As pet owners keeping our furry friends safe and healthy is our top priority. One potential danger that many owners don’t realize is that some common houseplants can actually be toxic to pets. Aglaonemas also known as Chinese Evergreens, are one such plant that owners need to be aware of. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about aglaonemas toxicity and how to keep your pets safe.
What Are Aglaonemas Plants?
Aglaonemas are a genus of attractive tropical foliage plants that are native to the forests of China and other parts of eastern Asia. They are known for their distinctive oblong leaves which can display striking variegation in shades of green, silver, pink, and yellow.
These hardy plants have made aglaonemas popular indoor houseplants Their ability to tolerate low light conditions allows them to thrive as interior decor in homes and offices Aglaonemas are also undemanding plants that require minimal care to stay healthy.
The Dangers of Aglaonemas for Pets
While aglaonemas are vibrant additions to indoor spaces, they can pose a danger for curious pets who may nibble on or ingest parts of the plant. All parts of the aglaonema plant, including the stems, leaves, and roots, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
If chewed or ingested, these crystals can cause significant irritation and inflammation in the mouth, tongue, throat, and stomach. Common symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, and airways. In severe cases, aglaonema ingestion can even cause obstruction of the throat and digestive tract.
Cats and dogs are the pets most likely to sample or chew on houseplants. However, the toxins can also affect birds, rodents, and reptiles if they manage to consume parts of the plant. Any pet that shows symptoms of distress after exposure to the plant should be taken to the vet immediately.
Keeping Pets Safe from Aglaonemas
While aglaonemas are toxic, pet owners who take proper precautions can keep their animals safe. Here are some tips for safely keeping aglaonemas when you have pets:
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Keep plants totally out of reach. Cats and dogs can’t access what they can’t physically get to. Place aglaonemas on high shelves, windowsills, or plant stands that pets cannot jump up on or knock over.
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Use hanging planters. Hanging your aglaonema plants from the ceiling keeps them safely away from pets while still displaying their beauty.
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Block access. Use baby gates, pet pens, or closed doors to block rooms or areas where you keep houseplants. This restricts pet access.
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Use deterrents. There are sprays made with natural ingredients that deter pets from nibbling plants when applied to the leaves. Reapply regularly.
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Trim plants. Keep aglaonema leaves trimmed back so there is less plant material for pets to bite.
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Supervise pets. When first introducing aglaonemas, watch your pets closely to gauge their level of interest. This allows you to intervene promptly.
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Train pets. Teach commands like “leave it” and redirect pets from houseplants by engaging them with toys whenever they get curious.
Identifying Aglaonema Toxicity in Pets
Pet owners should learn to recognize the signs of aglaonema poisoning, which can develop within minutes of ingestion. Early symptoms to look for include:
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Pawing at the mouth or lips
- Swollen tongue and mucous membranes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gagging or choking sounds
- Vomiting, refusal to eat
- Lethargy or depression
If ingestion was recent, the pet’s mouth may also show irritation, pain, and inflammation from the mechanical damage caused by the calcium oxalate crystals.
Other symptoms can develop over several hours or days following ingestion:
- Persistent drooling, loss of appetite
- Swelling extending down throat
- Sensitivity around mouth, reluctance to be touched
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain, hunched posture
- Difficulty breathing
Pets displaying any concerning symptoms after exposure to aglaonemas should be taken to the vet without delay for proper diagnosis and treatment. Quick action is crucial for a good outcome.
Getting Veterinary Help
There are several steps vets may take to treat aglaonema poisoning and manage their effects:
- Inducing vomiting if ingestion was very recent. This prevents further absorption.
- Administering oral analgesics to relieve mouth pain.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to support hydration and circulation.
- Medications to treat gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Corticosteroids to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Sedation for agitated animals.
- Endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy if airways are obstructed.
- Hospitalization for monitoring and supportive care.
With appropriate veterinary treatment, most pets will make a full recovery within 24-48 hours. However, without prompt vet attention, aglaonema ingestion can result in dangerous electrolyte abnormalities, metabolic disturbances, and respiratory compromise.
Pet-Safe Alternatives to Aglaonema
Luckily for pet owners, there are many non-toxic houseplants available if you want to avoid keeping aglaonemas. Here are some beautiful pet-friendly options:
- Ferns
- Orchids
- Spider plants
- Prayer plants
- Parlor palms
- Christmas cactus
- Peperomia
- African violets
- Boston fern
- Succulents
These plants are generally harmless if nibbled on by pets. However, it’s still smart to place them out of reach since ingesting any non-food items can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset. As a general rule, assume all houseplants are unsafe for your pets unless you know otherwise.
Summary: Keeping Pets Safe from Aglaonemas
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All parts of aglaonema plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic for pets. Ingestion can cause significant injury.
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Keep aglaonemas totally out of reach of pets and train them to avoid houseplants.
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Recognize the symptoms of aglaonema poisoning and seek prompt veterinary treatment.
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Consider non-toxic houseplant alternatives like ferns, orchids, and palm species.
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While beautiful, assume aglaonemas and all indoor plants are unsafe for unsupervised pets. Take preventative safety measures.
Keeping our furry companions out of harm’s way is every pet owner’s responsibility. While aglaonemas pose serious risks for pets, educated owners can take simple precautions to safely enjoy their beauty. Steer pets away from all houseplants and get veterinary help immediately if poisoning occurs. Remaining vigilant will keep the animals we love happy and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aglaonemas poisonous to cats and dogs only?
