Many coleus plants are toxic to cats and dogs, as they contain compounds known as diterpenes, which are known to be toxic when animals ingest them. It is important to be aware of which varieties of coleus are toxic, as their ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and depression.
Toxic varieties of coleus include ‘Fright Night Coleus’, ‘Red Log Divine’, ‘Busy Lizzie Coleus’, ‘Arabica Coleus’, ‘Black Prince Coleus’ and ‘White Blush Coleus’. It’s also important to know that the sap of these plants is also toxic, so it’s important to refrain from letting pets ingest it when outdoors.
It is also important to keep coleus plants out of reach of children, as small amounts of the plants can cause nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.
Is common coleus toxic to dogs?
No, common coleus is not toxic to dogs. The plant is a popular houseplant, and has been used in gardens and homes around the world for centuries. Although the plants contain saponins that can cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten, they aren’t generally toxic to dogs and other animals.
In fact, coleus can be used as a natural insect repellent and may even help insect bites heal faster when used topically. As long as the plant is not consumed – which is unlikely due to its pungent odor – common coleus should be safe for pets.
As with any plant, however, it is best to check with a veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about its safety.
Can coleus be a houseplant?
Yes, coleus can be a great houseplant. As a tender perennial, it is an easy-to-grow and vibrant addition to any home. Coleus can be grown in containers indoors, or outside in a mild climate. Indoors, a coleus plant should be placed in a warm, sunny spot and watered regularly.
They should also be fertilizer every few weeks to help them stay lush and colorful. Outdoors, coleus should be planted in moist, well-drained soil. They can also handle some shade, unlike most flowering plants which require full sun.
Coleus can be propagated from cuttings, so it is easy to propagate and share with friends. With proper care and attention, a coleus plant can be a colorful and unique houseplant that adds texture and color to any home.
Are begonias poisonous to dogs?
No, begonias are not poisonous to dogs. However, it is important to know that some common varieties of plants in the begonia family may contain toxic elements that could be harmful to pets if ingested.
In addition, the leaves, stems, and roots of begonias may irritate pet’s mucous membranes if ingested, so it is best to be cautious. Consumption of begonias may cause mild symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation.
If your dog is displaying any of these signs after ingestion of a begonia plant it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. In general, it is best to keep all plants out of your pet’s reach to avoid any risks.
Are coleus leaves poisonous to cats?
Unfortunately, coleus leaves are not safe for cats and are potentially poisonous. Eating coleus leaves can cause cats to experience salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it can lead to an irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even death.
Therefore, cats should be kept away from coleus leaves and not be given any food items containing or made of coleus leaves. If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a coleus plant, it’s important to monitor its health and contact your veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise.
Are impatiens toxic to dogs?
No, impatiens are generally not toxic to dogs. However, any type of ingested plant material may potentially cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs, so it is best to be cautious and keep any areas with impatiens out of reach of your pet.
Impatiens are not listed on the ASPCA’s database of plants toxic to animals, suggesting that they are safe to have around dogs. However, if your dog begins to show signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea, after consumption of impatiens, it is best to seek veterinary care and stop feeding your pet the plants.
What flower is safe for dogs?
There are a variety of flowers that are safe for dogs. Some of the most popular options include roses, pansies, daises, snapdragons, and carnations. Other pet-safe flowers include marigolds, impatiens, petunias, and hibiscus.
Additionally, many herbs are safe for dogs as well. Some of the more popular culinary herbs, such as mint, oregano, and parsley, can make lovely and aromatic additions to the garden. When selecting flowers for your pet, be sure to double check with a vet or research the species of flower you are looking for to ensure it is safe.
Are geraniums poisonous?
No, geraniums are not generally considered to be poisonous. Although all parts of the plant are considered to have a mild to moderate toxicity if ingested, it is not known to cause severe symptoms or death.
It is possible that some mild gastrointestinal distress may occur if the leaves are eaten, but this is rarely seen in cases of ingestion. Additionally, it is safe to use the leaves and blossoms of the geranium in cooking and teas, as long as the leaves and blossoms have not been treated with any type of chemical.
Finally, it is important to note that while geraniums may not be directly toxic, they may cause skin irritation if handled too often.
