Money tree plants (Pachira aquatica) are gorgeous houseplants with attractive trunks and leaves. Money tree plants also have some amazing benefits, such as purifying the air or reducing stress. However, if you have pets, it’s important to know whether money tree plants are safe for your furry friends. In this article, I’ll find out whether money tree plants are pet friendly or not.
- Are Money Tree Plants Pet Friendly? – Key Takeaways
- Are Money Tree Plants Toxic to Pets?
- What Effects Do Money Tree Plants Have on Pets?
- What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Part of a Money Tree Plant
- How to Keep Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets Away from Money Tree Plants
- About Money Tree Plants
- Are Money Tree Plants Pet Friendly FAQs
- Money Tree Plant Toxicity to Pets – Wrapping Up
Are Money Tree Plants Pet Friendly? – Key Takeaways
Money tree plants are non-toxic to common household pets like cats and dogs. However, your pet may still experience mild stomach problems if they ingest part of a money tree plant. Common symptoms include mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Contact a vet if the symptoms last for more than a few hours.
Are Money Tree Plants Toxic to Pets?
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Protection of Animals), Pachira aquatica plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. That said, money tree plants can still cause mild stomach problems if ingested by curious pets. As such, keeping your pets away from money tree plants as much as possible is still a good idea.
What Effects Do Money Tree Plants Have on Pets?
As money plants aren’t toxic to cats or dogs, these tropical plants shouldn’t seriously affect your pets. However, if your pet ingests part of a money tree plant, it can still suffer from some mild stomach problems.
Pets that have eaten part of a money tree plant may experience some mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. This is normal as your pet’s digestive system tries to eliminate the plant matter. Usually, these symptoms should only last for two or three hours or so.
However, if your pet continues to experience symptoms for several hours, the issue could be more serious. This can depend on how much of the plant your pet consumes. Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows excessive drooling and ongoing symptoms.
What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Part of a Money Tree Plant
If your cat or dog has eaten part of a money tree plant, keep an eye on your pet. Ensure they have plenty of water, as this keeps them hydrated. Your pet will likely experience some mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting for a couple of hours.
However, if your pet’s symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian for advice. Excessive drooling can be a sign of a more severe problem. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions and book an emergency appointment for your pet if advised to do so.
How to Keep Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets Away from Money Tree Plants
Although Pachira aquatica plants may not be toxic to your pets, it’s still a good idea to keep them separate if you can. If your pet somehow eats part of a money tree plant, it may suffer from some mild diarrhea or vomiting.
If you can, position your money tree plant somewhere your pets can’t reach. This is the easiest and safest way to keep them separate. This could be as simple as a high shelf or a room that your pets aren’t allowed into.
You may also be able to train your pet not to investigate your money tree plant. Make sure that your plant is somewhere where your pet can’t knock it over. This causes unnecessary mess and could potentially damage your plant.
Money tree plants can be grown outdoors in warm, humid conditions in Zones 10 to 12. You can use fences and other physical barriers to keep pets and other animals away from your Pachira aquatica plant.
Companion plants are another good way to keep pets and animals away from your money tree plant. Companion plants like lavender or marigold produce strong, aromatic scents that usually deter curious pets. Some companion plants also form a thorny or spiky barrier to protect your money tree plants.
About Money Tree Plants
Pachira aquatica are tropical evergreen trees from the mallow family (Malvaceae). Money tree plants are native to parts of Central and South America. These attractive trees typically grow in wetland habitats such as swamps.
These plants have beautiful palm-like leaves that are divided into multiple lanceolate leaflets. These tropical trees also have smooth bark that is often trained into a braided shape. In the wild, money tree plants can grow up to 60 feet tall but usually reach 3 to 6 feet tall indoors.
Money tree plants thrive in warm, humid conditions but can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 10 to 12. Pachira aquatica plants also need approximately four to six hours of bright, indirect light during the day. These tropical plants should be grown in loamy, well-draining soils.
Are Money Tree Plants Pet Friendly FAQs
Is the Money Tree Toxic to Pets?
Money tree plants (Pachira aquatica) are non-toxic to pets. However, pets can still experience mild diarrhea or vomiting if they ingest part of a money tree plant.
Are Money Plants Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Money tree plants are considered to be safe for dogs and cats. These tropical plants are non-toxic for most pets. However, keeping pets away from your plant is still a good idea to avoid any unnecessary accidents. This keeps both your plant and your pets safe from each other.
Is Pachira aquatica Poisonous to Pets?
Pachira aquatica plants are not poisonous or toxic to pets like cats and dogs. That said, your pets may still suffer from diarrhea or vomiting if they eat your money tree plant. If these symptoms last more than a few hours, contact your local veterinarian for advice.
Money Tree Plant Toxicity to Pets – Wrapping Up
Money tree plants are beautiful tropical plants that are also non-toxic to pets. That said, Pachira aquatica plants can still cause mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting if ingested by a curious pet. Thankfully, these symptoms are rarely serious. Call your local veterinarian and follow their advice if your pet shows symptoms for several hours.
For more, see our in-depth guide to money tree plant care at home.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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