Pet safety
Is Large-flowered Tylecodontoxic to cats & dogs?
Tylecodon grandiflorus
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Tylecodon grandiflorus
Is large-flowered tylecodon safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Large-flowered Tylecodon is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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. Like all Tylecodon species, T. grandiflorus contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) — neurotoxic compounds that cause cardiac arrhythmia and neuromuscular failure. These are well documented in veterinary toxicology literature (NCBI/PMC) and SANBI. Not individually listed by ASPCA (a US-focused database that rarely covers specialist succulents from southern Africa), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Do not keep where children, cats, dogs, or other pets can access any part of the plant.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats large-flowered tylecodon?
Like all Tylecodon species, T. grandiflorus contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) — neurotoxic compounds that cause cardiac arrhythmia and neuromuscular failure. These are well documented in veterinary toxicology literature (NCBI/PMC) and SANBI. Not individually listed by ASPCA (a US-focused database that rarely covers specialist succulents from southern Africa), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Do not keep where children, cats, dogs, or other pets can access any part of the plant. 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 large-flowered tylecodon, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate large-flowered tylecodon
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move large-flowered tylecodon 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 large-flowered tylecodon 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 large-flowered tylecodon
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:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Large-flowered Tylecodon and pets — frequently asked questions
Is large-flowered tylecodon toxic to cats?
Large-flowered Tylecodon (Tylecodon grandiflorus) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Like all Tylecodon species, T. grandiflorus contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) — neurotoxic compounds that cause cardiac arrhythmia and neuromuscular failure. These are well documented in veterinary toxicology literature (NCBI/PMC) and SANBI. Not individually listed by ASPCA (a US-focused database that rarely covers specialist succulents from southern Africa), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Do not keep where children, cats, dogs, or other pets can access any part of the plant. 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 large-flowered tylecodon toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Large-flowered Tylecodon (Tylecodon grandiflorus) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like large-flowered tylecodon is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats large-flowered tylecodon?
Like all Tylecodon species, T. grandiflorus contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) — neurotoxic compounds that cause cardiac arrhythmia and neuromuscular failure. These are well documented in veterinary toxicology literature (NCBI/PMC) and SANBI. Not individually listed by ASPCA (a US-focused database that rarely covers specialist succulents from southern Africa), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Do not keep where children, cats, dogs, or other pets can access any part of the plant. 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 large-flowered tylecodon, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate large-flowered tylecodon?
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 large-flowered tylecodon to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to large-flowered tylecodon?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail 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 large-flowered tylecodon care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete large-flowered tylecodon care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.