Mother-In-Law Plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,494 found this helpful

Kalanchoe tubiflora

This plant is confirmed toxic to cats and dogs, while equine toxicity risk remains unconfirmed

Bufodienolides are the documented primary toxic compound per ASPCA datasets

Ingestion typically causes gastrointestinal distress, with rare cases of abnormal heart rhythm reported

FAQ

Is Mother-In-Law Plant toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity data available, but ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset and rare cardiac effects consistent with bufodienolide exposure (Low)

Is Mother-In-Law Plant toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, rare occurrences of abnormal heart rhythm (Moderate)

Is Mother-In-Law Plant toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, rare occurrences of abnormal heart rhythm (Moderate)

Is Mother-In-Law Plant toxic to Horses?

Toxicity risk is unconfirmed; no standardized symptom set is formally documented (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human toxicity data available, but ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset and rare cardiac effects consistent with bufodienolide exposure

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, rare occurrences of abnormal heart rhythm

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, rare occurrences of abnormal heart rhythm

Horses

Low

Toxicity risk is unconfirmed; no standardized symptom set is formally documented

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts are suspected to contain toxic bufodienolides, with highest concentrations typically observed in leaves and flowers for related Kalanchoe species

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure is via accidental ingestion of plant material; casual dermal contact is not associated with toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsBufodienolides

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed person or animal
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean cool water to eliminate residual plant debris
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed to do so by a medical professional or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your cat or dog has ingested any quantity of this plant
• An exposed animal exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in heart rate/breathing
• You suspect your horse has consumed large volumes of this plant, as toxicity risk is unconfirmed

Prevention

• Keep potted specimens out of reach of cats, dogs, and grazing livestock including horses
• Clearly label household Kalanchoe tubiflora plants to avoid accidental ingestion by children or pets
• Remove wild-growing specimens from pastures and pet-accessible outdoor spaces

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer activated charcoal and induce vomiting for recent ingestions to reduce toxin absorption
• Supportive care including fluid therapy and anti-emetics may be provided to manage gastrointestinal symptoms
• Cardiac monitoring and targeted anti-arrhythmic medication will be administered if abnormal heart rhythm is detected

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameKalanchoe tubiflora

AliasesMother of Millions、Kalanchoe、Devils Backbone、Chandelier Plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractHeart

Mechanism of Action

• Bufodienolides act as cardiac glycosides, inhibiting sodium-potassium ATPase pumps in cell membranes to disrupt normal cardiac function

• Compounds also irritate the gastrointestinal mucosal lining, triggering vomiting and diarrhea

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Suspected moderate toxicity: grazing on large quantities may cause gastrointestinal distress and cardiac abnormalities

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Suspected moderate toxicity: even small ingestions may trigger severe gastrointestinal and potential cardiac effects

Pet birds: Toxicity risk unconfirmed; ingestion of bufodienolide-containing plants is not recommended for avian species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Alligator Plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana

Both species are commonly called Mother of Millions and produce small plantlets along leaf margins; key difference is K. daigremontiana has broad triangular leaves while K. tubiflora has narrow tubular leaves

Burro's Tail Sedum morganianum

Both are trailing Crassulaceae succulents popular as houseplants; K. tubiflora is distinguishable by the small plantlets growing along the edges of its leaves, which S. morganianum lacks

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Related Toxic Plants

Jade Plant

Crassula ovata

Moderate toxicity: confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses

Flaming Katy

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Moderate toxicity: confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and grazing livestock

String of Pearls

Curio rowleyanus

Moderate toxicity: confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and small companion mammals

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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.

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