Do Cats And Dogs Get Sick From African Violet?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The ASPCA rates African violets as

non-toxic

to cats, dogs, and even horses! (Although, if you’ve got a horse eating your indoor houseplant, you’ve got bigger problems.)

Can cats be around African violets?

By the way, African violets are

non-toxic to curious cats, dogs, and horses

, according to the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page. This information should offer some comfort to parents of curious cats that enjoy the taste of this lovely houseplant.

Can African violets make cats sick?

African Violet (Saintpaulia)


Both the plant and flowers are non-toxic to cats and dogs

, making them perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance, blooming plant.

What happens if a dog eats an African violet?

Effects. Contact with African violets will not harm your dog. You may want to prevent your dog from ingesting the plants, however, as any unfamiliar material that is taken internally

may cause an allergic reaction or diarrhea

.

How do you keep cats out of African violets?

  1. Elevate and Separate. Prevent unwanted nibbles by keeping your African violet on a high shelf or cupboard. …
  2. Distract! Distract! …
  3. No-Worry Nibbles. Give your plant-hungry cat something healthier to munch on. …
  4. Divide and Conquer. …
  5. Call On “Foul” Play. …
  6. Join the African Violet Club!

Are African violets poisonous?

Though African violets are

not known to be toxic

, it is generally never a good idea to let a child chow down on any houseplant, as individuals may have varying sensitivities to the plant’s sap or hairy leaves. Children can also choke on ingested leaves or plant parts.

What animal eats African violets?

As their name suggests,

Leaf Beetles

feed on the foliage of African Violets, chewing small holes at the edges of the leaves. Leaves have holes in them. They appear to have been eaten. Leaf Beetles typically chew holes at the edges of the leaves.

Is an orchid poisonous to cats?

We have some good news for you:

Orchids are not toxic to cats

—so, the two can coexist! As with any houseplant, though, you’ll want to make sure your cat isn’t grazing on your orchids.

Are native violets poisonous to dogs?


This is a poisonous plant for dogs

, and if they eat the plant, especially the fruit which comes after flowering, they may die. You should consider removing or at least fencing off this plant. This is the common small flowering shrub with the violet, lilac and white flowers, all on the same plant.

Are African violets hard to take care of?

African violets do best and produce the most blooms in bright, indirect light. Though they are

generally easy to care for

, they can go through fussy spells. Don’t be discouraged!

Do African violets need sunlight?


African violets need indirect sunlight

, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.

Are amaryllis poisonous to cats?

The Amaryllis contains Lycorine and other noxious substances, which can cause increased salivation, gastrointestinal abnormalities (vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain), lethargy, and tremors in both cats and dogs. The bulb of the plant is reputed to be more toxic than the flowers and stalk.

Are bromeliads poisonous to cats?

Spider plants, ferns and colourful bromeliads and marigolds are all

harmless to dogs and cats

. Beautiful moon orchids are safe too. Check out the ASPCA website for a list of houseplants that are safe for your pet.

What does violet leaf do for dogs?

Violet Leaf (Viola odorata): If a dog is shocked or hesitant toward a situation, violet leaf can be used to

reduce feelings of nervousness by providing a feeling of comfort and safety

. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

How big do African violets get?

Standard African Violet plants:

Standard African violet plants when fully mature range from

8-16 inches (20-40cm) in diameter across a single crown

. The flowers on these plants can grow to 2 inches (5cm) across the petals and a single leaf blade can grow to 3 inches (7.5cm) in length.

How often do you water African violets?

An important point to remember when bottom watering African Violet plants is to top water

at least once a month

. This way you are flushing out any extra fertilizer salt build up and refreshing the soil/roots from the top too.

Are African violets indoor or outdoor plants?

African violets are strictly

indoor plants

in North America, largely because their leaves need to stay dry. Grow plants in bright, indirect light for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location.

Why is my African violet dying?


Over-watering is the most common way that people kill their African violets

. Leaf or flower loss, limp plants, and crown and stem rot are all results of too much water. Insufficient watering causes roots to shrivel and die, the plant to lose vigor and color, and then collapse.

What diseases do African violets get?

Disease Symptoms Bacterial Blight Dark reddish brown to black rotting areas form on roots and crown. Infected petioles have a greasy appearance. Botrytis Blight Small water-soaked lesions form on damaged petioles and spread to leaf blades. Infected flowers fade prematurely.

Can African violets get too much light?

In some cases, too much sunlight will turn variegated leaf varieties entirely green. In the most severe cases,

too much sunlight can actually be fatal to African Violets

. Leaves have brown spots on them. When this symptom is caused by too much sunlight, it is called Leaf Scorch, a form of necrosis.

Are orchids poisonous to dogs and cats?

Though eating the leaves or flowers of your prized specimen may induce vomiting or other gastric distress,

orchids are not poisonous to cats or dogs

.

How do you keep cats away from orchids?

  1. Cinnamon or Cayenne Pepper. You hear a chewing noise. …
  2. Aluminum Foil. You may love cooking with aluminum foil, but your cat detests it. …
  3. Double-Sided Tape. Laying down double-sided sticky tape is a great trick to keep your cats off of tables and away from plants.

What flowers are cats not allergic to?

  • Alstroemeria.
  • Asters.
  • Freesia.
  • Gerber Daisies.
  • Liatris.
  • Lisianthus.
  • Orchid.
  • Roses.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.