Are you a fan of jade plants? These cute succulents have been so popular lately, and it’s easy to see why. They’re adorable, low-maintenance, and can improve the air quality in your home.
However, like any plant, knowing if they’re safe is necessary, especially if you have pets or kids.
And now, you may be curious, Is a jade plant toxic? In reality, they do pose potential risks to humans and certain animals.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into how jade plants can affect us.
The Hidden Dangers of Jade Plants
Jade plants are eye-catching with their thick, glossy, oval-shaped leaves in different shades of green. They’re often seen as symbols of luck, wealth, and prosperity, making them popular gifts.
While we love jade plants, we must know their potential hazards. For example, their leaves contain toxic components that could be harmful to us.
So, let’s make sure we understand the risks and keep our loved ones safe around these beloved houseplants!
Are Jade Plants Toxic to Humans?
Some people may experience irritation from the sap released from jade plants when their leaves or stems are damaged.
Moreover, consuming a substantial amount of jade plant leaves or stems can result in illness.
Here are some symptoms that may occur due to jade plant intoxication:
1 – Skin Irritation
When the leaves or stems of a jade plant are damaged, they release a sticky substance known as sap.
This sap has the potential to cause skin irritation upon contact. As a result, you may experience itching, redness, or a rash on the skin.
2 – Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Consuming jade plants may result in mild gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.) These symptoms may vary depending on the amount consumed.
3 – Mouth and Throat Irritation
Another symptom of direct contact with a jade plant is mouth and throat irritation. The sensitive membranes of the mouth and throat can be irritated, resulting in soreness and discomfort.
4 – Allergic Reactions
Some people may have allergic reactions to jade plant sap leading to itching and swelling. Others may experience hives on the skin.
General Measures and Treatment Approach
If jade plant poisoning is suspected or confirmed, seek immediate medical attention.
While there are no particular antidotes for jade plant toxicity, you can follow these measures as part of the treatment plan:
1 – Wash Affected Areas
If jade plant sap comes into contact with the skin or eyes, thoroughly wash them using clean water. Do this for at least 15 minutes to completely remove the sap and alleviate the condition.
2 – Rinse Mouth and Throat
If the sap accidentally comes in contact with your mouth, rinse thoroughly with water to wash away the sap.
You may also consume milk or yogurt as they can neutralize the irritating compounds of jade plants.
3 – Symptomatic Treatment
Treatment of specific symptoms may be necessary depending on the severity.
For example, if gastrointestinal symptoms occur, a physician will prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms.
4 – Minimize Contact with Jade Plant Sap
To protect your skin from coming into contact with a jade plant sap, you have to wear gloves while potting or trimming the plant.
This precaution can prevent exposure to the sap, which can cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions.
Additionally, after handling the plant, it’s crucial to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. It’ll help remove any remaining sap or plant particles that may still be present on your skin.
Are Jade Plants Toxic to Cats?
Cats are naturally curious creatures and may be drawn to the succulent leaves of jade plants.
However, jade contains bufadienolides which are harmful to them. It’s necessary to be vigilant in preventing cats from eating your jade plants.
If your cat exhibits any symptoms after contacting or ingesting your jade plant leaves, you must visit the vet immediately.
Here are the symptoms that you have to look out for:
1 – Vomiting
If a cat ingests jade plants, the poisoning symptoms can appear within a few hours.
The symptoms include vomiting, which is a natural defense mechanism to expel toxic substances from the system.
2 – Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom of jade plant toxicity in cats. This succulent can irritate the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and loose, watery stool.
In cases of severe diarrhea or dehydration, veterinary attention may be necessary.
3 – Loss of Appetite
Most animals stop eating when there’s something wrong and cats are no exception. They may experience a decreased or complete loss of appetite because of discomfort.
4 – Pale Gums
Jade plant toxicity can cause cats to have pale gums, indicating a potential decrease in blood supply to that area. If you notice that your cat’s gum is getting whiter, you should take him to the vet.
5 – Weakness
In severe cases, cats may collapse or become weak due to the systemic effects of jade plant toxicity on their body. In the worst-case scenario, your cat may struggle to breathe or swallow.
Are Jade Plants Toxic to Dogs?
