Did you know that a single bite of a Pencil Cactus can send your pet to the vet? Succulents are popular for their beauty, but some can be dangerous to pets and children.
Many people enjoy having them in their homes for their decorative appeal and potential health benefits. But, did you know some succulents can be deadly to pets?
Here is a list of poisonous succulents that should be avoided if you have pets or young children.
1) Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)
Source: @tthere.you.growEuphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as the Pencil Cactus, is a succulent that originated in Africa. You might also hear it called the Firestick Plant due to its bright, colourful stems that change with the seasons. This plant is now commonly found in many warm climates around the world, including parts of Australia.
The Pencil Cactus is known for its toxic latex sap. If you get this sap on your skin, it can cause irritation, redness, and even blisters. It’s really important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant.
For pets, the sap can be even more dangerous. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause vomiting, drooling, and other serious issues. If you have curious pets, it’s best to keep this plant out of their reach.
The Pencil Cactus can also pose risks if the sap gets into your eyes. It can cause severe pain and even lead to temporary blindness. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling or pruning this succulent.
Due to these potential dangers, it’s essential to handle this plant with care and be aware of its toxic nature.
2) Euphorbia milii (Crown of Thorns)
Source: @cicekdiyari_34Euphorbia milii, commonly known as Crown of Thorns, is found in Madagascar. This succulent is popular for its bright, showy flowers and spiky stems.
The plant’s sap is toxic to both pets and humans. If you get the sap on your skin, it can cause irritation, redness, or a rash. Be careful when handling it.
For pets, ingestion can lead to vomiting, drooling, and stomach pain. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious animals to prevent any harm.
Always wash your hands after touching it and consider wearing gloves for extra safety.
3) Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a well-known succulent that is native to North Africa. You might have seen it in homes and gardens all over the world because it’s easy to grow and looks lovely. Its thick, fleshy leaves contain a gel that’s famous for its healing properties.
Despite its benefits, Aloe vera can be dangerous for pets. If your dogs or cats eat it, they might experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. This is because the sap contains toxic compounds that can upset their stomachs and make them feel unwell.
Aloe vera can also be harmful to humans if ingested in large amounts. While it’s generally safe for external use, eating the leaves or sap can lead to stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
4) Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands)
Source: @happygardeningnepalKalanchoe daigremontiana, often called Mother of Thousands, is a unique and intriguing succulent. This plant hails from Madagascar, but it’s now found in homes and gardens worldwide.
This succulent creates numerous tiny plantlets along the edges of its leaves. While it’s a fascinating plant, it contains compounds called bufadienolides that can be toxic.
If ingested, the toxins can affect pets like cats, dogs, and even livestock. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, heart issues.
Humans should also be cautious. While severe poisoning is rare, handling the plant and then touching your face or mouth can cause minor irritation.
5) Euphorbia lactea (Mottled Spurge)
Euphorbia lactea, also known as Mottled Spurge, is a striking succulent popular for its unique appearance. This plant can grow up to 5 metres tall and is native to tropical regions.
You might find it in gardens within USDA Zones 10-11 or even as a houseplant. It’s sometimes used as a hedge or fence plant due to its dense, spiny branches.
Despite its beauty, Euphorbia lactea is highly toxic. Its white sap, known as latex, can cause severe skin irritation. If you come into contact with it, you may experience redness, itching, and blisters.
If ingested, this sap is even more dangerous. Consuming it may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Pets, particularly cats and dogs, are at great risk if they chew on the plant. Symptoms in animals can include drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Always handle this plant with care. Wearing gloves and keeping it out of reach of pets and children is essential. If you do come into contact with the sap, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
6) Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree)
Source: @niwa.botanicEuphorbia trigona, or the African Milk Tree, is a succulent native to Central Africa. This plant features tall, upright stems, often growing up to 3 meters tall. It is popular as a houseplant for its striking appearance, resembling a cactus with its distinct ridged stems and thorns.
You should handle the African Milk Tree with care. Its milky sap is poisonous. Contact with the skin may cause irritation, redness, and rash.
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly if you get sap on you. If ingested, the sap can irritate the mouth and stomach, leading to nausea or vomiting.
Pets are also at risk. Your cat or dog might experience drooling, vomiting, or diarrhoea if they chew on the plant. It’s wise to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children. Consider placing it in a spot that’s hard for them to access, like a high shelf or a closed-off room.
7) Euphorbia myrsinites (Myrtle Spurge)
Source: @jo.wakelinEuphorbia myrsinites, also known as Myrtle Spurge, is a succulent native to Asia Minor and Southeastern Europe. This plant is quite attractive with its spirals of blue-green leaves and bright yellow bracts. It’s commonly found in rocky terrains and makes for a striking addition to gardens.
While its unique appearance might draw you in, be cautious. Myrtle Spurge contains a milky sap that is highly toxic. If you get this sap on your skin, it can cause severe irritation, redness, and blistering. It’s especially important to wear gloves when handling it.
Pets and children are particularly at risk. If ingested, Myrtle Spurge can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, it may lead to more serious health issues. Keeping this plant out of reach is a smart precaution.
In 2021, this plant caused two Utah preschoolers to be sent to the emergency room. Click here to read more.
8) Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)
The Jade Plant, also known as Crassula ovata, is a popular succulent found in many homes and gardens. It has thick, shiny, dark green leaves which sometimes appear with a reddish tint when exposed to ample sunlight.
You’ll often find Jade Plants indoors as they are easy to care for and are believed to bring good luck. They are native to South Africa but have become popular worldwide, including in Australia.
