Are Succulents Poisonous to You & Your Pets – Toxic or Not

Succulents are well-loved worldwide because aside from the fact that they are easy to grow and low maintenance, they also look pleasant in your garden or indoors. For one, no one can resist the charm of premium black succulents and the world’s best low-light succulents. Secondly, succulents don’t need much water. They can thrive even if neglected. Next, tall succulents can serve as a natural air purifier. All these benefits make succulents every homemaker’s favorite. 

While many of these succulents are safe and non-toxic to humans and their pets, some varieties can pose a severe threat to people and animals. These succulents are identified as those belonging to the family of Euphorbias. Though there has been a long-standing battle on whether or not Euphorbias belong to the succulent family, the fact remains that one should remain cautious when handling this plant. Some of these succulents can cause skin rashes when their sap comes in contact with the skin. Others can cause liver cirrhosis, tremors, vomiting, depression, and other more severe side effects. 

In today’s article, we’ll discuss why these tiny plants are toxic as they are and what are specific varieties you should avoid to keep yourself and your pets safe. Lastly, we’ll also suggest ways on what you can do just if you ingest these toxins or if they come in contact with your skin. Read on and find out. 

Why Are Some Succulents Poisonous

Taking care of pink succulents is a calming hobby. However, it can’t be as calming when you find out that your plant is poisoning your pets. 

Toxicity is often the plant’s way of defending itself against herbivores. Just like other living organisms in the ecosystem, these tiny creatures want to survive. And just how the food chain is designed, they are also somebody else’s meal. There are tons of hungry herbivores out there looking for an opportunity to gobble these plants up. 

To keep themselves alive, they employ various methods to discourage their predator from eating them up. These methods include disgusting scents, spines, thorns, bad taste, and finally, toxins. The toxins their bodies emit can cause slight to severe discomfort, thereby putting off future predator bites. 

Are Succulents Poisonous to Humans and Pets

When caring for succulents, growers need to remember that the goal of repotting is to allow sufficient root drainage. However, this is not the only thing that they should keep in mind. Since there are varieties that can pose serious health threats to you and your pets, you need to be mindful of the succulent types you bring home. Yes, hanging succulents’ therapeutic value is not discounted, and that these colorful succulents are affordable. Unfortunately, you can’t enjoy its value, and you can’t appreciate its affordability if it cost the lives of your pets. 

As mentioned above, succulents are generally safe for both humans and pets. However, certain varieties can pose a severe threat to your and your pet’s health. For example, aloe veras contain anthraquinones and saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets. The glycosides, anthracene, and anthraquinones in this plant can also turn your pet’s urine into the red. The discussion in the succeeding paragraph will give you a clearer insight into these succulent varieties. 

The more important thing to consider here is identifying these toxic succulent varieties and the know-how to handle them when they come into your possession. While staying away from them may seem like the most logical option, some people can’t resist the urge and still keep these varieties in their garden. This is okay, for as long as you don’t keep them where your pets are usually lounging, and you also know how to protect your family and yourself from the harm it might bring. 

Most Common Poisonous Succulents

Aloe Vera

Since aloe vera is considered a poisonous succulent, it’s never an excellent idea for your pets to start nibbling on them. This plant may be well-known for its healing properties, but its sap can be toxic for your pets. Keep your cats and dogs away from the aloe plants since its latex can be purgative to them. The substance found inside the plant can cause diarrhea from an upset stomach. And as you already know, diarrhea can be life-threatening because of the equal risk of dehydration. To recap, aloe veras contain anthraquinones and saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets. The glycosides, anthracene, and anthraquinones in this plant can also turn your pet’s urine into the red.

Kalanchoes

Kalanchoes may be well-loved for their beauty, but they’re not pleasant for your pets. It stores poisonous sap that can cause adverse effects to animals. The plant also produces calcium oxalate crystals that might irritate the animal’s mouth when they nibble into it.

A few signs that your pet is poisoned include difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Take note that all parts of this plant are toxic when ingested. And when your pets ingest the crystals secreted by this plant, they might experience life-threatening symptoms. While this plant may not be lethal to humans, their pets might get sick when they eat the leaves. 

Jade Plant — Crassula Ovata

This succulent variety is dangerous for dogs because of the toxic sap found in its stems. Though this plant is known to be a money tree or a lucky plant, your pets might not be that lucky when they ingest them. Plus, the plant’s toxic substance is still unknown; hence, it’s essential to handle this plant with optimum care. 

If your dogs get to eat any part of the Jade plant, they are at high risk of incoordination, lethargy, and vomiting. As for cats, if they chew on this plant, they might vomit and suffer from depression. Aside from these symptoms, biting off the plant can also cause a lack of coordination. The symptoms that your pets might suffer can range from mild to moderate. 

Euphorbia

This plant is most known for its high toxicity level. It contains a white latex sap on its stems and leaves that earned its name milk plant. The said white latex sap is dangerous to humans and pets as its juice can burn the skin. This plant is also associated with vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain as its adverse effects on both man and animals. Its juice can also cause eye irritation and contact dermatitis on pets. 

Snake Plant — Sansevieria Trifasciata

The toxicity of this plant emanates from the sharp bite it gives off when nibbled on. Its leaves are filled with Saponin, the same chemical compound found in aloe veras that cause stomach irritation to animals. If you see your pets suffering from lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, there’s a high chance that they might have eaten a piece of the plant. Even a tiny amount of plant sap can lead to acute kidney failure among pets. And though this plant can purify the air, the chemical compound in it can irritate. 

