The leaves of the Portulacaria Afra “Elephant Bush” are edible and safe for people and animals. On the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), you can find helpful advice as well as a thorough list of plants that are hazardous and harmless to cats, dogs, and other indoor pets. If you have any suspicions about poisoning, call your neighborhood vet right away or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Consider giving these Portulacaria Afra ‘Elephant Bush’ a try if you’re searching for a simple, low-maintenance succulent plant that will pay off for years and years to come. You won’t be sorry. I discovered this amazing plant because to a misidentification, and it has since grown to be one of my all-time favorites.
Where is Portulacaria Afra, often known as the “Elephant Bush”? For suggestions on where to buy these and other succulent plants online, visit my resource page.
About
You’ve come to the correct location if, like me, you enjoy succulents. This website is a repository for the succulent-growing knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years and am still learning. Although I am by no means an expert on succulents and cacti, this website was created as a result of years of hard work, love, and many mistakes and learning opportunities.
Are cats safe around a trailing elephant bush?
You can keep the Elephant Bush/Plant (Portulacaria afra) around your cats and dogs without worrying about it being toxic to them.
Do elephant bushes contain poison?
A mature Elephant Ears plant is a head-turner thanks to its leafy good looks. Use caution since the stems and leaves of this rare plant can irritate the skin and are poisonous. It is nonetheless preferable to view the foliage from a distance even if it is rarely fatal. If you must handle the plant, think about using gloves or immediately washing your hands with soap and warm water. Be cautious and make sure everyone is safe, especially if you have young children or pets.
Can you eat Rainbow elephant bush?
Afra portulaca is not poisonous. Elephant bush leaves are utilized in some cultures to give delectable salads a tart flavor and juicy texture.
Make sure you have a Portulacaria afra plant species before attempting elephant bush leaves. Elephant bushes resemble the poisonous jade plants (Crassula), which should never be eaten.
Flowers and Fragrance
The small, glossy green leaves that emerge from the reddish brown stem of the elephant bush succulent give it away.
However, they will produce flowers in clusters and in hues of white, pink, or purple if given the right growing conditions.
Light and Temperature
To grow and thrive, the Portulacaria afra plant needs a lot of bright light and a warm atmosphere.
The tiny jade plant’s leaves will scorch and fall off if it is transferred from indoors to direct sunlight outside.
The Rainbow Elephant Bush can endure brief periods of light frost and temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Growing Afra in a container will allow you to bring this succulent indoors during the colder months if you live in an area with icy winters.
Watering and Feeding
The Elephant Bush Succulent is a drought-tolerant plant, therefore it doesn’t require a lot of water to survive. It can withstand hot and dry weather.
In general, a developing Elephant bush plant requires more water in the hotter, drier summer months than in the milder winter months.
To make sure you are not overwatering this succulent plant, wait until the top layer of soil has slightly dried before watering it once again.
Use a diluted indoor plant fertilizer at a 50 percent strength to feed plants in the early spring or the late winter.
Potting Soil and Transplanting
With very little soil, trailing elephant bush succulents can thrive. The plants are top-heavy due to their thick branches and succulent foliage.
Plants may need a rock or stake when they are first planted to help stabilize them until they are well-established.
A well-draining potting mixture, such as a cactus mix or sandy succulent soil, is required for portulacaria afra.
Pots require drainage holes, so adding more perlite for more drainage also helps.
Avoid letting the soil become soggy since overwatering can quickly harm the plant.
To make sure the plant is receiving enough soil nutrients, repotting should be done every two years or so.
To ensure that the plant receives an adequate supply of nutrients, make sure the potting mix in the new container is fresh.
Are cats hazardous to elephant ear?
As living creatures, cats require appropriate care from their owners. To guarantee a cat lives in a secure and healthy environment, it is the duty of the pet owner. However, several of the houseplants we have pose serious health risks to cats because of their toxicity.
Which indoor plants are harmful to cats? Just a few of the items on the list below may surprise you. The following 46 plants could be poisoning your pets.
- ‘Ole Vera’
- Animal Ear
- Plant of Jade
- Lilies
- Venomous Plants
- Holiday Rose
When your cat becomes ill, you could question how they became ill in the first place and you might not even think that your plants are the problem, thus good supervision should always be taken into account. Even when a plant is suitable for consumption by humans, it is not always clear if it is also safe for cats.