What animal eats coleus leaves?
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and groundhogs are all animals that love to eat coleus leaves. They are high in fiber, low in calories, and filled with vitamins and minerals. Rabbits especially love coleus leaves, as they provide them with a healthy and nutrient-rich snack.
Guinea pigs and groundhogs seem to also enjoy munching on these crunchy greens. According to one study, freeze-dried coleus leaves were fed to rabbits and guinea pigs in order to measure essential nutrient intake.
The results indicated that both animals eagerly ate the coleus leaves and their nutrient intake improved significantly. Therefore, coleus leaves are a great snack for various animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs and groundhogs.
Do coleus attract pests?
Coleus plants are generally resistant to pests, but they are still susceptible to certain insect infestations, such as aphids and mealybugs. These pests can weaken the plants and affect their health, so you should check your coleus regularly for signs of infestation.
In some instances, you may need to treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate the pests. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep the area around your coleus clean and free from debris, as this can attract pests to the plants.
Will slugs eat impatiens?
Slugs will eat impatiens, and for a good reason. Impatiens are a favorite of slugs because they have succulent stems and juicy foliage which make them easy to consume. Slugs are mollusks with no teeth, so they secrete digestive juices to break down the plant materials they eat.
Impatiens are an attractive summer flower that can be grown in shade to part sun in most parts of the United States. Unfortunately, they are also a favorite food of slugs and can be completely decimated if the infestation is severe.
To protect impatiens, first reduce the main attractants: keep the plants well-hydrated, reduce the amount of mulch and compost near the plants as these can provide shelter and food for slugs; and eliminate nearby weeds that could provide hiding places.
For protection from pests, you can set up physical barriers such as copper tape around pot edges, or traps such as shallow beer dishes. Alternatively, you can use natural predators such as ducks, chicken, and shrews.
Finally, you can use chemical control methods such as baits or sprays (where legal). It’s important to research both organic and chemical treatments to determine which one is best for your situation.
Do coffee grounds repel earwigs?
Yes, coffee grounds may repel earwigs. Earwigs seem to be disdainful of the smell of coffee and it is believed that placing coffee grounds in areas where earwigs like to reside may help to keep them away.
Additionally, since coffee grounds are acidic, earwigs may not be as likely to spend any time in areas where coffee grounds are present. Furthermore, coffee grounds can also make the soil around a plant inhospitable to earwigs, as the insects like to stay in moist areas.
To repel earwigs using coffee grounds, spread them around the base of plants that they like or in the soil or mulch around other areas where the insects may congregate. It should be noted, however, that while coffee grounds may help to repel earwigs, other methods may need to be employed in order to fully control an earwig infestation.
What keeps earwigs away naturally?
Some of these include removing any potential hiding spots or areas earwigs would like to nest, such as piles of dead leaves, standing water, and rotting wood. Additionally, keeping outdoor areas dry and free of excess mulch or compost can help reduce their presence.
Utilizing key plants around your property can also help, including tansy, mint, chrysanthemums, lavender, and sage. These plants produce strong odors that repel earwigs. Additionally, you can place sticky barriers, such as petroleum jelly or any type of Tanglefoot, around the base of plants that you would like to protect.
Finally, implementing beneficial habitat-preserving, predatory insects such as ground beetles can help reduce earwig populations, as these predatory insects feed on earwig larva.
What do earwigs do to humans?
Earwigs are not considered dangerous to humans and are not known to spread disease, but they can be a nuisance. They may live outdoors in garden soil, or hide in cracks or crevices of houses and outbuildings.
Indoors, earwigs can live in damp, dark places such as basements and bathrooms.
Earwigs feed primarily on plants, but may scavenge dead insects and other small organic matter. They aren’t known to bite humans, however they may pinch if handled carelessly. Their scientific name, “Forficula auricularia” comes from the Latin words “forfex” meaning “scissor” and “auris” meaning “ear”.
This is because of their distinctive feature of two large pincers at the tip of their abdomen that look like scissors.
The earwig is thought to get its name because of an old myth that said these bugs would crawl into people’s ears while they were sleeping. Fortunately, this myth is not true; earwigs are not known to crawl into people’s ears.