String of Pearls

In humans, ingestion of this plant can cause Class 2 and 4 toxicity —  the toxicity levels characterized by diarrhea or vomiting and contact dermatitis. Unfortunately, when your pets ingest this plant, they might experience such symptoms as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. In both cases, it’s best to contact your doctor or vet right away. 

What to Do If You Suspect Succulent Poisoning

Step 1 – Observe the patient – human or pet

To know your subsequent courses of action, you need to observe whether the said individual or pet manifests symptoms. Take note of the signs and their severity so that you can fully disclose the same to the attending physician or veterinarian later. 

Step 2 – Check what might have caused the symptoms

You can help the physician or vet address the issue when you already investigated what might have caused the symptoms. So, as you prepare to bring the patient to the doctor, it’s best to note the possible causes of the discomfort. 

Step 3 – Visit the doctor right away

When you’re unsure what you should do, it’s best to seek the expert’s help. In this case, you have all the more reasons to seek the physician and vet’s help since the poisoning might have a lethal effect on the person or animal. So, without thinking twice and without batting an eyelash, bring the patient to the doctor right away. 

Do’s and Don’ts With Poisonous Succulents

Do’s

• Educate every household member on the danger of the plant and on how to manage them properly.
• If you have many pets at home, it’s better to opt for safer varieties or fake ones since faux succulents are safe for your pets. 
• Keep poisonous succulents away from kids and pets. 
• Know how to handle every succulent variety you grow, most especially the poisonous ones. 
• Understand the nature of the succulent you’re trying to grow at home. 
• Use the perfect succulent potting mix recipe to allow your succulents to thrive. 

Don’ts

• Bring in any succulent variety home without knowing more about it. 
• Grow dangerous succulent breeds without keeping an eye on the kids’ safety and pets in the house. 
• Not knowing the extent of danger a specific toxic succulent variety has. 
• Not observing due diligence in keeping and maintaining your succulents. 

Quick Tips to Keep Pets Away From Poisonous Succulents

• Place your succulents in areas that are beyond the reach of your pets. 
• You can keep your cats naturally deterred from your dangerous succulents by making a DIY citrus spray made of 1 cup lemon juice and 1 cup water. You can also add citrus and lemon essential oil to the mix to make it more potent. 
• Give your pet cat a distraction by setting up a patch of cat grass. 
• Set your dangerous succulents at the center of small pokey cacti. These cacti will serve as your toxic succulent’s wall of protection from your pets. 
• Hang your succulents. 
• Sprinkle cayenne or hot sauce on the base of any toxic succulents. The heat from these substances is enough to keep your pets off your succulents!

FAQ About Poisonous Succulents

Are succulents safe to eat?

Some succulents are safe to eat, while others can cause mild to severe symptoms when ingested. The succulents mentioned above are the varieties that animals or humans should never eat. Consider Sedum, Prickly Pear Cactus, Dragon Fruit, Salicornia, and Purslane if you’re looking for edible succulent varieties. 

Is it bad to touch succulents?

It depends if the said succulent can cause rashes or contact dermatitis. This is precisely why you need to study your succulent plant before you decide to bring them home. 

Which succulents are poisonous to humans?

Here are the most common poisonous succulents to humans: 

• Euphorbia Alluaudii 
• Euphorbia Cotinifolia 
• Euphorbia Cylindrifolia
• Euphorbia Decaryi
• Euphorbia Enopla 
• Euphorbia Lactea 
• Euphorbia Lugardiae
• Euphorbia Mammillaris 
• Euphorbia Marginata 
• Euphorbia Milii 
• Euphorbia Succulenta
• Euphorbia Tithymaloides 

Can succulents make you sick?

If you ingest any of the succulents that are lethal to humans, you can get sick. 

Can jade plants kill my pet?

To recap, jade plants are dangerous for dogs because of the toxic sap found in their stems. However, they can rarely kill your pet. The most it can do is cause them moderate discomfort. Though this plant is known to be a money tree or a lucky plant, your pets might not be that lucky when they ingest them. Plus, the plant’s toxic substance is still unknown; hence, it’s essential to handle this plant with optimum care. 

If your dogs get to eat any part of the Jade plant, they are at high risk of incoordination, lethargy, and vomiting. As for cats, if they chew on this plant, they might vomit and suffer from depression. Aside from these symptoms, biting off the plant can also cause a lack of coordination. The symptoms that your pets might suffer can range from mild to moderate. 

Is it safe to have succulents at home?

It’s safe for as long as you choose the non-toxic varieties. Should you choose the toxic ones, be prepared to observe all the necessary precautions to mitigate the danger. 

Which succulents are safe for pets?

Any succulent outside the list of toxic and dangerous plants are safe for your pets. However, here is a list of the top 5 succulent varieties that are generally safe for your pets. 

• Hen and Chicks
• Christmas Cactus
• Zebra Haworthia
• Ponytail Palm
• Burro’s Tail

Conclusion

Succulent growers love the versatility of succulents. While rose succulents are planted outdoor, shade-loving succulents often find their way indoors. While you value beauty and utility in growing succulents, it also teaches you responsibility.

They may be easy to care for and maintain. Still, you need to be a responsible succulent parent by checking their salient characteristics and toxicity levels to other household members. To help keep humans, pets, and plants safely coexist in one ecosystem that is your home, you need to ensure that one can’t cause significant harm to another. And if there’s any possibility of damage, then the same can be mitigated with utmost care and diligence. 

Photos from: Followtheflow / depositphotos.com, golubovy / depositphotos.com, duskbabe / depositphotos.com, AnnStasiuk / depositphotos.com and VitalikRadko / depositphotos.com.