You may have to give up some things when keeping a cat in your home for its safety and wellness, including some houseplants. The list of indoor plants that you should keep away from your cat is provided below.
I’ve included plants in this article that may be cultivated in the garden and also utilized as cut flowers indoors. I wanted to give you a link that will notify you of indoor plants that are poisonous to cats. So let’s go on and examine the 46 plants that you should carefully evaluate if you have cats. I also give you ten additional options that are secure for your kitties.
Aloe Plant (Aloe barbadensis miller)
The plant can be found in a lot of households. It is a succulent, and the leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions, including sunburns. Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe, and Medicine plant are further names for this plant.
Although the plant is thought to have medical properties for humans, it can cause severe vomiting, pass scarlet urine, and cause mild stomach discomfort in cats.
Asparagus Ferns (Asparagus aethiopicus)
This is a well-liked indoor plant since it is simple to maintain and because it only requires a small amount of water and sunlight to flourish. However, Asparagus Ferns are extremely harmful to cats since they contain a deadly steroidal substance.
When a cat eats its berries, they are just as dangerous as the plant itself in terms of toxicity. It is usually advisable to call the vet if your cat consumes this plant so that prompt treatment can be given. To prevent future disease, give the plant a shot for quicker treatment as well.
Sprengeri Fern is another name for asparagus ferns. A cat may get diarrhea, vomiting, skin inflammation, and gastrointestinal pain if it eats this plant or its berries.
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
People are aware of them. This green plant has a variety of leaves. Dragon Tree, Cornstalk Plant Dracaena, and Ribbon Plant are some of the other names for the corn plant. Cats are at risk if they swallow a toxin found in corn plants called saponin. Cats who consume this plant may endure depression, violent vomiting, dilated pupils, and appetite loss.
Dumb Maye (Dieffenbachia seguine)
Dumb Maye has large, variegated green leaves. When a cat chews or bites it, it releases a toxic chemical that is dangerous to cats. If this plant is consumed by a cat, it may cause oral discomfort, increased salivation, vomiting, and difficulties swallowing.
Elephant Ear (Colocasia)
This plant’s name alludes to the fact that it looks like an elephant’s ears. It has large, very emerald leaves. Other names for Elephant Ear include Taro, Pai, Caladium, Ape, Via Sori, and Malanga. As a result, consuming this plant could cause a cat to have oral discomfort, vomiting, trouble swallowing, and excessive salivation.
Fiddle Leaf (Ficus lyrata)
This plant is suitable as a house plant because it is simple to grow, despite the fact that cats should not be exposed to the deadly toxin it contains. Among many other names, it is also known as the Panda Plant, Red Princess, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Saddle Leaf, Heartleaf Philodendron, and Cordatum.
This plant can cause tongue discomfort, vomiting, and trouble swallowing in cats. It is advised to call the vet as soon as your cat has nibbled on this plant to ensure prompt treatment.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The jade plant has stunning blooms that attract the eye but are toxic to cats when eaten. Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant, friendship tree, baby jade, dwarf rubber plant, and jade tree are other names for the jade plant.
If you suspect your cat has consumed it, it is best to take it right away to the doctor because poisoning can be fatal if not treated. Before therapy, veterinarians may use a cat’s urine or blood to check for plant consumption; after treatment, they may prescribe regimens to track the healing progress.
Lilies (Lilium)
There are many different species of lilies, but sadly, almost all of them are toxic to cats.
A cat who consumes a lily may experience vomiting that is quite severe, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. It is usually advisable to call the vet if your cat consumes this plant so that prompt treatment can be given. If you bring the plant to the veterinarian, the process of treating lilies can go more quickly. They will be able to identify the type of lily you have thanks to this.
Additionally, if the cat is not treated, it could develop kidney failure and ultimately pass away.
Silk Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Because of its lovely draping vine-like stalks, this house plant is typically hung high. Silk Pothos are low maintenance and visually stunning by nature. But the dangling stalks and leaves of this plant are attractive to cats to play with. Cats may experience vomiting and difficulties swallowing if they consume it, though.
Sowbread (Cyclamen purpurascens)
Cyclamen is an alternative name for sowbread. This plant grows lovely blossoms and is frequently kept indoors even though every part of it is lethal to cats.
