Skip to main content

PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions

Simple keyword search (one or two words only)

 


BRIEF: Is Plumeria rubra poisonous to cats?


QUESTION:
I have been searching for information regarding white pink plumeria trees to determine whether my 2 indoor cats will be at risk if I attempt to grow one in my home. I recently returned from a trip to Hawaii where I purchased cuttings to plant but I have not been able to find any reference as to whether they are poisonous to cats or not. The store owner was not very informed on the subject when I purchased the cuttings, so I hoped you might either be able to tell me or give me some advise on where else to look. I find it very reassuring to find such useful information as is provided on the Cornell site on this topic. I'm sure plumeria is not typically a common choice as house plants go.

ANSWER:

The sap from Plumeria rubra is known to cause dermatitis (skin irritation) and I don't know for sure, but since it is in the dogbane family it might well contain some cardiac glucosides (like oleander, dogbane and foxglove) that would cause problems if eaten.