Money Tree Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 4,780 found this helpful

Money Tree is confirmed non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by official ASPCA toxicology assessments

No harmful toxic compounds have been identified in any part of this plant species

Ingestion of large volumes may only trigger mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms with no permanent damage

FAQ

Is Money Tree toxic to Humans?

Mild nausea, vomiting, and loose stool if large amounts are ingested; no severe toxic effects reported (Non-toxic)

Is Money Tree toxic to Cats?

No toxic effects expected; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Money Tree toxic to Dogs?

No toxic effects expected; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Money Tree toxic to Horses?

No toxic effects expected; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive ingestion (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

Mild nausea, vomiting, and loose stool if large amounts are ingested; no severe toxic effects reported

Cats

Non-toxic

No toxic effects expected; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No toxic effects expected; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive ingestion

Horses

Non-toxic

No toxic effects expected; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are considered toxic; ingestion of any part poses minimal health risk

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only documented exposure route; no dermal or inhalation toxicity is reported

Toxic CompoundsNo identified toxic principles per ASPCA toxicology data

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the affected person or pet's mouth and rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Offer small sips of fresh water to dilute any remaining indigestible plant matter
• Monitor closely for onset of gastrointestinal symptoms over the next 2 to 4 hours

Contact Vet Immediately

• If vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours after ingestion
• If the affected individual exhibits unusual lethargy, distress, or abnormal behavior post-ingestion
• If a very large quantity of the plant was consumed by a small pet, infant, or toddler

Prevention

• Keep potted Money Trees out of reach of teething pets and very young children to avoid unnecessary ingestion
• Discourage pets from chewing on any houseplants, even non-toxic varieties, to prevent digestive upset
• Label all houseplants clearly to avoid misidentification with potentially toxic lookalike species

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care only, including fluid replacement if dehydration occurs from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic compounds are present in the plant
• Symptomatic treatment for gastrointestinal upset may be prescribed if symptoms are severe or persistent

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePachira aquatica

AliasesMoney Plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract (only transient mild irritation possible, no permanent organ damage)

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism identified; mild gastrointestinal upset stems from irritation by indigestible plant fiber, not toxic compounds

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Domestic Rabbit: Non-toxic; excessive ingestion may cause mild soft stool or temporary gastrointestinal discomfort

Guinea Pig: Non-toxic; small amounts of leaves are safe as an occasional treat, large volumes may lead to digestive upset

Pet Bird: No known toxicity; ingestion of small amounts of foliage is not associated with adverse effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Golden Pothos Epipremnum aureum

Both species are commonly called 'Money Plant' in many regions, leading to name-based confusion. Key difference: Golden Pothos is a vining plant with heart-shaped leaves, while Money Tree is an upright woody plant with palmately compound leaf clusters. Golden Pothos is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Jade Plant Crassula ovata

Both are popular low-maintenance houseplants with glossy green foliage and thick stems. Key difference: Jade Plant has small, fleshy oval leaves, while Money Tree has larger leaves grouped in 5-7 leaflet clusters. Jade Plant is toxic to cats and dogs.

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Related Toxic Plants

Upland Cotton

Gossypium hirsutum

Moderate toxicity, gossypol content causes reproductive and liver damage in monogastric animals

Flannel Weed

Sida cordifolia

Moderate toxicity, contains stimulant alkaloids that cause elevated heart rate, seizures, and gastrointestinal upset

Velvetleaf

Abutilon theophrasti

Low toxicity, ingestion causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea in livestock and pets

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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.