Cats who consume the plant’s petals or leaves experience diarrhea, vomiting, and an increase in salivation as a result. Moreover, the consumption of its tubers results in seizures, heart rhythm problems, and even death in cats.
Cycas revoluta (Japanese sago palm)
Sago Palm is another name for this plant. It is a house plant that is well-known for adding a touch of the tropics to a room. A cat is at risk from this plant as a whole, and if it eats it, it could die as well as have vomiting, diarrhea, and liver failure.
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Some people think that since cats may consume spider plants without becoming ill, they are not poisonous to cats. When a cat consumes spider plant leaves, it may experience nausea, diarrhea, and stomach distress. Natural substances in this plant cause the cat to experience mildly dangerous hallucinations when ingested.
Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)
Although some roses are edible, the Christmas Rose is dangerous to your cat at home. It is well-known for its stunning white blooms, despite the fact that eating them can harm cats by causing drooling, gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, colic, and sadness.
Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)
Because of its gorgeous flowers, this plant is well-known and adored. Its tendrils enable it to cling to surfaces, and its pearl-shaped flowers. It spreads vegetatively and reseeds itself occasionally. It bears several names like Sweet Pea and Perennial Pea. When the cat consumes this plant, it exhibits symptoms such as head pressing, pacing, trembling, seizures, lethargy, weakness, and occasionally even death.
Kiss me quick (Portulaca pilosa)
Kiss-me-quick is a succulent plant with linear leaves and pink flowers. This plant, also known as Pink Purslane, Lady-of-the-night, Today, Tomorrow, and Yesterday, is poisonous to cats but beneficial to humans due to its high mineral and vitamin content.
Tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, coughing, and uncoordination are symptoms of this plant ingestion in cats.
Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum)
also known as hashish and marijuana. Small, green leaves and white blooms are features of Indian Hemp. Indian hemp is attractive to plant indoors, but if consumed by cats, it poses a health risk. Upon ingesting this plant, cats exhibit symptoms of low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, dilated pupils, depression, lack of coordination, lethargy, hypersalivation, and excitement.
Mistletoe (Viscum album)
This plant’s common name is American Mistletoe. This plant is parasitic, and its demise is solely dependent upon its host. Removing the host is the only way to control this plant. In the wild, this plant frequently attacks apple trees.
In addition to being a parasite, this plant damages the host’s branches and lowers its capacity for reproduction. In addition, it is poisonous to cats and when swallowed causes them to vomit, have diarrhea, and experience gastrointestinal problems.
Nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllum)
Arrow-Head Vine is another name for this plant. This plant enjoys a humid setting. It also has broad, green leaves. After consuming this plant, a cat will exhibit symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)
Other names for this plant include painter’s palette. The Flamingo flower plant is appropriate for a house plant because it has orange flowers and grows to a manageable height.
These plants, however, require a lot of maintenance, so they might not be suitable for someone who has the necessary knowledge. This plant irritates the cat’s skin when it comes into contact with it.
Desert Azalea (Adenium obesum)
This plant, also referred to as Desert Rose. Since the plant does not grow well in cold climates, it is best kept indoors in a pot. In order to maximize the amount of flowers produced, it is advised to prune it before it blooms.
It is vibrant and captivating. Usually, this plant can be cultivated from seed or from dried stem cuttings. A cat that swallows this plant, however, could vomit, get diarrhea, experience depression, have an erratic heartbeat, go anorexic, or even pass away.
Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)
Tubers used to grow dahlias thrive in well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. Many people grow this plant because of its stunning, brightly colored blossoms that may be clipped and displayed in the home.
Naturally, in a favorable climate, these plants’ tubers are used to grow new plants. Unfortunately, when taken by a cat, this herb can lead to minor rashes and digestive issues.
Daffodil (Narcissus)
Daffodil is also known by the names Narcissus, Jonquil, and Paper White. This plant’s blossoms are typically white or yellow, with occasional instances of orange or pink.
Daffodil blooms either contrast with or resemble other flowers in their petals and corona. When consumed by cats, narcissus are stunning to look at but can also result in vomiting, salivation, and diarrhea.
Florida Beauty (Dracaena surculose)
Both Spotted Dracaena and Gold Dust Dracaena are other names for this plant. Hardy and slow-growing, it has glossy leaves. The leaves initially feature yellow dots that later turn white as the plant ages.
