Malaysian Dracaena
Dracaena reflexa · Asparagaceae
How it looks
Malaysian Dracaena is a foliage plant with branching stems and narrow sword-shaped leaves that gather at the branch tips. Varieties with glossy dark green leaves marked by yellow stripes are common. It reaches 20 in to 7 ft (50 cm-2 m) tall, with a naturally graceful branching form.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Malaysian Dracaena 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 of Malaysian 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, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Dracaena reflexa
- Common name
- Malaysian Dracaena
- 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
