Mother of Millions
Not listed does not mean safe.
Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · shows: Kalanchoe delagoensis
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Kalanchoe tubiflora
Also known as: Mother-In-Law-Plant, Kalanchoe, Devils Backbone, Chandelier Plant
Family: Crassulaceae · ASPCA plant record
Verdict at a glance
Evidence by animal
| Animal | Verdict | Basis | Plant parts | Sources | Evidence link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Companion mammals | |||||
| Cats | Cats: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Dogs | Dogs: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Small mammals | |||||
| Rabbits | Rabbits: ! Caution | Merck: genus-level row, shown as caution | Not specified | Merck Veterinary Manual Veterinary reference | evidence |
| Rats | Rats: ! Caution | Merck: genus-level row, shown as caution | Not specified | Merck Veterinary Manual Veterinary reference | evidence |
| Birds | |||||
| Pet birds (general) | Pet birds (general): ! Caution | AAV: genus-level, shown as caution; Frontiers 2025 review: different species or genus-level, shown as caution | Not specified | Association of Avian Veterinarians Veterinary reference | evidence |
Source excerpts
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Cats, Dogs
poison-control
Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceMerck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals — Rabbits, Rats
veterinary-reference
Merck: genus-level row, shown as caution · Merck row: Kalanchoe spp (cardiac glycosides found in leaves) The row is for the whole genus and does not name Kalanchoe tubiflora, so this is shown as caution.
depression, rapid breathing, teeth grinding, ataxia, paralysis, opisthotonos (rabbit), and death (rat).
Source checked 2026-10-27 (source updated Sept 2024 (full review Nov 2023))
Read original sourceAssociation of Avian Veterinarians — Protecting Your Pet Birds From Household Dangers — Pet birds (general)
veterinary-reference
AAV: genus-level, shown as caution · AAV leaflet "Protecting Your Pet Birds From Household Dangers" (the list "is not exhaustive"). The source names only the genus (Kalanchoe), not Kalanchoe tubiflora specifically, so this is shown as caution.
There are reports of birds being poisoned after eating Crown vetch (Coronilla varia), Rhododendron species, and Kalanchoe species.
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceAvian toxicoses: a review (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025) — Pet birds (general)
peer-reviewed
Frontiers 2025 review: different species or genus-level, shown as caution · Review section "Toxic plants (miscellaneous)" on pet birds. The source names Kalanchoe (a different species or only the genus), not Kalanchoe tubiflora, so this is shown as caution.
Many ornamental plants are toxic, such as Coronilla varia, Ericaceae family (for example Rhododendron spp.), Kalanchoe spp., Nerium oleander, Taxus media, Digitalis purpurea, and Euphorbia pulcherima (81).
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceNo evidence collected in this database yet for 18 animals
No evidence collected in this database yet for: Horses, Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Tortoises, Bearded dragons, Iguanas, Goats, Chickens & other poultry
No supported claim has been collected for these animals. Not listed does not mean safe; do not infer suitability from another species.
Toxic principles
ASPCA, as published: Bufodienolides Source
Clinical signs
ASPCA, as published: Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm (rare). Source
More from veterinary sources
Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-10-27. Source access dates and limitations.
Similar plants (same family)
Shared family is not a shared verdict. Check each plant separately.