The list of poisonous houseplants for cats is long. Caring indoor gardeners who share their lives with cats know that even non-toxic plants can be fatal to cats. Read here whether the magnificent gloxinia falls under this category.
Are gloxinias poisonous to cats?
Gloxinia are generally not toxic to cats, but larger quantities can cause nausea and vomiting due to the chlorogenic acid they contain. Be sure to keep the plant away from cats and instead offer cat grass or toys to distract them.
Is a gloxinia poisonous to cats?
Basically, gloxinia is not poisonous to cats. However, a complete all-clear cannot be given. The information center for poisoning at the University Hospital of Bonn points out that nausea and vomiting can occur in humans and animals afterconsumption of large quantities.
The reason for the warning is a worrying concentration of chlorogenic acid contained in the original species (Sinningia speciosa) and varieties derived from it.
Growth inhibitors and fertilizers contaminate gloxinias – what to do?
Plant breeders subject gloxinias to treatment with chemical growth inhibitors for a sales-promoting, compact appearance. Commercial planting in mineral-fertilized substrate makes things even more difficult. With a clear conscience, the gloxinia can no longer be considered a cat-friendly houseplant. With thisImmediate Care you can fix the problem:
- Unpot the gloxinia on the day of purchase.
- Rinse the substrate and leaves thoroughly.
- Drain the ornamental plant on a rack.
- Mix a cat-friendly substrate from peat-free, organic organic cactus soil, coconut fibers and lava granules.
- Plant gloxinia over expanded clay drainage and water.
How do I keep my cat away from gloxinia?
Boredom and lack of challenge are the most common causes when cats attack gloxinias or other house plants. It doesn't have to come to that. With simpledistraction maneuvers you can stop your listless cat from nibbling gloxinias:
- Place pots of cat grass in living rooms and on the balcony.
- Offer cat toys, such as a fiddle board (€15.00 on Amazon), fabric balls or clicker training.
- Place gloxinia in the decorative bird cage.
- Put a cat net over the houseplant.
- Plant gloxinia in the hanging basket and hang it from the ceiling.
Tip
Outdoor gloxinia is not poisonous
The outdoor gloxinia (Incarvillea) is the hardy counterpart to the frost-sensitive gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa). Botanically, the two ornamental plants are only distantly related. The only thing they have in common is their status as largely non-toxic flower beauties. A low concentration of the alkaloid delavayin A has been detected in outdoor gloxinia, which, when consumed in large quantities, causes side effects similar to those of chlorogenic acid in gloxinia.
