Pet safety
Is Drop Tongue Plant (Silver Schismatoglottis)toxic to cats & dogs?
Schismatoglottis 'Silver'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Schismatoglottis 'Silver'
Is drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) 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. Schismatoglottis is a member of the arum family (Araceae) and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to cats and dogs - ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The ASPCA does not list Schismatoglottis individually, but every aroid it does list (including the closely related Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema) is classified as toxic via the same insoluble calcium oxalates, so treat this plant as toxic and keep it away from pets; if ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis)?
Schismatoglottis is a member of the arum family (Araceae) and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to cats and dogs - ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The ASPCA does not list Schismatoglottis individually, but every aroid it does list (including the closely related Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema) is classified as toxic via the same insoluble calcium oxalates, so treat this plant as toxic and keep it away from pets; if ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 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 drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis)
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) 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 drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) 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 drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis)
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)
Drop Tongue Plant (Silver Schismatoglottis) and pets — frequently asked questions
Is drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) toxic to cats?
Drop Tongue Plant (Silver Schismatoglottis) (Schismatoglottis 'Silver') is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Schismatoglottis is a member of the arum family (Araceae) and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to cats and dogs - ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The ASPCA does not list Schismatoglottis individually, but every aroid it does list (including the closely related Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema) is classified as toxic via the same insoluble calcium oxalates, so treat this plant as toxic and keep it away from pets; if ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 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 drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Drop Tongue Plant (Silver Schismatoglottis) is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis)?
Schismatoglottis is a member of the arum family (Araceae) and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to cats and dogs - ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The ASPCA does not list Schismatoglottis individually, but every aroid it does list (including the closely related Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema) is classified as toxic via the same insoluble calcium oxalates, so treat this plant as toxic and keep it away from pets; if ingestion is suspected, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 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 drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis)?
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 drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis)?
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 drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete drop tongue plant (silver schismatoglottis) care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.