Prostrate Coleus Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 1,669 found this helpful

Plectranthus oetendahlii

Classified as fully non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA

No adverse clinical signs are linked to accidental ingestion of this plant by assessed species

Safe to keep in households with pets and properties with grazing horses

FAQ

Is Prostrate Coleus toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxicity reported; rare mild, transient gastrointestinal upset may occur after very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Prostrate Coleus toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms; ingestion is not associated with harmful effects (Non-toxic)

Is Prostrate Coleus toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms; ingestion is not associated with harmful effects (Non-toxic)

Is Prostrate Coleus toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms; ingestion is not associated with harmful effects (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity reported; rare mild, transient gastrointestinal upset may occur after very large ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; ingestion is not associated with harmful effects

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; ingestion is not associated with harmful effects

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; ingestion is not associated with harmful effects

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are considered toxic to cats, dogs, or horses

Exposure RouteNo harmful exposure routes confirmed; ingestion and skin contact do not trigger toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic compounds have been identified in this species

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse any plant residue from the exposed person or animal's mouth with clean water
• Monitor for rare mild gastrointestinal discomfort for 2 to 4 hours post-ingestion
• No emergency intervention is required for standard small-volume ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy lasting more than 6 hours post-ingestion
• If the ingested amount is extremely large, or the animal has pre-existing gastrointestinal sensitivities

Prevention

• No specific prevention required for this non-toxic plant, though keeping plants out of reach of teething pets reduces mess
• Confirm plant identification to avoid accidental ingestion of similar toxic lookalike species

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care only if rare mild gastrointestinal symptoms occur, including access to fresh water and rest
• No targeted antidote is required as no toxic effects are expected from exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePlectranthus oetendahlii

AliasesTrailing Coleus、Oetendahl's Spurflower

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are known to be damaged by exposure to this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism identified, as the plant contains no known harmful compounds for assessed species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Rabbits: No confirmed toxicity reported; small ingestion is considered safe, very large volumes may cause mild digestive upset

Guinea Pigs: No toxic effects documented; this plant is not considered a hazard for small grazing companion animals

Cattle, Sheep, Goats: No toxicity reported from accidental grazing of this plant species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Coleus Plectranthus scutellarioides

Visually similar due to overlapping serrated leaf shape and common variegation; key difference is common coleus has brighter, multicolored foliage and is mildly toxic to pets due to irritant essential oils

Swedish Ivy Plectranthus verticillatus

Often grouped with prostrate coleus in houseplant displays; key difference is Swedish ivy has rounder, less serrated leaves, and is also non-toxic so misidentification carries no toxic risk

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Low toxicity to cats and dogs

Garden Mint

Mentha spicata

Low toxicity, causes gastrointestinal upset in pets in large quantities

Common Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Low to moderate toxicity, can cause organ irritation in pets if large amounts are ingested

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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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