popular snake plant, or Dracaena trifasciata, is one of the best indoor plants. It is a low-maintenance indoor plant that adapts well to low light and high humidity levels, making it a popular bathroom plant among indoor gardeners.
However, if you are a pet owner, you may want to think twice about this houseplant. Unfortunately, not all houseplants are safe for furry animals.
family. Many of them have toxins that can make cats and dogs sick if ingested.
Although snake plants offer many benefits as air-purifying indoor plants, they are not the best pet-safe indoor plants and can pose potential harm to your pet. Here, experts answer the question, “Is the snake plant toxic to pets?” We will clarify what pet owners should be aware of when considering purchasing a pet.
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Is the snake plant toxic to pets?
In short, yes. Snake plants are poisonous to pets, so if you have animals, make sure you have a place on a high shelf before bringing snake plants into your home. But don't worry. If your pet comes into contact with a snake plant, you should consider the following:
What happens if a cat or dog eats a snake plant?
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Houseplants that are considered unsafe for pets often contain toxins that can cause a variety of symptoms if ingested. In the case of snake plants, this includes the chemical saponin, which is toxic in large quantities.
Saponins are found in all parts of the snake plant and can make humans sick if ingested. Negative symptoms can occur if your curious pet attempts to nibble on the snake plant.
“Snake plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems in pets,” says Diane Cusey, founder of How To Grow Everything.
As a pet owner, this is certainly something to be aware of, but if your pet tends to leave plants alone, there's no need to worry too much.
“From personal experience, cats tend to avoid snacking on snake plant leaves because they are very bitter,” says Diane.
Diane Kuthy is the founder and lead plant expert at How To Grow Everything, a comprehensive growing guide for all plants and vegetables. Diane has over 10 years of gardening experience and currently manages a 5 acre farm, a four season greenhouse, over 50 perennial fruit and vegetable varieties, and a large indoor plant greenhouse.
What should I do if my pet ate a snake plant?
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If you notice that your cat or dog has mistaken a snake plant for a treat, the first thing you should do is assess how much it has eaten.
“I like to tell people that 'exploratory bites' are no big deal, but it's not good for your pet or your plants if your pet continues to eat snake-like plants.” says Jeannie Psomas, expert and owner of The The Theatre. Plant Ready: San Francisco.
Saponins can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities, so a single snakebite is unlikely to cause any serious harm to your pet. However, it is important to always do your research and seek the advice of a professional veterinarian regarding these issues.
“I always refer people to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to find out the toxicity of a particular plant,” says Raffaele Di Lalo, a plant expert in Tropical Ohio. “If your pet ingests snake plant leaves, call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center or contact your veterinarian immediately,” he added.
If you find that your pet is eager to explore houseplants, consider placing other plants around the house. “Try growing cat grass or Actinidia plants indoors to give your cat a safe alternative,” suggests Diane.
Jeannie Psomas owns The Plant Lady: San Francisco, an indoor plant shop in San Francisco, California that caters to collectors and hobbyists alike. With her emphasis on plant science and education, Jeannie's philosophy is that anyone can grow beautiful plants indoors.
Raffaele Di Lallo is the founder of Ohio Tropics, a blog focused on caring for houseplants and other tropical plants both indoors and outdoors. He has many followers on his Instagram, where he offers plant care tips, and is also the author of Houseplant Warrior: 7 Keys to Unlocking the Mysteries of Houseplant Care, published by Countryman His Press .
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FAQ
How can I protect my pet from snake plants?
The best way to protect your pet from snake plants is to keep them out of reach or avoid having snake plants in your home and choose pet-safe indoor plants instead. However, many pet owners have noticed that their pets tend to leave snake plants alone. It is important to always be aware of snake plants around your pet and seek professional veterinary advice if your pet ingests a potentially harmful plant.
Unfortunately, the snake plant is poisonous to humans as well as pets if ingested. Before bringing houseplants into your home, it's important to do your research and make sure they suit your lifestyle. If you're a pet owner looking to expand your indoor plant collection, it's good to know that rubber plants are poisonous to cats, and fiddler crabs are also poisonous to cats and dogs. .
