Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Flame Violet
Episcia reptans
Also known as Episcia cupreata
Flame Violet is a popular trailing houseplant known for its vibrant, textured foliage and tubular flowers. It is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly households.
CyrtudeiraEpisciaEpiscia cultivarEpiscia cupreataEpiscia reptansPeacock PlantPink Brocade
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Trailing
- Care
- Moderate
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
None expected. In rare cases of large ingestions, mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the fibrous nature of the plant material.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large amount and shows persistent signs of discomfort, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected. In rare cases of large ingestions, mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the fibrous nature of the plant material.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large amount and shows persistent signs of discomfort, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Flame Violetis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Flame Violet is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online (Kew)
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification for Episcia reptans.
Questions about Flame Violet
Is Flame Violet toxic to cats?
No, Flame Violet (Episcia reptans) is non-toxic to cats. It is considered safe for pet-friendly households, though non-toxic does not mean cats should be encouraged to eat it.
What happens if my cat eats a Flame Violet plant?
Flame Violet is non-toxic, so no poisoning is expected. In rare cases where a cat ingests a large amount, the fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
How much Flame Violet would make a cat sick?
Small nibbles are very unlikely to cause any reaction. Only large ingestions carry a low risk of temporary GI upset from the plant's fibrous material — not from any toxic compound. The plant contains no known toxins.
My cat ate some Flame Violet and seems uncomfortable — should I call the vet?
If your cat ate a small amount, monitor for any vomiting or diarrhea, which should resolve on its own. If signs persist or your cat consumed a large quantity and remains uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian to be safe.
Is Flame Violet toxic to dogs?
No, Flame Violet (Episcia reptans) is non-toxic to dogs. It is considered a pet-safe houseplant, so exposure or minor nibbling is not expected to cause harm.
What happens if my dog eats a Flame Violet plant?
In most cases, nothing harmful will happen. If your dog consumes a large amount, the fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, but no toxic effects are expected.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Flame Violet?
Monitor your dog for signs of stomach upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. These would be due to the bulk of plant material rather than any toxin, and typically resolve on their own. If symptoms are persistent or your dog seems uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian.
Is Flame Violet safe to keep in a home with dogs?
Yes, Flame Violet is non-toxic to dogs and is a good option for pet-friendly households. Non-toxic does not mean harmless in any quantity — eating large amounts of any plant can cause GI upset — but it poses no poisoning risk.
Same genus
More from the Episcia genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus humilis
The Lipstick Plant is a popular trailing houseplant known for its tubular, bright red flowers that resemble lipstick tubes. It is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Shrimp Cactus
Schlumbergera russelliana
The Shrimp Cactus is a popular, trailing epiphytic cactus known for its unique, segmented stems and vibrant, pendulous flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Burro's Tail
Sedum morganianum
Burro's Tail is a popular trailing succulent known for its dense, fleshy, blue-green leaves that resemble braided tails. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Candle Plant
Plectranthus coleoides
The Candle Plant is a popular trailing ornamental known for its variegated, fuzzy foliage and aromatic leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
African Violets are popular, low-growing flowering houseplants known for their fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms. They are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
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Gloxinia
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Gloxinia is a popular flowering houseplant known for its large, velvety leaves and vibrant, bell-shaped blooms. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive irritation.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Purple Waffle Plant
Hemigraphis alternata
The Purple Waffle Plant is a popular, low-growing tropical houseplant known for its puckered, metallic-purple foliage. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Silver Star
Cryptanthus lacerdae
Silver Star is a low-growing, terrestrial bromeliad known for its striking, wavy-edged foliage that forms a star-like rosette. It is considered a safe, non-toxic houseplant for households with pets.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.