Florida Beauty
Dracaena surculosa · Asparagaceae
How it looks
Dracaena Florida Beauty is a compact foliage plant whose narrow, small, dark green oval leaves are scattered with white and yellow spots. The stems branch, and at 12-31 in (30-80 cm) tall it has smaller leaves than common dracaenas, with a striking speckled pattern.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of this plant contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, depression, and diarrhea 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 on Florida Beauty dracaena rarely leads to serious trouble, but the saponins it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Dracaena surculosa
- Common name
- Florida Beauty
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Saponins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
