Wax Plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,909 found this helpful

ASPCA classifies this plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs, with only mild gastrointestinal symptoms reported in these species to date.

All parts of the plant are toxic to pet birds, cattle and sheep, with fatalities reported in ruminants linked to related Hoya varieties.

The plant contains pregnane glycosides that bind to cardiac glycoside receptors, producing effects similar to cardiac glycoside toxins.

FAQ

Is Wax Plant toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity cases reported in available data; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities as a precaution. (Non-toxic)

Is Wax Plant toxic to Cats?

Only mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) observed to date, no severe toxicity reported. (Non-toxic)

Is Wax Plant toxic to Dogs?

Only mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) observed to date, no severe toxicity reported. (Non-toxic)

Is Wax Plant toxic to Horses?

Toxicity status unknown; no confirmed symptoms reported in available research. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed human toxicity cases reported in available data; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities as a precaution.

Cats

Non-toxic

Only mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) observed to date, no severe toxicity reported.

Dogs

Non-toxic

Only mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) observed to date, no severe toxicity reported.

Horses

Non-toxic

Toxicity status unknown; no confirmed symptoms reported in available research.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; no dermal toxicity reported in available data.

Toxic CompoundsPregnane; Pregnane glycosides; Unknown neurotoxin (reported in related Hoya australis); Steroid saponins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested by a pet bird, cattle or sheep, contact a veterinarian immediately.
• If ingested by a cat or dog, rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water.
• Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or unusual behavior for 2-4 hours post-ingestion.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Ingestion is confirmed in pet birds, ruminants (cattle, sheep) or horses.
• Cat or dog develops persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or unusual neurological symptoms after ingestion.
• Any signs of distress, uncoordinated movement, tremors or seizures in any animal after exposure.

Prevention

• Keep this plant out of reach of pet birds, as it is highly toxic to this species.
• Do not plant this species in pastures accessible to cattle or sheep to avoid fatal poisoning.
• Supervise young pets and children around the plant to prevent accidental ingestion.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (induced vomiting, activated charcoal) for recent ingestion in high-risk species.
• Provide symptomatic and supportive care tailored to observed symptoms (anti-emetics for GI upset, anti-seizure medication for neurological signs).
• Monitor cardiac and neurological function closely in exposed high-risk species for 24-72 hours post-exposure.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameHoya carnosa 'krinkle kurl'

AliasesHindu Rope Plant、Porcelain Flower

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractHeartNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Pregnane and pregnane glycosides have high affinity for cardiac glycoside receptors on cardiac muscle, leading to effects similar to cardiac glycosides.

• An unknown neurotoxin found in related Hoya australis is associated with neurological toxicity and fatalities in ruminants.

• Steroid saponins contribute to observed mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Highly toxic; exposure may cause muscle tremors, ataxia, collapse, clonic-tonic seizures, and fatalities.

Sheep: Highly toxic; exposure may cause muscle tremors, ataxia, collapse, clonic-tonic seizures, and fatalities.

Pet birds (e.g. Budgerigars): Severely toxic; symptoms include torticollis, wide-legged sitting, falling from perches, unsteady movement, spread wings, difficulty flying, generalized tremors, dark green feces, potentially leading to death.

Turtles: Non-toxic; no adverse effects reported after ingestion.

Yemen chameleons: Non-toxic; no adverse effects reported after ingestion.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Hoya carnosa varieties Hoya carnosa cultivars

Visually similar to other Hoya carnosa cultivars; toxicity profiles may vary slightly between varieties.

Milkweed Asclepias species

Members of the same Asclepiadaceae family with similar leaf and flower morphology; Asclepias species are confirmed highly toxic to most animal species.

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Related Toxic Plants

Crown Flower

Calotropis gigantea

Severe, may cause fatal cardiac poisoning in humans and animals

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

High, toxic to most livestock, pets and humans if ingested in significant quantities

Black Swallowwort

Cynanchum louiseae

Moderate, causes gastrointestinal irritation and neurological symptoms in exposed animals

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. 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.