Pet safety
Is Dwarf Umbrella Planttoxic to cats & dogs?
Heptapleurum arboricola
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Heptapleurum arboricola
Is dwarf umbrella plant safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists dwarf umbrella plant as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. ASPCA lists Schefflera (this plant's long-standing trade name, dwarf/Hawaiian schefflera) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats dwarf umbrella plant?
ASPCA lists Schefflera (this plant's long-standing trade name, dwarf/Hawaiian schefflera) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to dwarf umbrella plant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate dwarf umbrella plant
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move dwarf umbrella plant out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of dwarf umbrella plant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to dwarf umbrella plant
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Dwarf Umbrella Plant and pets — frequently asked questions
Is dwarf umbrella plant toxic to cats?
Dwarf Umbrella Plant (Heptapleurum arboricola) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Schefflera (this plant's long-standing trade name, dwarf/Hawaiian schefflera) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is dwarf umbrella plant toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Dwarf Umbrella Plant (Heptapleurum arboricola) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like dwarf umbrella plant is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats dwarf umbrella plant?
ASPCA lists Schefflera (this plant's long-standing trade name, dwarf/Hawaiian schefflera) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalates; chewing causes oral and tongue irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Keep away from pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to dwarf umbrella plant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate dwarf umbrella plant?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of dwarf umbrella plant to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to dwarf umbrella plant?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full dwarf umbrella plant care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete dwarf umbrella plant care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.