Mistletoe fig Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,835 found this helpful

All parts of the mistletoe fig are toxic, containing triterpenes and ficin proteases common to all Ficus species

Typical exposure symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, with seizures and paralysis possible if large quantities are consumed

Treatment for exposure focuses on decontamination and targeted symptomatic care

FAQ

Is Mistletoe fig toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis possible if large quantities of the plant are ingested (Low)

Is Mistletoe fig toxic to Cats?

No species-specific toxicity data documented for this Ficus species (Unknown)

Is Mistletoe fig toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific toxicity data documented for this Ficus species (Unknown)

Is Mistletoe fig toxic to Horses?

No species-specific toxicity data documented for this Ficus species (Unknown)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis possible if large quantities of the plant are ingested

Cats

Unknown

No species-specific toxicity data documented for this Ficus species

Dogs

Unknown

No species-specific toxicity data documented for this Ficus species

Horses

Unknown

No species-specific toxicity data documented for this Ficus species

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material, contact with plant sap

Toxic CompoundsTriterpenes; Ficin A; Ficin B; Ficin C; Ficin D1; Ficin D2

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting if ingestion occurred within 15 minutes and the exposed individual is conscious
• Rinse mouth and exposed skin thoroughly to remove residual plant material or sap
• Monitor closely for onset of gastrointestinal symptoms or neurological changes

Contact Vet Immediately

• Vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 2 hours after exposure
• Seizures, paralysis, or altered consciousness are observed
• Large quantities of the plant were confirmed to be ingested by pets or livestock

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of young children and household pets
• Wear protective gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid sap contact
• Clearly label ornamental Ficus plants to avoid confusion with edible fig species

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer decontamination measures including activated charcoal or gastric lavage as appropriate
• Provide supportive symptomatic care including fluid therapy to manage dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea
• Prescribe anticonvulsants if seizure or paralysis symptoms develop post-exposure

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFicus deltoidea Jack; Ficus diversifolia Blume; Ficus lutescens Desf.

AliasesMistletoe rubber plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Ficin proteases cause irritant damage to gastrointestinal tract mucosa

• High levels of triterpene exposure trigger neurotoxic effects leading to seizures and paralysis

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No species-specific data available, but ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress and irritation

Captive birds: Toxicity not formally documented; ingestion of large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal and neurological adverse effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Weeping fig Ficus benjamina

Belongs to the same Ficus genus with similar glossy foliage; differs by long, pointed ovate leaves compared to the delta-shaped leaves of Ficus deltoidea

Common edible fig Ficus carica

Same Ficus genus, may be misidentified as edible fig; Ficus deltoidea is strictly ornamental and does not produce large, edible mature fruit

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Weeping fig

Ficus benjamina

Low to moderate toxicity

Rubber fig

Ficus elastica

Low toxicity

Osage orange

Maclura pomifera

Moderate toxicity

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.