Aglaonemas contain toxins that can potentially harm any pet that ingests parts of the plant. This includes cats, dogs, pocket pets, birds, and reptiles. Keep aglaonemas away from all household animals.
What should I do if my cat ate parts of my aglaonema plant?
Seek veterinary care immediately if you know or suspect your cat has ingested any part of an aglaonema plant. Quick treatment is vital to prevent serious complications. Tell your vet exactly what happened to aid diagnosis.
Are symptoms noticeable right away if my pet eats an aglaonema plant?
Most pets will begin showing symptoms like drooling, mouth pain, and vomiting within minutes to hours of ingesting parts of an aglaonema plant. However, signs of toxicity can sometimes take days to develop. Monitor your pet closely following any exposure.
Is it okay to keep aglaonema plants in my home as long as they are out of reach?
Even when kept safely out of reach, aglaonemas still pose some degree of risk for pets simply by being present in the home. Non-toxic alternatives are recommended for homes with unsupervised pets who could potentially access the plants.
Are aglaonemas toxic for dogs too?
Yes, aglaonemas contain toxins that can sicken dogs as well. All canine pets should be prevented from accessing or ingesting any part of an aglaonema plant. Dogs may be tempted to play with, chew on, or try to eat the leaves.
Can aglaonema poisoning be fatal for pets if untreated?
In most cases, pets will recover fully with prompt veterinary treatment. However, in cases of excessive ingestion, aglaonema poisoning can potentially cause life-threatening electrolyte disturbances, metabolic disorders, respiratory compromise, and kidney damage.
Silver Bay AglaonemaLIGHT
Your Aglaonema prefers bright to medium indirect light, but can also adapt to low light. Prolonged exposure to direct light can burn the leaves. If you notice the coloration fading on your Aglaonema, try placing the plant in a brighter location with indirect light. If you don’t have an ideal location for your Aglaonema, use a Grow Light. Your Silver Bay Aglaonema will also tolerate and even thrive, in low light areas. In most cases, artificial light found in windowless offices proves enough for this tough plant. WATER
Water your Aglaonema when 50% of the soil volume is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer. HUMIDITY
This plant can survive in a low humidity environment, but it will thrive with a higher humidity level. Mist the leaves regularly using a Mister to raise the humidity. TEMPERATURE
Your Aglaonema prefers temperatures between 65–75°F. Avoid drafty areas and temperatures below 60°F in the winter. FOOD
Feed your Aglaonema monthly during the spring and summer months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength such as our All Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20). No fertilizer is needed during the winter months when growth naturally slows. TOXICITY
Your Aglaonema is moderately toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. ADDITIONAL CARE
Aglaonema prefers to be slightly root-bound and will not need to be repotted more than once every 2-3 years. Choose a pot about 2” bigger in diameter when repotting. If your Aglaonema is in need of a trim, clean up your plant using clean, sharp Plant Snips.
Indo Princess AglaonemaLIGHT
Your Indo Princess Aglaonema prefers indirect bright light. It can adapt to low light, but the growth will slow considerably. Direct morning sunlight is fine for this plant, but avoid direct afternoon sunlight which can burn the leaves. If you don’t have an ideal location for your Aglaonema, use a Grow Light. In low light, variegation will not be as pronounced. WATER
Water your Aglaonema when 50% of the soil volume is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer. HUMIDITY
This plant can survive in a low humidity environment, but it will thrive with a higher humidity level. Mist the leaves regularly using a Mister to raise the humidity. TEMPERATURE
Your Aglaonema prefers temperatures between 65–75°F. Avoid drafty areas and temperatures below 60°F in the winter. FOOD
Feed your Aglaonema monthly during the spring and summer months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength such as our All Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20). No fertilizer is needed during the winter months when growth naturally slows. TOXICITY
Your Indo Princess is moderately toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. ADDITIONAL CARE
A common problem with Aglaonema is called ‘tipping’ when the tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown. This can be caused by a variety of issues like overwatering, too much fertilizer, etc. The most common cause is tap water, which contains salts, chlorine, and fluoride. If you do not have a filtration system, leaving the tap water in an open container overnight before watering can help remove some of the chemicals. If your Aglaonema is in need of a trim, clean up your plant using clean, sharp Plant Snips.
Your Aglaonema prefers indirect bright light. It can adapt to low light, but the growth will slow considerably. Direct morning sunlight is fine for this plant, but avoid direct afternoon sunlight which can burn the leaves. If you don’t have an ideal location for your Aglaonema, use a Grow Light. If you notice the pink coloration fading on your Aglaonema, try placing the plant in a brighter location with indirect light. WATER
Water your Aglaonema when 50% of the soil volume is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer. HUMIDITY
Your Aglaonema enjoys extra humidity. Mist the leaves regularly using a Mister, place a humidifier nearby, or use a pebble tray to raise the humidity. TEMPERATURE
Your Aglaonema prefers temperatures between 65–75°F. Avoid drafty areas and temperatures below 60°F in the winter. FOOD
Feed your Aglaonema monthly during the spring and summer months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength such as our All Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20). No fertilizer is needed during the winter months when growth naturally slows. TOXICITY
Your Aglaonema is mildly toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. ADDITIONAL CARE
Aglaonema prefer to be slightly root-bound and will not need to be repotted more than once every 2-3 years. Choose a pot only about 2” bigger in diameter when repotting. If your Aglaonema is in need of a trim, clean up your plant using clean, sharp Plant Snips.