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Artillery Plant vs. Aluminum Plant: which is safe for cats and dogs?

The Artillery Plant and the Aluminum Plant are frequently compared because both belong to the Pilea genus, leading many pet owners to wonder if their shared botanical lineage implies similar safety profiles. Fortunately, both the Artillery Plant and the Aluminum Plant are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. While neither plant contains harmful compounds, they are both fibrous, meaning that if your pet decides to snack on a significant amount of foliage, they may experience mild digestive upset. You can feel confident keeping these popular houseplants in your home, provided you monitor your pets to ensure they do not consume large quantities of plant material.

Artillery Plant

Pilea microphylla

The Artillery Plant is a small, fern-like succulent known for its tiny leaves and unique habit of releasing pollen in small puffs. It is generally considered safe for households with pets.

cat

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Watch for

None expected from normal interaction; however, large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.

dog

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Watch for

None expected from normal interaction; however, large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Full Artillery Plant reference →

Aluminum Plant

Pilea cadierei

The Aluminum Plant is a popular indoor foliage plant known for its striking silver-patterned leaves and compact growth habit. It is considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.

cat

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Watch for

None typically expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.

dog

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Watch for

None typically expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Full Aluminum Plant reference →