These 7 Succulents Are Highly Toxic To Dogs And Cats
Many succulents are completely safe for your furry friends, but there are quite a few that can be poisonous if ingested. Keeping your pet safe is top of mind for most animal lovers. But many don't think about the plants growing around them or even in their home. So what plants are safe for pets? Here are some common succulents to avoid if you have cats or dogs.
Symptoms May Vary
While the plants in this list can be problematic for your pets, the symptoms they experience can vary from mild to severe. If you do grow these plants in your home, make sure to keep them out of reach of your pets. Hanging planters are a great option, or have these succulents in a dedicated room where your furry friend isn't allowed.
Sansevieria trifasciata
Although it’s named after an animal, Snake Plant isn’t a succulent you’ll want to keep around your pets. It can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms in your pet, so be sure to put it out of reach or don’t grow this succulent in your home. This plant is also commonly used in large buildings and hotels, so if you’re out and about with your pet, be sure to keep an eye out.
Senecio rowleyanus
String of Pearls is a trailing succulent that is sure to grab the attention of your favorite feline. After all, those little beads on strings sure look like a toy. But make sure to keep it out of reach as it has a sap on the leaves that can cause irritation to your cat or dog. Ingesting it can cause lethargy and vomiting too.
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’
As colorful and fun as ‘Sticks on Fire’ is, you’ll want to keep it away from your pets. This plant, along with other Euphorbia, contains a white sap that can irritate skin as well as cause harm if ingested. If you live in a warm climate it’s not uncommon to find this plant in landscaping, so make sure to keep an eye out for it when you’re on a walk and keep your four legged friend away.
Crassula arborescens
This beautiful blue-gray succulent is a unique twist on the traditional Jade plant. Much like its relative though, Silver Dollar Jade can be toxic to cats and dogs. You’re best off putting this in a room where your pet isn’t allowed, or not bringing it home at all.
Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Most Kalanchoe plants can be quite toxic for cats and dogs, and Mother of Thousands is no exception. While eating the leaves can cause some discomfort for your animal, the flowers are much more toxic. This plant in particular drops a lot of little plantlets that grow along the leaves so you’re better off not to have it in your house or garden, even out of reach, as it spreads easily.
Aloe vera
While Aloe vera has many practical uses for people, it’s something you’ll want to be careful with around your pets. Some pets may only have a mild reaction to eating the plant, but others may have more extreme symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Keep it where you can use it for your sunburns, but out of sight for your pets.
Crassula ovata
Crassula ovata, or Jade Plant, is a classic plant that many people enjoy having in their homes. It is low maintenance and has a modern look and feel to it. However, if you have pets, you might want to keep this one up out of reach. While not as toxic as others on the list, it can cause your pet discomfort if they decide to snack on it.
Are you overlooking this important part of succulent care?
Many people who struggle to grow succulents think they have a watering problem. As it turns out, most of them have a soil problem. Using the proper succulent soil will make caring for these unique plants so much easier. Find out what type of soil is best for succulents and where to find it.
Are These Weird Succulents Too Ugly To Grow In Your Garden?
Most people think of succulents as beautiful rosettes with thick, colorful leaves. They're tough and can withstand long periods of drought. But not all succulents are beautiful. This can be a heated discussion, but while many think these weird succulents are cool, others won't even consider buying them. Would you grow any of the ugly succulents on this list?
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A big part of keeping succulents healthy is providing them with the right environment. You'll want to pay attention to the soil they're in, how much sunlight they're getting, and most importantly, how often you're watering them. The method and frequency of watering succulents are critical to preventing rot while encouraging lots of new growth.
7 Worst Mistakes Beginners Make When Growing Succulents
Many people assume that they can take care of succulent plants however they want -- just treat them like normal house plants. The problem is succulents aren't like most other house plants. They have completely different watering needs and often need more sunlight and airflow than other plants. Find out what the most common succulent mistakes are and how to avoid them.
Expert Tips for Creating Stunning Succulent Arrangements
Figuring out which succulents to combine together to make a beautiful arrangement can be daunting. But with these tips from succulent design experts, you'll be able to put together crowd-pleasing arrangements easily, whether it's in pots or in the ground.
This article originally appeared on Succulents and Sunshine.