Pet safety
Is Princess Flowertoxic to cats & dogs?
Tibouchina urvilleana
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Tibouchina urvilleana
Is princess flower safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Princess Flower is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. The ASPCA does not individually list Tibouchina urvilleana (or its synonyms Pleroma, princess flower, glory bush, lasiandra) on its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so an authoritative pet-specific safety rating is unavailable. The California Poison Control System classifies Tibouchina as non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, but as a precaution treat it as a possible mild gastrointestinal irritant and contact your vet if a pet ingests a notable amount.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats princess flower?
The ASPCA does not individually list Tibouchina urvilleana (or its synonyms Pleroma, princess flower, glory bush, lasiandra) on its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so an authoritative pet-specific safety rating is unavailable. The California Poison Control System classifies Tibouchina as non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, but as a precaution treat it as a possible mild gastrointestinal irritant and contact your vet if a pet ingests a notable amount. 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 princess flower, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate princess flower
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move princess flower 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 princess flower 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 princess flower
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Princess Flower and pets — frequently asked questions
Is princess flower toxic to cats?
Princess Flower (Tibouchina urvilleana) is mildly toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA does not individually list Tibouchina urvilleana (or its synonyms Pleroma, princess flower, glory bush, lasiandra) on its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so an authoritative pet-specific safety rating is unavailable. The California Poison Control System classifies Tibouchina as non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, but as a precaution treat it as a possible mild gastrointestinal irritant and contact your vet if a pet ingests a notable amount. 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 princess flower toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Princess Flower is mildly toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like princess flower is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats princess flower?
The ASPCA does not individually list Tibouchina urvilleana (or its synonyms Pleroma, princess flower, glory bush, lasiandra) on its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so an authoritative pet-specific safety rating is unavailable. The California Poison Control System classifies Tibouchina as non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats, but as a precaution treat it as a possible mild gastrointestinal irritant and contact your vet if a pet ingests a notable amount. 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 princess flower, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate princess flower?
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 princess flower to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to princess flower?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 princess flower care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete princess flower care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.