Pet safety
Is Callisia Repens 'Pink Lady'toxic to cats & dogs?
Callisia repens 'Pink Lady'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Callisia repens 'Pink Lady'
Is callisia repens 'pink lady' safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — callisia repens 'pink lady' is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. 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. Callisia repens is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it sits in the Commelinaceae family with the ASPCA-listed toxic Tradescantia (Inch Plant), and C. repens is a documented cause of allergic contact dermatitis in pets. Treat as a mild skin and GI irritant; verify with a vet if a pet chews it.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats callisia repens 'pink lady'?
Callisia repens is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it sits in the Commelinaceae family with the ASPCA-listed toxic Tradescantia (Inch Plant), and C. repens is a documented cause of allergic contact dermatitis in pets. Treat as a mild skin and GI irritant; verify with a vet if a pet chews it. 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 callisia repens 'pink lady', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate callisia repens 'pink lady'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move callisia repens 'pink lady' 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 callisia repens 'pink lady' 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 callisia repens 'pink lady'
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)
Callisia Repens 'Pink Lady' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is callisia repens 'pink lady' toxic to cats?
Callisia Repens 'Pink Lady' (Callisia repens 'Pink Lady') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Callisia repens is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it sits in the Commelinaceae family with the ASPCA-listed toxic Tradescantia (Inch Plant), and C. repens is a documented cause of allergic contact dermatitis in pets. Treat as a mild skin and GI irritant; verify with a vet if a pet chews it. 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 callisia repens 'pink lady' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Callisia Repens 'Pink Lady' (Callisia repens 'Pink Lady') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like callisia repens 'pink lady' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats callisia repens 'pink lady'?
Callisia repens is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but it sits in the Commelinaceae family with the ASPCA-listed toxic Tradescantia (Inch Plant), and C. repens is a documented cause of allergic contact dermatitis in pets. Treat as a mild skin and GI irritant; verify with a vet if a pet chews it. 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 callisia repens 'pink lady', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate callisia repens 'pink lady'?
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 callisia repens 'pink lady' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to callisia repens 'pink lady'?
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 callisia repens 'pink lady' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete callisia repens 'pink lady' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.