Is Money Tree (Pachira) Safe for Cats and Dogs?

Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

Pachira aquatica, often sold with a braided trunk as a money tree, is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Several different plants are called money plants or money trees in different countries, including the jade plant (mildly toxic) and pothos (mildly toxic). Check the botanical name to be sure.

How to recognize it

The money tree is a small tree with a smooth, often braided trunk and glossy leaves divided into five to nine leaflets that radiate like fingers on a hand. The jade plant, sometimes also called a money plant, is a succulent with thick round leaves and is mildly toxic.

What to do

• Check the botanical name on the label.
• Eating a lot of leaves may still cause mild stomach upset.

How many different plants are called "money plant" or "money tree"?

Several, and the name changes from country to country. That is why the botanical name on the tag matters more than the common name.

• Money tree, Pachira aquatica: non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.
• Jade plant, Crassula ovata, often called money plant or money tree: listed as toxic. It can cause vomiting, lethargy and incoordination.
• Pothos, Epipremnum aureum, widely called money plant in South Asia: contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth.
• Chinese money plant, Pilea peperomioides: a small plant with round, coin-shaped leaves on thin stalks. Generally considered non-toxic, but confirm the name on the label.

Can the decorations on a money tree be a problem?

Money trees are popular gifts, especially around Lunar New Year and store openings, and they are often dressed up. Red ribbons, plastic ornaments, coins and glued-on pebbles covering the soil are all common.

None of these are poisonous, but they are small objects a dog may swallow or a cat may chew off. A swallowed coin can be serious, because some coins contain zinc, which is toxic to pets. Remove the decorations or keep the plant well out of reach.

What if a pet chews the braided trunk or eats a lot of leaves?

The ASPCA non-toxic listing covers the whole plant. Still, a dog that strips a small money tree may vomit or have loose stool from the amount of plant material, and pieces of trunk can splinter.

Indoor money trees very rarely flower or fruit, so the large seed pods seen on outdoor trees in the tropics are not a realistic concern at home.

Braided trunks are several young stems twisted together while soft. If a pet chews through one strand, the plant may lose that stem, but the rest usually survives.

Toxic plants to tell apart from it

These look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the label before buying.

• Mildly toxicJade plant

Common questions

Is money tree safe for pets?

Cats: Non-toxic. Dogs: Non-toxic. Yes. The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Is it safe to keep money tree in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes. It is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Check the botanical name on the label.

What should I do if my pet chews money tree?

There is usually no emergency, because money tree is listed as non-toxic. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset, so call a vet if vomiting continues.

Which toxic plants look like money tree?

Watch out for jade plant: they look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the botanical name on the label before buying.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).