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
Corn Plant
Dracaena fragrans
The Corn Plant is a popular indoor shrub known for its long, arching, sword-like leaves that resemble corn stalks. While aesthetically pleasing, it contains saponins that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Corn PlantCornstalk DracaenaDracaena fragransDracaena massangeana
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright shrub
- 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 (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, and dilated pupils.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, depression, anorexia, and hypersalivation.
Escalation note
While generally considered mild to moderate in toxicity, ingestion can cause discomfort and digestive upset. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Corn plant is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of saponins.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Dracaena fragrans is a popular houseplant that is known to be toxic to pets if ingested.
Questions about Corn Plant
Is corn plant toxic to cats?
Yes, corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is toxic to cats. It contains saponins that can cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, loss of appetite, hypersalivation, and dilated pupils if ingested.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating a corn plant?
Watch for drooling, vomiting (occasionally bloody), refusal to eat, depression, dilated pupils, wobbliness, and elevated heart rate. Repeated vomiting can dehydrate a cat quickly, so monitor closely.
What should I do if my cat ate a corn plant?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Seek immediate help if you see blood in the vomit, more than a couple of vomiting episodes, lethargy that won't lift, or dilated pupils combined with vomiting — any of those warrants a call on their own.
How long do corn plant poisoning symptoms last in cats?
Onset timing isn't well documented, but GI signs from Dracaena ingestion are typically mild and temporary, usually resolving within 24 hours with supportive care. Severe or prolonged symptoms — especially bloody vomit or persistent lethargy — need veterinary attention rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Is the corn plant toxic to dogs?
Yes, the corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is considered potentially toxic to dogs. It contains saponins that can cause vomiting, depression, anorexia, and hypersalivation if ingested. Toxicity is generally mild to moderate, but ingestion can cause real discomfort.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating a corn plant?
Watch for vomiting (occasionally with blood), excessive drooling, lethargy, refusal to eat, and weakness. Most dogs experience GI signs only and recover within a day or two with supportive care.
What should I do if my dog ate a corn plant?
Remove your dog's access to the plant and monitor closely. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you see blood in the vomit, repeated vomiting, lethargy that won't lift, or any wobbliness. Small or young dogs that ate a larger amount warrant earlier veterinary review.
How long after eating a corn plant will a dog get sick?
Specific onset timing is not well documented, but Dracaena saponin ingestions are generally associated with mild, temporary GI upset that typically begins within a few hours of ingestion and resolves in roughly 24 hours with supportive care.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
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 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.
Both sold as "Dragon Tree".
Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata
The Madagascar Dragon Tree is a popular, slow-growing indoor plant known for its slender, woody stems and spiky, colorful foliage. It contains saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same genus
More from the Dracaena genus
Same safety verdict
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Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Autograph Tree
Clusia major
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Pencil Cactus
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Common Privet
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Common Privet is a semi-evergreen shrub often used for hedging that contains toxic compounds throughout the plant, particularly in the berries and leaves. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress in household pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Aechmea magdalenae
Aechmea magdalenae
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Banana Plant
Musa acuminata
The banana plant is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, paddle-shaped leaves and rapid growth. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
The Bird of Paradise is a popular tropical houseplant known for its striking, crane-like orange and blue flowers. While visually stunning, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.