While the Jade Plant is beautiful, it has mild toxic properties.
If ingested by pets like cats and dogs, the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and a slow heartbeat. The toxic compounds in the plant are mainly glycosides and alkaloids.
Humans should also avoid ingesting parts of the Jade Plant. If you or your child accidentally consume it, you may experience mild symptoms such as an upset stomach.
While not severely toxic, it is always wise to keep the plant out of reach of pets and small children.
9) Euphorbia canariensis (Canary Island Spurge)
Source: @cactus_brevi_manuEuphorbia canariensis, or Canary Island Spurge, is a striking succulent. You can find it in the Canary Islands, where it enjoys the warm climate. This plant is quite unique, with branches that are usually four-sided.
While this succulent might look attractive, it is important to be cautious around it. The sap of Euphorbia canariensis is toxic. If it gets on your skin, it can cause irritation and redness.
For pets, this plant can be dangerous. If your cat or dog chews on it, they could experience mouth irritation, drooling, or digestive issues. Always keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.
Humans are also at risk if they accidentally ingest any part of the plant. symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or a burning sensation in your mouth. It’s essential to handle this succulent with care and wear gloves when working with it.
10) Agave americana (Century Plant)
Source: @quercusplantcentreAgave americana, also known as the Century Plant, is a large succulent native to Mexico and the southwestern USA. You can also find it in warm climates like southern California, where it is often grown as an ornamental plant.
This succulent has thick, blue-green leaves edged with sharp spines. The spines help protect the plant but can cause harm if touched. You should be careful around these spiky edges as they can puncture the skin.
The Century Plant contains compounds called saponins. If ingested, saponins can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in both humans and pets.
Direct contact with the sap from the leaves can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and even blisters.
Pets, especially dogs and cats, might get curious and try to bite or chew on the leaves. Make sure to keep this plant out of their reach to prevent any accidents. Humans should also wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid direct contact with its sap.
Symptoms of Poisoning in Humans
When humans come into contact with the toxic sap or ingest parts of certain succulents, it can lead to several health issues.
Understanding the signs and knowing what to do in these situations is important.
Common Signs to Watch Out For
Ingesting toxic succulents can cause various symptoms. You should look out for nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. These symptoms are usually the first signs something is wrong.
Some succulents can lead to more serious reactions too. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, and heart irregularities are concerning symptoms that should be taken seriously.
Skin contact with the sap can cause redness, itching, and irritation. Be aware of unexpected symptoms like dizziness or severe diarrhoea, which sometimes occur with certain toxic plants.
Immediate Actions to Take
Acting quickly can make a big difference. If you suspect poisoning, the first step is to rinse the mouth out thoroughly if the plant was ingested.
For skin contact, wash the affected area with soap and water immediately.
Monitor yourself or the affected person for any symptoms. In case of severe symptoms like chest pain or trouble breathing, seek medical help right away.
It’s a good idea to keep the plant sample for identification.
You can also call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Remember, it’s essential to stay calm and act swiftly.
Pet Safety Around Succulents
Some succulents can be harmful to your pets if ingested. Learn how to identify hazardous plants and what steps to take if your pet gets poisoned.
Identifying Hazardous Plants for Pets
Certain succulents are harmful to pets. It’s important to know which ones to avoid. Some common toxic succulents include:
- Aloe Vera: Its sap can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Euphorbia (Euphorbia Tiruacalli, Firestick): The sap is highly irritating and can cause drooling and skin rashes.
- Kalanchoe: Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even heart problems.
- Crassula (Jade Plant): May lead to vomiting, lethargy, and slowed heart rate.
Always check your plants’ labels or consult resources like the ASPCA’s list of toxic succulents. If you’re unsure, it’s best to keep these plants out of reach.
First Aid for Pet Poisoning
If your pet ingests a toxic succulent, act quickly. First, remove any plant material from their mouth. Rinse their mouth with water to remove sap and debris.
Signs of poisoning to watch for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Lethargy
Steps to take:
- Contact a vet immediately: Provide details of what your pet ate.
- Call Poison Control: The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can give advice.
- Monitor your pet closely: Note any behaviour changes.
- Follow the vet’s instructions: They might suggest bringing your pet in or administering activated charcoal.
Keeping emergency contact numbers handy and having a basic pet first aid kit can save precious time.
Preventive Measures
It’s important to ensure the safety of both your family and pets when dealing with poisonous succulents. Focusing on proper placement and education can help prevent any accidents.
Safe Placement of Toxic Succulents
Place toxic succulents out of reach of young children and pets. A high shelf or a hanging planter can work wonders.
You could use barriers like glass domes or small fences around your plants for added protection. Make sure these are sturdy and not easily knocked over.
Label your toxic succulents. Use waterproof or laminated tags to avoid confusion. Even if you have a small garden, keeping track of which plants are toxic can prevent mishaps.
Consider safe, non-toxic alternatives for common areas like living rooms or kitchens. That way, you reduce the risk if a plant falls or gets within reach.
Educating Family Members
Inform your family members about the succulents you have at home. This includes everyone from young kids to older relatives. Explain which plants are toxic and the symptoms to watch out for.
Create a quick-reference guide with pictures of your toxic succulents and their common names. Place it in a spot where everyone can see it, like the fridge door. This helps everyone recognise the plants and understand their potential risks.
Teach your kids not to touch any plants without your permission. This simple rule can go a long way in ensuring their safety. Make sure this is a regular topic in your household discussions to keep it fresh in everyone’s minds.