
Schefflera plants are popular for their beautiful, umbrella-shaped leaves, but they can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
The Schefflera plant contains a toxic compound called calcium oxalate, which can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation.
If you have young children or pets, it's essential to keep the Schefflera plant out of reach to avoid any potential harm.
Ingestion of Schefflera plant parts can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets, and mouth pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans.
Is Schefflera Plant Poisonous?
Schefflera plants are poisonous to humans, and eating the leaves or stems can cause tongue, mouth, and throat swelling, as well as nausea.
The sap contains a skin irritant, so contact with the sap may cause a rash. This can happen if you touch the plant and accidentally rip a leaf or stem, exposing the sap.
Schefflera plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can harm dogs when consumed. Eating the leaves or stems can cause excessive drooling, swelling of the tongue, mouth, and throat, pain in the abdomen, and gastrointestinal distress.
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Most animals are also poisoned by Schefflera plants, which is why it's essential to keep them out of reach. Calcium oxalate crystals are particularly problematic if ingested.
The Schefflera is slightly poisonous, especially to pets, due to the presence of oxalate crystals. Skin contact should be avoided for safety, and the plant should not be consumed.
Schefflera is poisonous to cats, and consuming the leaves or stems can cause oral swelling, irritation, nausea, and gastrointestinal trouble.
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Prevention and Safety
Preventing Schefflera Poisoning is crucial if you have children or pets that are likely to handle or eat the plant. You may want to select another plant that is not potentially harmful.
Always place your Schefflera plant out of the reach of children and pets. This is the best way to avoid any potential harm.
If you need to handle your Schefflera plant, it's smart to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from any potential skin irritation. Be sure to wash up completely after you finished pruning Schefflera, repotting or otherwise dealing with your plant.
If you suspect that your pet has eaten Schefflera plant, be sure to inform your veterinarian. If you notice any of these symptoms in your animal, you should contact your vet right away.
Symptoms of Schefflera poisoning in pets may include:
- Skin irritation
- Irritation of the Lips, Mouth and Tongue
- Swelling of the Throat
- Gagging and Choking
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Loss of Appetite
- Dry Heaving
- Depression
- Excessive Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Flushing the mouth and surrounding areas with fresh water can help alleviate some of the symptoms. Eating dairy products such as cheese, milk or yogurt can also help relieve the pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Schefflera poisoning can be quite alarming, but it's essential to be aware of them to take prompt action. Mouth and throat swelling are common symptoms to look out for.
Nausea is another symptom that can occur, and it's often accompanied by pain in the abdominal region. If you suspect Schefflera poisoning, it's crucial to seek medical attention right away.
If you have pets, be aware that they can be especially sensitive to this plant. Dogs and cats may exhibit skin irritation, irritation of the lips, mouth, and tongue, and swelling of the throat.

Other symptoms in pets can include gagging and choking, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, dry heaving, depression, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms may occur instantly or take a couple of hours to manifest.
Here are some common symptoms to look out for in pets:
- Skin irritation
- Irritation of the Lips, Mouth and Tongue
- Swelling of the Throat
- Gagging and Choking
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Loss of Appetite
- Dry Heaving
- Depression
- Excessive Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Preventing Poisoning
If you have children or pets that are likely to handle or eat the plant, reconsider introducing a Schefflera into your home.
Always place your Schefflera plant out of the reach of children and pets. This is a simple yet effective way to prevent poisoning.
To minimize the risk of straying away and getting in contact with Scheffera or other poisonous plants, keep your cats busy and mentally stimulated indoors.
Eating the Schefflera plant is never a good idea, but curious house pets (especially cats) may do just that.
If large amounts are ingested, symptoms may include dilated pupils and cardiac abnormalities. If left untreated, or even death may result.
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If you suspect that your pet has eaten Scheffera plant, be sure to inform your veterinarian.
Immediate first aid includes flushing the mouth and surrounding areas with fresh water.
To relieve the pain, eating dairy products such as cheese, milk or yogurt can help.
Here's a list of symptoms to watch out for:
- Skin irritation
- Irritation of the Lips, Mouth and Tongue
- Swelling of the Throat
- Gagging and Choking
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Loss of Appetite
- Dry Heaving
- Depression
- Excessive Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Remember to contact your vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your animal.
Plant Information
The schefflera plant is a popular choice for indoor spaces due to its ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Its leaves can grow quite large, reaching up to 12 inches in length.
Schefflera plants can be toxic to both humans and pets if ingested, as they contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. This can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation, and in severe cases, kidney damage.
To keep your schefflera plant safe, it's essential to place it out of reach of curious pets and children.
Plant Description
Schefflera actinophylla is a plant species with beautiful foliage.
Figure 354 shows Schefflera actinophylla in its flowering state.
Its flowers are a notable feature of the plant.
Schefflera actinophylla is a plant species with beautiful foliage.
Species Vary in Toxicity Levels
Schefflera species contain substances called calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals who come into contact with the plants' leaves.
These crystals are present in all Schefflera species, making them a potential allergen for some people.
Some Schefflera species contain proteinase or proteolytic enzymes, which break down proteins into amino acids.
This action can stimulate the release of histamines and kinins, leading to inflammation.
Cat Poisoning and Treatment
Cat poisoning from Schefflera plants is a serious issue, and prompt action is crucial. If your cat has ingested or come into contact with a Schefflera plant, clinical signs of poisoning can appear immediately or up to two hours post-exposure.
Symptoms of Schefflera poisoning in cats can be quite distressing. They may include vomiting, which is a common sign of poisoning.
If you suspect your cat has ingested a Schefflera plant, don't hesitate to seek veterinary care. Your veterinarian may prescribe vomiting medicine or give your cat an activated charcoal solution to help remove the toxin from their system.
Activated charcoal is often used to bind with the deadly plant component, which is then passed from the body in fecal form. This can help reduce the progression of renal failure.
The prognosis for severe Schefflera poisoning in cats is bleak, and even with treatment, many cats suffer from lifelong renal and liver damage.
Prevention in Cats
If you have cats, it's best to completely avoid growing Schefflera in your home. Schefflera plants contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral swelling, irritation, nausea, and gastrointestinal trouble if consumed by cats.
Keeping your cats busy and mentally stimulated indoors will also minimize the risk of them straying away from your home and getting in contact with Schefflera or other poisonous plants. This can be achieved through playtime and providing them with puzzle toys or scratching posts.
Make sure to place your Schefflera plant on a high shelf where it's inaccessible to your cats. This will prevent them from nibbling on the leaves, which can cause oral swelling and irritation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if your dog eats Schefflera?
If your dog eats Schefflera, contact a medical professional immediately as it can cause severe mouth and throat irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Prompt action is crucial to prevent potential harm to your pet.
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