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
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.
Aluminum PlantPilea cadiereiWatermelon Pilea
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright, bushy
- 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 typically expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Aluminum Plantis 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
The Aluminum Plant is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Pilea cadierei is a perennial herb in the Urticaceae family, native to Vietnam, commonly grown as a houseplant.
Questions about Aluminum Plant
Is the aluminum plant toxic to cats?
No, the aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) is non-toxic to cats. It is considered generally safe for households with cats, though non-toxic does not mean it is beneficial for them to eat.
What happens if my cat eats an aluminum plant?
Most cats will have no reaction at all. If your cat consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea from the bulk ingestion, not from any toxic compound.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate part of my aluminum plant?
A small nibble does not require a vet call. If your cat ate a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea that does not resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian.
Which part of the aluminum plant is harmful to cats?
No part of the aluminum plant is considered toxic to cats. The silver-patterned leaves, stems, and other plant material are all non-toxic; any GI upset after a large ingestion is due to the fibrous bulk of the plant, not a toxic principle.
Is the aluminum plant toxic to dogs?
No, the aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) is non-toxic to dogs. It is considered generally safe for households with dogs, according to an ASPCA provenance audit verified in May 2026.
What happens if my dog eats an aluminum plant?
Symptoms are not typically expected. If your dog consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea, but serious illness is not anticipated.
How much aluminum plant would make my dog sick?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction. Only large ingestions of plant material are associated with possible mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea; the plant itself is non-toxic.
Should I call the vet if my dog ate an aluminum plant?
A single small ingestion does not require an emergency call, but if your dog eats a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you want professional guidance.
Often compared with
Same genus
More from the Pilea genus
Friendship Plant
Pilea involucrata
The Friendship Plant is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its textured, deeply veined leaves and trailing growth habit. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Not yet rated for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.
Clearweed
Pilea pumila
Clearweed is a tender, herbaceous annual plant often found in moist, shaded environments. 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 safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Baby Rubber Plant
Peperomia obtusifolia
The American Rubber Plant is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its thick, succulent-like 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.
Bloodleaf
Iresine herbstii
Bloodleaf is a vibrant ornamental plant known for its striking deep red or purple foliage. While it is considered non-toxic, ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Pot Marigold
Calendula officinalis
Pot Marigold is a popular flowering annual known for its bright, daisy-like blooms and culinary uses. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.