Dracaena
Dracaena spp. · Asparagaceae
How it looks
Dracaena is a foliage plant with narrow, long, sword-shaped leaves clustered at the tips of the stems. Cultivars with dark green leaves marked by white or yellow stripes are common. The stems are upright and thick, and the plant stands 20 in–6.5 ft (50 cm–2 m) tall.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Dracaena contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, depression, and loss of appetite if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of Dracaena usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the saponins in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, anorexia
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Dracaena spp.
- Common name
- Dracaena
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Saponins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, anorexia
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Asparagaceae
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