For some reason, dogs can sometimes develop quirky habits, like compulsively chewing on plants. It could be due to underlying training or behavioral issues they may have. It could also be out of pure curiosity.
Furthermore, they may try to compensate for nutritional deficiencies by munching on jade plants. Unfortunately, just like it is to cats, jade plants are harmful to dogs.
Here are some symptoms of jade plant poisoning in dogs:
1 – Depression
The poisonous substances in jade plants can disrupt the normal functioning of a dog’s body. It leads to symptoms such as decreased activity levels and loss of appetite.
Dogs may also exhibit signs of depression when suffering from jade plant poisoning.
2 – Slow Heart Rate
When a dog eats jade plants, the toxic compounds can affect the heart rate, causing it to beat slower than usual.
This condition is known as bradycardia which makes the dog feel weak, tired, or faint. In severe cases, the dog may even collapse.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to detect bradycardia without the help of your vet. However, you can detect the side effect resulting from it. Bradycardia impairs the blood supply to the muscles which can cause generalized fatigue in your dog’s body.
3 – Uncoordinated Movements
Jade plants can affect a dog’s nervous system. As you may know, the nervous system sends signals from the brain to the muscles for coordinated movement.
So, if a dog has eaten a large amount of jade plant, it’ll experience symptoms such as stumbling and staggering.
How to Handle the Jade Plant Problem With Cats and Dogs
You should do your best to prevent your pet from eating a Jade plant. If you find your cat or dog constantly coming back to the jade plant, here’s what you can do:
1 – Remove or Hide the Plant
Move your plant to a different location to prevent further ingestion. You may place it in a spot where your pet can’t reach, or place the plant in a decorative cage that your pet can’t get through.
If you catch your pet in the act, immediately remove any jade plant matter from their mouths. Use clean water with some sterilized cotton to manually remove any small parts of the plant.
2 – Contact Your Veterinarian
It’s vital to contact your veterinarian immediately, even if your pet appears normal. Your veterinarian must monitor your pet’s symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
This can’t happen with cats, but some owners may try to intentionally induce their dogs to vomit. You mustn’t do that as it can cause aspiration pneumonia.
3 – Veterinary Examination
Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet, including checking for any signs of toxicity from the jade plant.
To help reach a more definitive diagnosis, always bring a piece of your jade plant with you for the vet to check.
4 – Training “Leave It” Command (For Dogs)
Teaching your dog the “Leave It” command is useful in deterring them from approaching or attempting to eat jade plants.
Practice this command during regular training sessions and reinforce it consistently. When you spot your dog approaching the plant, firmly but gently say “Leave It.” Once your dog complies, reward him was a tasty treat to reinforce that positive behavior.
Can Chickens Eat a Jade Plant?
No, they can’t. Jade plants are toxic to birds in general and can cause oral infection and inflammation.
Every part of the jade plant, including the stem, leaves, and roots, is poisonous to chickens.
As such, if you have any chickens, you must keep your jade plants away from their roaming areas.
If you suspect that your chickens have pecked a jade plant or any other toxic plant, seek advice from a veterinarian.
Can Rabbits Eat a Jade Plant?
Yes, rabbits can eat jade plants, but only in small amounts. However, it’s worth mentioning that jade plants lack the fiber that rabbits need, so they’re practically just stomach fillers with no real value.
So, it’s best to provide rabbits with appropriate food sources that meet their nutritional needs to ensure their well-being.
Will Deer Eat a Jade Plant?
Jade plants and succulents in general aren’t on the list of foods that deer prefer because of their rubbery consistency. However, they might feed on them if food is scarce. If the jade plants around your house are noticeably torn, deer might be the culprits.
Consider building physical barriers like fences or other deterrents to keep the deer away from your plants.
Alternatively, you can relocate your jade plants to areas where deer are less likely to find them.
Final Thoughts
Jade plants are commonly chosen as houseplants because of their popularity and low-maintenance nature.
However, it’s crucial to be mindful of their potential toxicity to humans, cats, and dogs.
When handling jade plants, exercise caution and take appropriate measures in case of ingestion or exposure. Also, do your best to keep it away from your curious pets.

Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.