Chinese Money Plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,502 found this helpful

No confirmed poisoning cases in humans or common companion/livestock animals are documented in peer-reviewed research

While no toxicity is reported, the plant is not suitable or approved for use as feed for any animal species

It is visually similar to the highly toxic English ivy, so accurate plant identification is critical to avoid accidental poisoning

FAQ

Is Chinese Money Plant toxic to Humans?

No confirmed symptoms reported; monitor for mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or stomach pain if large amounts are ingested (Non-toxic)

Is Chinese Money Plant toxic to Cats?

No confirmed poisoning cases reported; monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Chinese Money Plant toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed poisoning cases reported; monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Chinese Money Plant toxic to Horses?

No confirmed poisoning cases reported; monitor for reduced appetite or digestive distress if large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed symptoms reported; monitor for mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or stomach pain if large amounts are ingested

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning cases reported; monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if large quantities are consumed

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning cases reported; monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if large quantities are consumed

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning cases reported; monitor for reduced appetite or digestive distress if large quantities are consumed

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsToxicity of all plant parts is unconfirmed; no harmful chemical components have been identified in available research, though intentional consumption is not advised.

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only potential exposure route; no dermal or inhalation toxicity has been reported for this species.

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic or harmful chemical compounds have been identified in peer-reviewed studies of Pilea peperomioides

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water if any part of the plant is ingested by a human or animal
• Remove any remaining plant material from the reach of children, pets, and livestock to prevent further ingestion
• Monitor the exposed individual or animal for at least 24 hours for any signs of unusual discomfort or illness

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet displays persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting unknown plant material
• If you suspect the ingested plant may be the toxic lookalike English ivy rather than Pilea peperomioides
• If your horse or livestock consumes large quantities of the plant and displays signs of digestive distress

Prevention

• Label all houseplants clearly to avoid confusion between non-toxic species and toxic lookalikes
• Keep unknown houseplants out of reach of unsupervised young children and pets
• Never feed houseplant material to any livestock or companion animal unless confirmed to be safe for consumption

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including oral fluids and anti-emetics may be administered if mild gastrointestinal symptoms develop after ingestion
• Specific treatment will be required if the ingested plant is confirmed to be the toxic lookalike Hedera helix

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePilea peperomioides

AliasesPancake plant、UFO plant、Lefse plant、Missionary plant、Ufopflanze、Bauchnabelpflanze、Glückstaler、Chinesischer Geldbaum、Missionarspflanze、Plante à monnaie chinoise、Plante du missionnaire、Pianta delle monete cinesi

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific target organ toxicity has been reported for this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified in available scientific research

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No poisoning cases reported, but feeding of this plant is not advised as long-term consumption safety is unconfirmed

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No confirmed adverse effects reported, but consumption of large quantities is not recommended

Birds (parrots, finches, poultry): No toxicity data available, avoid feeding plant material to birds unless confirmed safe

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

English Ivy Hedera helix

Young English ivy plants have rounded, similarly shaped leaves to Pilea peperomioides; English ivy is confirmed toxic to humans and all common animals, and can be distinguished by its vining growth habit and darker, leathery leaf texture

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Low toxicity, causes temporary painful skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Gympie-Gympie Stinging Tree

Dendrocnide moroides

Severe toxicity, its stinging hairs cause extreme long-lasting pain and potentially life-threatening systemic reactions

Annual Stinging Nettle

Urtica urens

Low toxicity, causes mild skin irritation and temporary digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities

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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.