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
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.
Candle PlantPlectranthus coleoidesSwedish Ivy
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Trailing
- 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
None expected; however, consumption of large quantities of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large quantities of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Candle 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
Plectranthus coleoides is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online (Kew)
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification for Plectranthus coleoides.
Questions about Candle Plant
Is the Candle Plant toxic to cats?
No, the Candle Plant (Plectranthus coleoides) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning contact or minor nibbling is not expected to cause harm.
What happens if my cat eats a Candle Plant?
Eating small amounts is unlikely to cause any reaction. Consuming a large quantity of the fibrous, aromatic leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk plant material, not any toxic compound.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of Candle Plant?
Monitor your cat for digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If symptoms persist or your cat seems distressed, contact your veterinarian. Because this plant is non-toxic, emergency intervention is not typically required for small to moderate ingestion.
Does the fuzzy or aromatic foliage of the Candle Plant pose any risk to cats?
The aromatic oils and fuzzy texture of Candle Plant leaves are not documented as harmful to cats. The main concern with large ingestions is mild GI upset from the fibrous plant matter, not the scent compounds or leaf texture.
Is the Candle Plant toxic to dogs?
No, the Candle Plant (Plectranthus coleoides) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause serious harm.
What happens if my dog eats a Candle Plant?
Eating small amounts is unlikely to cause any reaction. If your dog consumes a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant matter rather than any toxic compound.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Candle Plant?
Monitor your dog for digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. These signs should resolve on their own, but if they persist or your dog seems distressed, contact your veterinarian.
Does the aromatic scent of Candle Plant make it dangerous to dogs?
The aromatic quality of Candle Plant foliage does not indicate toxicity in dogs. The plant is classified as generally safe, and its scent alone is not a concern — though dogs that repeatedly chew on any plant in quantity may experience minor GI upset.
Same genus
More from the Plectranthus genus
Prostrate Coleus
Plectranthus oetendahlii
Prostrate Coleus is a trailing, shade-loving plant often grown for its attractive, variegated foliage. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Swedish Ivy
Plectranthus verticillatus
Swedish Ivy is a popular, fast-growing trailing houseplant known for its glossy, scalloped leaves and ease of care. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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.
Flame Violet
Episcia reptans
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.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Hoya
Hoya pubicalyx
Hoya is a popular, low-maintenance trailing houseplant known for its waxy, succulent-like leaves and fragrant clusters of star-shaped flowers. 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.
Not yet rated for dogs.
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
The spider plant is a popular, easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its arching, grass-like foliage and trailing plantlets. It is widely considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous material may occasionally cause mild digestive upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cuban Oregano
Coleus amboinicus
The Bread and Butter plant is a succulent herb known for its aromatic, fleshy leaves often used in culinary applications. While popular as a kitchen herb, it contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Jade Plant
Crassula argentea
The Jade Plant is a popular succulent known for its thick, woody stems and fleshy, oval-shaped leaves. While aesthetically pleasing, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.