Are Madagascar palms poisonous to cats?
The Madagascar palm (Pachypodium lamerei) may resemble a palm tree, but it’s actually a type of succulent. Although it’s an attractive addition to your home, the Madagascar palm is considered toxic to both people and cats if ingested, and has dangerously sharp spines.
Are Madagascar palms toxic to animals?
A travellers palm tree is mildly toxic to humans and animals. If you have a cat or dog and they mistakenly ingest a leaf from your palm tree, they’re in big trouble and should be taken to an emergency vet asap.
Why is my Madagascar palm dying?
The Madagascar Palm will lose its leaves if allowed to dry out completely. More bonsai die due to improper watering than any other cause. Do not water the tree if the soil is damp or cool. When the topsoil feels dry, water thoroughly and deeply.
Are Palms toxic to cats?
There are many varieties of palms that can be safely kept with pets. Some of these varieties include Pony tail, Parlor and Areca palms. If seeking to keep palms in your home it is essential to make sure that they are the indoor variety and that you avoid anything with the words Sago or Cycad.
What happens if your cat eats a Madagascar palm?
Cats and Succulents Don’t Mix. Like its close relative the desert rose (Adenium obesum), which grows in USDA zones 10 through 12, the Madagascar palm’s sap contains toxic glycosides. These glycosides act similar to digitalis and if ingested they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of appetite, lethargy, an irregular heartbeat…
Why are the leaves on my Madagascar palm turning brown?
I live in Madagascar. Madagascar palm, or Pachypodium lamerei, is quite sensitive to overwatering since it is a succulent. Underwatering can also cause brown leaf tips, but this is unlikely to be the problem, since you are clearly giving it enough water.
Is the sap of a Madagascar palm poisonous?
The Madagascar palm has highly toxic sap that has actually been used since ancient times to create poisonous arrows, which are used in hunting, according to PlantZAfrica.com. Like its close relative the desert rose (Adenium obesum), which grows in USDA zones 10 through 12, the Madagascar palm’s sap contains toxic glycosides.
When do you water a Madagascar palm plant?
You may be watering when the surface feels dry, but the soil under the surface, down near the bottom of the pot, may still be damp. Use an electronic moisture meter, or test with a bamboo kebob skewer – when you pull it up it should feel dry. Don’t water until the soil feels dry.
Is the Madagascar palm plant poisonous to cats?
This desert-hardy plant grows indoors as a houseplant in all climates and outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Although it’s an attractive addition to your home, the Madagascar palm is considered toxic to both people and cats if ingested, and has dangerously sharp spines.
What should I do if my cat nibbled on a Madagascar palm?
If you suspect that your kitty has nibbled on this plant or has become injured by its spines, get it to the vet right away for treatment. Bring a sample or picture of the plant with you so that the vet can properly identify it and determine a treatment plan.
What happens to a Madagascar palm when it gets cold?
Cold can damage a Madagascar palm, showing up in the form of rot (soft and mushy tissue with a crumpled, withered look) on the ends of the branches. Prune the damaged branch back to just past the point of healthy tissue – or cut off the entire branch if the whole thing is affected.
What to do with a Madagascar palm plant?
This is a great container plant and conversation piece, like a cactus/palm combination. In all cases, keep the Madagascar away from areas of recreational activity, or drives and walkways where someone could get stabbed by the Madagascar’s wicked spines. And beware of planting other things close to the palm that require a lot of maintenance.