wounds.
2. Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) – These cute little plants make great groundcover or accent plants.
They’re practically indestructible and can even tolerate full sun or partial shade.
3. Echeveria – Echeverias come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them perfect for adding interest to any space. Most varieties are non-toxic, but there are a few that contain saponins which can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
As long as you stick with common varieties like ‘Hens & Chicks’ or ‘Mexican Snowball’, you’ll be safe!
4. Sedum – Another versatile plant, sedums can be used as groundcover, accents, or even cascading over the edge of a pot or planter box. They come in both green and purple varieties, and some even have variegated leaves!
Is Echeveria Toxic to Dogs
If you’re a pet owner, chances are you’ve wondered at some point if a certain plant is safe for your furry friend. After all, dogs (and cats) are known for putting just about anything in their mouths! When it comes to echeveria, the good news is that this popular succulent is not toxic to dogs.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe for your pup to munch on.
Echeveria leaves are sharp and can cause cuts or scrapes if your dog takes a big bite. In addition, the sap from echeveria plants can be irritating to the skin.
If your dog gets any of this sap on his fur or skin, it’s best to wash it off immediately. Other than that, there isn’t much to worry about when it comes to echeverias and dogs – just keep an eye on them so they don’t accidentally hurt themselves!
Are Succulents Poisonous to Babies
Most succulents are not poisonous to babies, but there are a few that can be harmful if ingested. Aloe vera is one of the most popular succulents and it is also one of the most safe for babies. If you have any concerns about a particular plant, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician or a poison control center.
Echeveria Toxic to Cats
Echeveria are a type of succulent that is popular for their low-maintenance care and beautiful, rosette shape. Though they are often used as decoration in homes and offices, many people don’t realize that echeveria can be toxic to cats. If your cat ingests any part of an echeveria plant, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing.
In some cases, it can even lead to death. If you have a cat and an echeveria plant, it’s important to keep them out of reach of each other to avoid any potentially dangerous situations.
Credit: succulentsbox.com
What Succulents are Not Safe for Pets?
There are a variety of succulents that are not safe for pets. Some of the most common include: Aloe vera, arrowhead plant, cactus, Christmas cactus, jade plant, and poinsettia. These plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues if ingested by pets.
If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a succulent, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Are Succulents Toxic to Pets?
No, succulents are not toxic to pets. In fact, they are often used as decoration in pet-friendly homes and gardens. While some plants can be harmful to animals if ingested, succulents are not known to cause any ill effects.
If you are concerned about your pet getting sick from eating a succulent, consider growing one of the many varieties that are safe for consumption.
What Succulents are Poisonous?
While succulents are often thought of as being easy-to-care-for plants, there are actually a few varieties that can be poisonous if ingested. The most common of these is the Kalanchoe plant, which contains toxins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if consumed. Other poisonous succulents include the Aeonium arboreum, or tree houseleek, and the Crassula ovata, or jade plant.
These plants contain saponins, which are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning from these plants include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, saponin poisoning can lead to convulsions and death.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous succulent, contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately.
What are Non-Toxic Succulents?
If you’re looking for a plant that is both beautiful and low-maintenance, succulents are a great option. And if you’re worried about toxic plants, don’t be – there are plenty of non-toxic succulents to choose from.
One of the most popular varieties is the aloe plant.
Aloe vera is well-known for its healing properties, but did you know that it’s also non-toxic? This makes it a great choice for households with pets or small children.
Other non-toxic succulents include echeveria, sedum, and sempervivum.
These plants come in a wide range of colors and shapes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style. And because they’re all non-toxic, you can rest assured that they’re safe for everyone in your home.
Can Cats Eat Succulents?
While succulents are not poisonous to cats, they can cause stomach upset if ingested. The sharp edges of the leaves can also cause mouth or gastrointestinal irritation. If your cat nibbles on a succulent, watch for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling.
If your cat seems to be experiencing any discomfort after eating a succulent, contact your veterinarian.
How Do I Keep Cats Away from Succulents?
When it comes to keeping cats safe from poisonous succulents, there are a few strategies you can try. Firstly, consider placing the succulents out of your cat’s reach, whether by using high shelves or hanging baskets. Another option is to sprinkle some citrus peels or coffee grounds around the plants, as cats tend to dislike the scent. Lastly, you can invest in cat-friendly indoor plants, providing your furry friend with an alternative and safe exploration option.
Conclusion
Are Succulents Poisonous – List of 8 Toxic And Pet Safe Succulents?
Most succulents are not poisonous, but there are a few that can be harmful to pets if ingested. The following is a list of eight toxic and pet safe succulents:
1. Aloe vera – while the gel inside aloe leaves can be soothing for burns and cuts, the plant itself is toxic to dogs and cats. If your pet ingests any part of an aloe plant, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
2. Cactus – all cacti contain toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lack of appetite. In some cases, cactus spines can also puncture the intestines causing serious injury or even death.
3. Philodendron – this common houseplant is toxic to both dogs and cats.
If eaten, philodendron can cause burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and tremors. In severe cases it can lead to difficulty breathing and paralysis. All parts of the plant are poisonous so it’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets altogether.
4. Poinsettia – often associated with Christmas time, this festive plant is actually quite toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested (symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling). The sap from poinsettias can also cause skin irritation so it’s best to keep them out of reach (or better yet don’t have them in your home at all if you have pets).