Lipstick Plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,244 found this helpful

No published records of Aeschynanthus radicans toxicity exist in available peer-reviewed or reference botanical literature

While presumed safe, the plant is not approved for feeding to any pets, livestock, or companion animals

Visually similar related or lookalike species may carry significant toxicity risks, especially for bird populations

FAQ

Is Lipstick Plant toxic to Humans?

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported; monitor for mild non-specific gastrointestinal discomfort if large quantities are ingested (Non-toxic)

Is Lipstick Plant toxic to Cats?

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported; monitor for unusual lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea if large quantities are ingested (Non-toxic)

Is Lipstick Plant toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported; monitor for unusual lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea if large quantities are ingested (Non-toxic)

Is Lipstick Plant toxic to Horses?

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported; monitor for unusual feed refusal or gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported; monitor for mild non-specific gastrointestinal discomfort if large quantities are ingested

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported; monitor for unusual lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea if large quantities are ingested

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported; monitor for unusual lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea if large quantities are ingested

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported; monitor for unusual feed refusal or gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic plant parts confirmed; the entire plant is presumed non-toxic per available data, though consumption as feed is not advised

Exposure RouteIngestion, skin contact (no adverse reactions recorded for either exposure route to date)

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic phytochemicals identified in available research on this species

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if the plant is ingested by humans or pets
• Monitor for any unusual physical reactions for 2 to 4 hours post-exposure
• Save a sample of the ingested plant for formal identification if symptoms develop

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting the plant
• If you suspect the ingested plant is a toxic lookalike rather than confirmed Aeschynanthus radicans

Prevention

• Keep all houseplants out of reach of young children and unsupervised pets to avoid accidental ingestion
• Formalize plant identification before placing it in areas accessible to birds, given risks from toxic lookalikes
• Never feed unconfirmed houseplant species to livestock, horses, or companion animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care for mild, non-specific symptoms if they occur; no specific antidote is required as no toxicity is confirmed
• Treat any observed adverse symptoms as directed by a licensed medical professional or veterinarian

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAeschynanthus radicans Jack

AliasesLipstickplant、Basketvine、Basket Vine、Strahlige Sinnblume (German)、Aeschynanthe (French)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No target organs for toxic damage have been identified in available research

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified, as no adverse toxic effects have been documented for this species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: No confirmed toxicity reported for Aeschynanthus radicans, but exposure is not recommended to avoid risk of misidentification with highly toxic Hoya bella

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No adverse toxicity effects recorded, but the species is not approved for use as feed for any commercial or backyard livestock

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other lipstick plant species Aeschynanthus spp.

Related species in the same Aeschynanthus genus may have untested or confirmed toxicity, unlike Aeschynanthus radicans; confirm exact species identity before assuming safety

Miniature wax plant Hoya bella

Visually similar in vining growth habit and small glossy foliage; Hoya bella is highly toxic to birds, posing a critical risk if misidentified as Aeschynanthus radicans

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Related Toxic Plants

Goldfish plant

Columnea gloriosa

Low toxicity: causes mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by cats and dogs

Wax plant

Hoya carnosa

Low toxicity: triggers mild vomiting and diarrhea in companion animals if ingested

Flame violet

Episcia cupreata

Very low toxicity: rare cases of mild oral irritation reported in sensitive individuals

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.