Plants are a great way to liven up your home and make it more welcoming. However, you have to be careful when choosing the right plant for your home, especially if you have pets. One plant that is often used for indoor decoration is the umbrella tree plant, also known as Schefflera arboricola or Schefflera actinophylla. In this article, we will explore whether the umbrella tree plant is safe for your pets.
The umbrella tree plant is a popular houseplant that belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is native to Taiwan and Hainan Island in southern China. The plant has glossy green leaves that grow in clusters of seven to nine leaflets, resembling the spokes of an umbrella.
The umbrella tree plant can grow up to 8 feet tall indoors and has a bushy appearance. It is also grown as a bonsai tree.
The umbrella tree plant is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. The sap of the plant can also cause skin irritation.
In severe cases, the consumption of the umbrella tree plant can cause kidney failure in cats and dogs. Therefore, it is important to keep this plant out of reach of your pets.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested the umbrella tree plant, look out for these symptoms:
If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms after being exposed to the umbrella tree plant, seek veterinary attention immediately.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested the umbrella tree plant, take the following steps:
If you have pets, it is best to avoid keeping the umbrella tree plant in your home. There are many other non-toxic plants that you can choose from to decorate your home.
The umbrella tree plant may look beautiful, but it can be harmful to your pets if ingested. As a responsible pet owner, it is important to choose plants that are safe for your pets to be around. If you suspect that your pet has ingested the umbrella tree plant, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Q: Can the umbrella tree plant be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, the umbrella tree plant can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas. However, it is still toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach.
Q: How can I make my home safer for my pets?
A: You can make your home safer for your pets by keeping toxic plants out of reach, securing cabinets and drawers that contain hazardous materials, and keeping small objects that could be swallowed out of reach.
Q: Are there any non-toxic plants that I can keep in my home?
A: Yes, there are many non-toxic plants that you can keep in your home such as spider plants, Boston ferns, and African violets.