Is Schefflera Safe For Pets?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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. You might know this common household plant as an umbrella tree or starleaf. It adds a touch of green to your house, and it's easy to care for. But if your pets nibble on it,

they might have intense burning and irritation in and around their mouth

, along with vomiting, drooling, and swallowing problems.

Are umbrella plants poisonous to cats and dogs?

The umbrella tree

in both forms is toxic to dogs and other small animals

; it contains insoluble calcium oxalates, saponins, and terpenoids (aromatic hydrocarbon chemical substances). Umbrella Tree poisoning in dogs is caused by specific chemicals within the plant that are natural defenses.

Is schefflera Actinophylla poisonous?

Though often grown as a houseplant, umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla, also called Brassaia arboricola) contains

toxins potentially harmful to people and animals

. Reactions to the poison are not usually severe, but you should contact a poison control for help if someone eats part of the plant.

Which of the following houseplants can be toxic to pets?


The Mauna Loa, also known as the Peace Lily

, is toxic to dogs and cats while the Stargazer and Easter Lilies are toxic for cats only. In fact, the Stargazer and Easter Lily could be fatal to cats if it goes untreated as it affects the animal's appetite and kidneys.

Are Schefflera plants toxic to animals?

Schefflera, commonly known as “Umbrella Plant”: Schefflera can

cause vomiting, kidney problems, tremors, and heart and respiratory problems

. Scheffleras can also cause oral irritation, such as difficulty swallowing, drooling, and burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue.

Is Spider plant toxic to cats?

In fact, the

spider plant is listed as non toxic to cats

and other pets on the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website along with many other educational sites. Nonetheless, it is still advised that cats eating spider plant leaves may pose a potential risk.

Is the money tree poisonous to dogs?

Money Tree

Sadly enough, money does not actually grow on these . But here's the good news:

They're safe for pets and recommended for people with allergies

and asthma.

Do umbrella plants like to be misted?

Your umbrella trees come from a naturally-humid environment. They love moist air, and you can provide that indoors with a plant humidifier.

Occasional misting of the leaves with warm water is fine

too.

What if my dog eats schefflera?

If you are not confident about what your pet has ingested, or if your dog has swallowed sizeable quantities of the schefflera shrub, your veterinarian will often recommend a visit to the office. Many of the signs of exposure to

calcium oxalate crystals

from the schefflera shrub become immediately apparent.

What plants aren't toxic to cats?

  • Ponytail Palm. Beaucarnea recurvata. …
  • Air

    Plants

    . Tillandsia varieties. …
  • Calathea Prayer Plant. Calathea orbifolia. …
  • Rattlesnake Plant. Calathea lancifolia. …
  • Calathea Peacock. Calathea makoyana. …
  • Hibiscus. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus syriacus. …
  • Bromeliad. …
  • Peperomia Ginny.

Is schefflera toxic to children?

Schefflera (Schefflera actinophylla)

This office-favorite is also often touted as an air cleaner. However, ingestion of schefflera can cause kidney failure in both animals and people. The resin that

these plants sometimes secrete is also toxic

, making it a potential hazard for crawling babies and dogs in particular.

Are Ficus poisonous to dogs?

Surprisingly, some of the most popular and easily available house plants are toxic to your pets. Ficus, snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue), philodendron, and most cacti make this list, among many others. Cats are usually the culprits when it comes to gnawing on indoor greenery. But

dogs are at risk, too.

Is a peace lily toxic to dogs?

The peace lily (also known as Mauna Loa)

is toxic to dogs and cats

. Ingestion of the peace lily or calla lily can cause irritation of the tongue and lips, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

What are the most toxic houseplants?

  • Peace Lily. Grumpy Cow StudiosGetty Images. …
  • Devils Ivy. FeelPicGetty Images. …
  • Caladium (Elephant Ear) Kanchanalak Chanthaphun / EyeEmGetty Images. …
  • Sago Palm. …
  • Calla Lily. …
  • English Ivy. …
  • Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law's-Tongue) …
  • Dieffenbachia.

What are the most poisonous plants to dogs?

  • #1 Sago Palm. These ornamental palms are popular in warmer climates and every part of it is toxic to dogs. …
  • #2 Tomato Plant. With summer comes tomato plants in the garden. …
  • #3 Aloe Vera. …
  • #4 Ivy. …
  • #5 Amaryllis. …
  • #6 Gladiola. …
  • #7 American Holly. …
  • #8 Daffodil.

Which plants are most toxic to cats?

  • Kalanchoe. …
  • Lilies. …
  • Oleander. …
  • Dieffenbachia. …
  • Daffodils. …
  • Lily of the Valley. …
  • Sago Palm. Very popular in warmer climates, this household and outdoor plant can be very harmful to pets. …
  • Tulips and Hyacinths. Tulips contain allergenic lactones while hyacinths contain similar alkaloids.
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.