Weeping Fig Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 810 found this helpful

Weeping Fig is verified toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Core toxic compounds are the proteolytic enzyme ficin and psoralen (ficusin)

Exposure occurs via ingestion of plant material or contact with damaged plant sap

FAQ

Is Weeping Fig toxic to Humans?

Skin redness, itching, and contact dermatitis; nausea, vomiting, and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested (Low)

Is Weeping Fig toxic to Cats?

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and contact dermatitis after sap exposure (Low)

Is Weeping Fig toxic to Dogs?

Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and localized skin inflammation from sap contact (Low)

Is Weeping Fig toxic to Horses?

Oral irritation, increased salivation, mild colic, diarrhea, and skin irritation on sap exposure (Low)

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

Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Skin redness, itching, and contact dermatitis; nausea, vomiting, and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Cats

Low

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and contact dermatitis after sap exposure

Dogs

Low

Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and localized skin inflammation from sap contact

Horses

Low

Oral irritation, increased salivation, mild colic, diarrhea, and skin irritation on sap exposure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, particularly the sticky sap released when leaves or stems are damaged

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material, direct skin or mucous membrane contact with plant sap

Toxic CompoundsProteolytic enzyme (ficin); Psoralen (ficusin)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed person/animal's mouth, skin, or fur immediately
• Rinse affected skin, eyes, or oral mucosa with cool clean water for 10-15 minutes to reduce irritation
• Offer small sips of water to dilute toxins if ingestion occurred, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a professional
• Document exposure time and amount ingested to share with medical or veterinary staff

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your cat, dog, or horse has ingested any quantity of Weeping Fig plant material
• Persistent drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or oral irritation occurs after exposure
• Severe skin redness, blistering, or swelling develops following sap contact
• Abnormal behavior, respiratory distress, or other unexpected symptoms appear post-exposure

Prevention

• Keep Weeping Fig houseplants out of reach of pets, livestock, and small children
• Wear protective gloves when pruning or handling Ficus sp. plants to avoid sap contact
• Avoid planting Weeping Fig in pastures or grazing areas accessible to horses and other livestock
• Educate household members and pet caregivers on the toxic risks of this common houseplant

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer gastrointestinal protectants and supportive care for ingestion cases
• Prescribe topical corticosteroids and antihistamines for severe contact dermatitis
• Provide fluid therapy to prevent dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Deliver symptomatic care to address pain, irritation, and any secondary complications

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFicus sp.

Aliasesfig、indian rubber plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

SkinOral and respiratory mucous membranesGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Ficin breaks down proteins in skin and mucous membranes, causing direct tissue irritation and damage on contact or ingestion

• Psoralen (ficusin) is a phototoxic compound that increases skin UV sensitivity, leading to blistering and dermatitis with sun exposure after contact

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Mild to moderate toxicity, ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and digestive distress

Captive birds: Low toxicity, small ingestion amounts cause mild oral irritation and digestive discomfort

Cattle and sheep: Mild toxicity, large grazing amounts cause salivation, diarrhea, and reduced feed intake

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Rubber Plant Ficus elastica

Both are common glossy-leaved Ficus houseplants; Rubber Plant has thicker, more leathery leaves and lower overall irritant potency

Common Edible Fig Ficus carica

Both are Ficus genus members with similar foliage morphology; edible fig produces sweet edible fruit, but its sap also contains the same irritant compounds

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Osage Orange

Maclura pomifera

Moderate toxicity, ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal distress in all species

Breadfruit

Artocarpus altilis

Low toxicity, raw plant sap causes severe skin irritation and blistering

Black Mulberry (unripe)

Morus nigra

Low to moderate toxicity, unripe fruit causes hallucinations and gastrointestinal upset

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. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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

View Full Plant Wiki