The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular houseplant recognized for its distinctive braided trunk and glossy, palmate leaves. This tropical species, also called the Malabar chestnut, is often purchased as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. A common concern arises for households with curious children or pets who might chew on the foliage. Determining the plant’s safety profile is a top priority before introducing this greenery into the living space.
Is the Money Tree Toxic?
The Money Tree is definitively classified as non-toxic to both humans and animals. Authoritative organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) list Pachira aquatica as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. This means the plant does not contain chemically harmful substances or poisonous principles that cause systemic poisoning. The plant is free of compounds like insoluble calcium oxalates, which cause severe irritation in many other common houseplants. Therefore, consuming small amounts of a leaf or stem is not expected to result in a medical emergency.
What Happens If a Child or Pet Eats It?
Even though the Money Tree is non-toxic, ingestion can still lead to mild, self-limiting physical reactions. Symptoms are generally limited to minor gastrointestinal upset, a common reaction to consuming fibrous plant material. These symptoms may include temporary vomiting, diarrhea, or a mild stomachache. The discomfort is typically due to the physical bulk of the material irritating the lining of the stomach and intestines. For pets, especially cats, this might also manifest as mild drooling or lip-smacking.
These signs are a response to a foreign object in the digestive tract, not an indication of actual poisoning, and usually resolve quickly without intervention. A rare distinction involves the seeds or nuts of the Money Tree, which the plant rarely produces indoors. Raw, unprocessed seeds have been shown to be highly toxic to laboratory animals in certain studies. Any raw seeds or fruit should be kept strictly out of reach of pets and children.
Immediate Steps Following Ingestion
If you observe your pet or child eating the Money Tree, first remove any remaining plant material from their mouth. Because the plant is non-toxic, initial treatment centers on observation and supportive care. Monitor the individual closely for the first hour to watch for any mild signs of stomach upset.
Contact a veterinarian or a Poison Control Center immediately if symptoms are severe or persist for more than a few hours. Seek professional advice if a large quantity of the plant was consumed, or if the pet or child exhibits lethargy or unusual behavior. Providing the professional with the specific plant name (Pachira aquatica) and the approximate amount consumed is helpful for accurate guidance.
Prevention remains the most effective course of action to avoid discomfort. Consider placing the Money Tree on a high shelf or in an area inaccessible to curious animals and toddlers. Using physical barriers or deterrent sprays can also discourage further nibbling.