Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Striped Dracaena
Dracaena deremensis
Striped Dracaena is a popular indoor foliage plant known for its long, lance-shaped leaves with distinct variegation. It contains saponins, which can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Dracaena deremensisDracaena warneckiiJanet Craig DracaenaStriped Dracaena
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and dilated pupils.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress and lethargy. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and general weakness.
Escalation note
While typically not life-threatening, ingestion can cause significant stomach upset. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Dracaena species contain saponins which can cause vomiting, depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and dilated pupils in cats.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Dracaena deremensis is a slow-growing evergreen shrub often used as a houseplant for its attractive foliage.
Questions about Striped Dracaena
Is Striped Dracaena toxic to cats?
Yes, Striped Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) is toxic to cats. It contains saponins that can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and dilated pupils if ingested.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Striped Dracaena?
Symptoms include drooling, vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, loss of appetite, weakness, incoordination, dilated pupils, abdominal pain, and increased heart rate. Pet Poison Helpline notes these signs are generally mild and temporary, but can vary in severity.
What should I do if my cat ate Striped Dracaena?
Remove your cat from the plant and monitor closely for symptoms. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop on their own.
When is Striped Dracaena ingestion serious enough to call the vet for my cat?
Call your vet if vomiting is repeated, your cat appears unsteady or weak, or you observe dilated pupils or signs of abdominal pain. While Pet Poison Helpline describes GI signs as generally mild and temporary, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant prompt veterinary attention.
Is Striped Dracaena toxic to dogs?
Yes, Striped Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) is toxic to dogs. It contains saponins that can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and general weakness if ingested. Ingestion is typically not life-threatening, but it can cause significant stomach upset.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating Striped Dracaena?
Dogs that eat Striped Dracaena may show drooling, vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite, weakness, and incoordination. According to the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline, these GI signs are generally mild and temporary, though severity can vary.
What should I do if my dog ate a Striped Dracaena plant?
Remove your dog from the plant and watch closely for vomiting, drooling, weakness, or unsteadiness. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for guidance. Seek veterinary care promptly if vomiting is repeated, your dog seems unsteady, or symptoms persist or worsen beyond a few hours.
What toxic compound in Dracaena makes it dangerous to dogs?
Striped Dracaena contains saponins, naturally occurring compounds that irritate a dog's digestive tract and can cause the vomiting, drooling, and weakness associated with ingestion. The Pet Poison Helpline notes the resulting signs are typically self-limiting, but worsening symptoms warrant a veterinarian visit.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Same Dracaena genus.
Gold Dust Dracaena
Dracaena surculosa
Dracaena surculosa is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its spotted, leathery foliage. It contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Dracaena genus.
Dracaena
Dracaena spp.
Dracaena is a popular genus of ornamental foliage plants known for their architectural, palm-like appearance. They contain saponins which can cause gastrointestinal and neurological distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Dracaena genus.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same genus
More from the Dracaena genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, variegated leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
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The Baby Doll Ti Plant is a popular tropical ornamental known for its vibrant, colorful foliage. It contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Cannabis
Cannabis sativa
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Charming Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia amoena
Dieffenbachia amoena is a popular tropical foliage plant known for its large, variegated leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Copperleaf
Acalypha godseffiana
Copperleaf is a tropical shrub known for its vibrant, variegated foliage. It contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by household pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Staghorn Fern is a unique epiphytic fern known for its antler-shaped fronds. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Arrowhead Plant
Syngonium podophyllum
Syngonium podophyllum is a popular tropical vining plant known for its arrow-shaped leaves that change form as the plant matures. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Bay Laurel
Laurus nobilis
Bay Laurel is a popular culinary herb often grown as an ornamental shrub or tree. While prized for its aromatic leaves, it contains essential oils that can cause digestive distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.