Cast Iron Plant Toxicity to Cats, Dogs, Pets, and Humans

There’s no denying that cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) are fantastic, low-maintenance houseplants. However, it’s essential to know whether cast iron plants are safe for inquisitive children or pets. In this article, I’ll run through everything you need to know about cast iron plant toxicity to cats, dogs, pets, and humans.

Cast Iron Toxicity – The Essentials

Cast iron plants are pet-friendly plants that aren’t toxic to humans or pets like cats or dogs. However, cats and dogs can still suffer mild diarrhea or vomiting if they chew on cast iron plants. If these symptoms last for more than a couple of hours, contact your local veterinarian for advice.

Are Cast Iron Plants Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets?

The ASPCA (American Society for the Protection of Animals) lists cast iron plants as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. However, cats and dogs can still experience minor stomach problems if they chew on a cast iron plant. Therefore, keeping your pets away from cast iron plants wherever possible is best.

What Effects Do Cast Iron Plants Have on Pets?

Although cast iron plants are non-toxic to pets, these plants can cause some minor stomach issues if consumed by pets. Typically, these issues consist of some mild diarrhea or vomiting. These effects should only last for a couple of hours before your pet recovers.

Cast iron plants very rarely cause serious problems. However, if your pet experiences diarrhea and vomiting for several hours, call a veterinarian. Another symptom to look out for is excessive drooling, which could signal a more serious problem.

What to Do If Your Pet Has Eaten a Cast Iron Plant

If your cat or dog has eaten part of a cast iron plant, monitor them closely. Make sure they drink plenty of water to keep them hydrated. Your pet should only experience some mild diarrhea or vomiting after eating a cast iron plant.

However, if symptoms continue for several hours and include excessive drooling, contact a veterinarian. Follow their advice and book an emergency appointment for your pet if advised to do so.

How to Keep Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets Away from Cast Iron Plants

Although cast iron plants aren’t toxic to pets, keeping these plants away from inquisitive pets is a good idea. This can be as simple as keeping your cast iron plant somewhere that your pet can’t reach. You could also place your cast iron plant in a room where your pet isn’t allowed.

Keeping pets away from cast iron plants also prevents active and curious pets from damaging your plants. Never position your cast iron plant somewhere where it could easily get knocked over. If your pet accidentally knocks the plant over, it’ll cause an annoying mess.

Cast iron plants are usually grown as houseplants but can be grown outdoors in Zones 7 to 11. If you’re growing cast iron plants outdoors, keeping pets and other animals away helps protect your plants. You can do this using physical barriers such as fences or netting.

You can also use companion plants to keep pets and other animals away from your cast iron plants. Companion plants like lavender or rosemary repel animals by producing pungent scents that animals don’t like. Some companion plants take a different approach and produce a thorny barrier to protect other plants.

Are Cast Iron Plants Toxic to Humans?

Cast iron plants are considered to be non-toxic to humans, including children. Cast iron plants can also be handled safely without gloves, although it’s still best to wear gloves when handling any plant. Even though cast iron plants aren’t toxic, it’s still a good idea to keep inquisitive children from playing with these plants.

What Effects Do Cast Iron Plants Have on Humans?

Cast iron plants have very few recorded negative effects on humans. These beautiful plants can be safely handled in most cases. However, it’s always best to wear gloves when handling them just in case the sap causes some minor skin irritation.

About Cast Iron Plants

Cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) are members of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). These evergreen plants are native to parts of Eastern Asia, including Japan and Taiwan. While frequently grown as houseplants, cast iron plants can also be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 7 to 11.

Cast iron plants grow and spread via underground rhizomes. These perennials are known for their large, glossy blade-like leaves. Although these leaves are usually dark green, different types of cast iron plants may have light green or variegated leaves.

Also known as bar room plants, cast iron plants grow best in indirect light or partial shade. These popular houseplants can tolerate neglect and require loose, well-draining soils.

Cast Iron Plant Toxicity FAQs:

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Cast Iron Plant Toxicity to Pets and Humans – Wrapping Up

Cast iron plants are low-maintenance houseplants offering a host of uses and benefits and are also non-toxic to humans. What’s more, cast iron plants are also listed as non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. However, pets may still experience some mild stomach problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting, if they eat cast iron plants. These symptoms usually pass within a couple of hours.

For more, see our in-depth guide to the best live plant delivery services shipping Cast Iron Plants nationwide, when and how to fertilize cast iron plants, how to repot cast iron plants, dealing with drooping leaves, how to fix yellowing leaves on cast iron plants at home, and how to deal with common cast iron plant pests and diseases.

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