Is Chinese Evergreen Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, the Chinese Evergreen plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) includes Aglaonema modestum on its list of plants that are toxic to these species.
The plant’s toxicity is due to a substance called insoluble calcium oxalates. These are microscopic, needle-shaped crystals found in the plant’s cells. When an animal chews or bites the leaves or stems, these crystals are released. They embed themselves in the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing immediate, localized pain and irritation.
Chinese Evergreen: what the ASPCA database lists
| ASPCA entry | Chinese Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Other common names | None listed |
| Scientific name | Aglaonema modestum |
| Family | Araceae |
| Toxic to | Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses |
| Non-toxic to | None listed |
| Toxic principles | Insoluble calcium oxalates |
| Clinical signs listed | Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing |
Signs of Chinese Evergreen Exposure
The ASPCA database identifies the toxic principle in Chinese Evergreen as insoluble calcium oxalates. Exposure can lead to a specific set of clinical signs in cats, dogs, and horses. These symptoms are a direct result of the physical irritation caused by the sharp crystals.
The listed signs of exposure include:
- Oral irritation
- Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting (in cats and dogs)
- Difficulty swallowing
These symptoms typically appear very quickly after a pet bites or chews on the plant. The discomfort often discourages animals from ingesting a large quantity of the plant material.
What This Means for Pet Owners
Having a Chinese Evergreen in a home with pets requires careful management to prevent accidental ingestion. The plant’s foliage can entice curious cats, dogs, or horses to chew on its leaves or stems. Even a small bite can release the oxalate crystals and cause a painful reaction in an animal’s mouth.
While the effects cause significant discomfort, the primary risk is the intense oral irritation and the potential for swelling to interfere with swallowing. The pain and swelling can be distressing for the animal and may require veterinary attention.
Keeping Pets and This Plant Apart
The most effective way to prevent a negative reaction is to ensure your pets cannot access the plant. Place Chinese Evergreens in rooms or areas that are off-limits to animals. For household pets, positioning them on very high shelves or in hanging planters can work. For all animals, including horses, the key is to create a physical barrier or place the plant in a location they cannot reach. Supervise pets when they are in the same room as the plant.
Regularly check the area around the plant for fallen leaves and dispose of them immediately. When pruning or repotting, keep pets in another area to prevent them from coming into contact with discarded plant parts. Providing pets with their own safe toys and appropriate items to chew can also help redirect their curiosity away from houseplants.
When to call your vet
If your pet chewed or ate part of this plant, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line. Note which plant and which part, how much may be gone and when, and take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.
If you suspect your cat, dog, or horse has chewed on a Chinese Evergreen, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. A consultation fee may apply. Note the time of exposure and how much of the plant you believe was ingested. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or provide any home remedies. Follow the specific guidance of veterinary professionals.
Emergency signs: go now
- Collapse, fainting or severe weakness
- Seizures, tremors or trouble standing
- Trouble breathing or blue, gray or very pale gums
- Repeated vomiting or retching, or a swollen, painful belly
- Any known contact with a substance listed as toxic, even before signs appear
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- Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts or keeps coming back
- Not eating or drinking, or drinking much more than usual
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth or a swollen face
- Lethargy, hiding or acting unlike themselves
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Your own vet or nearest emergency clinic is always a good first call.
Sources
Last checked October 21, 2026. Listings and guidance can change; your veterinarian knows your pet’s health history.