The Florida beauty plant’s stems also resemble bamboo tree stems. However, a cat that consumes this plant could have vomiting, depression, incoordination, difficulties breathing, and a weak feeling.
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Among many other names, Coleus is frequently referred to as Country Borage. This plant has broad, vividly colored leaves that is evergreen all year long.
Coleus does well in direct sunlight that is brilliant and indirect. Its leaves lose color when exposed to direct sunshine. When cats eat coleus, they become poisoned and may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and anorexia.
Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)
Maidens Breath is another name for baby’s breath. This plant has soupy white flowers that are connected erratically and are both a border and bedding plant.
Maidens Breath comes in annual and perennial variants. The annual variety is seasonal and dies in the middle of the summer, while the permanent variety will bloom every year. If a cat eats this plant, they might vomit and get sick.
Branching Ivy (Hedera helix)
The terms “English Ivy,” “Glacier Ivy,” and “California Ivy” are also used to describe this plant. The ability of this plant to climb on surfaces with the aid of tiny roots that spread out along the stems is well-known. It is always essential to call the vet as soon as your cat has chewed on this plant to ensure prompt treatment.
You can grow this plant further out without worrying too much about how to take care of it because it is simple to maintain. However, since young plants thrive in moist soil, it is advisable to water them frequently when they are young. Symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea may be seen if the cat eats the English ivy.
Bird of Paradise Flower (Strelitzia)
The popular names for this plant are crane flower and bird’s tongue flower. The vegetation resembles little banana leaves. This plant is particularly alluring to people because of its evergreen, glossy, waxy, and thick leaves. The gorgeous, remote blossoms of the bird’s tongue flower are well known.
Additionally, its blossoms have a colorful, flying bird-like appearance. It is one among the flowers that designers prefer the most because of its exceptional beauty. This plant represents paradise as well. Cats that consume the fruits or seeds of this plant may experience sleepiness, vomiting, and nausea.
Ceriman (Monstera deliciosa)
Other names for this species include Mexican Breadfruit. This plant has thick, waxy leaves and is evergreen. With its lovely white blossoms, it expands to a fairly enormous size. When cats eat this plant, which is poisonous to them, they display symptoms like oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. It is always essential to call the vet as soon as your cat has chewed on this plant to ensure prompt treatment.
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Popular names for it include Pinks, Wild Carnation, and Sweet William. The carnation plant has petals that range in color from white to pink to purple. They have branching blooms and are bisexual flowers. The carnation plant has a variety of leaves, including purple, green, and grey-blue ones. The exotic Sweet William is native to Eurasia and blooms even after being cut for a very long time.
Its flowers represent both mother’s day and a mother’s love. Carnations are beautiful and are a representation of a mother’s love, but if cats eat them, they may get moderate rashes and mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea)
Cycads and Zamias are some of its common names. Zamias have spherical, pinnate leaves, almost like a palm tree. Zamias have thick, clumsy stems and grow low to the ground. Additionally, it has evergreen leaves that have twelve leaflets per stem that grow in pairs.
This plant needs a sufficient amount of moisture to maintain good growth. Zamia grows nicely in a pot with proper drainage in moderate to bright light. Consuming zamia, which is poisonous to cats, can result in increased thirst, vomiting, melena, icterus, bruises, coagulopathy, liver failure, and eventually death.
Clivia Lily (Clivia miniata)
usually referred to as Cape Clivia, Caffre Lily, or Kaffir Lily. This plant has lovely orange blossoms and has gained a lot of popularity among gardeners worldwide. This South African plant thrives in a climate free of frozen conditions.
When cultivating it inside, you must wait for it to bloom while giving your container consistent watering. The growth of Clivia is likewise favored by the warm coastal climate. When cats consume this plant, they may have tremors, low blood pressure, diarrhea, and convulsions. The bulbs of this plant are its most dangerous component.
Yucca (Yucca brevifolia)
Growing this plant indoors makes your home more attractive and creates a focus point in a space. It is advisable to keep this plant out of direct sunlight and in the shade when growing it indoors for beautiful leaf color.
The leaves of a yucca plant in a pot can also grow outside in the sun, although they will eventually become brown or turn white. The yucca plant doesn’t require a lot of water to maintain itself. When cats consume this plant, they may experience diarrhea and vomiting.