Mother of Thousands
Veterinary Emergency
Veterinary emergency. Contains high concentrations of cardiac glycosides. Even small amounts can cause fatal heart arrhythmias. Seek immediate vet care.
ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Plant Information
Alligator Plant, Mexican Hat Plant, Devil's Backbone
Crassulaceae
houseplant
Highly Toxic — Emergency Risk
Toxicity Details
all parts, plantlets
Bufadienolides (daigremontianin)
2 to 12 hours
severe
Symptoms to Watch For
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Death
What to Do
Veterinary emergency. Contains high concentrations of cardiac glycosides. Even small amounts can cause fatal heart arrhythmias. Seek immediate vet care.
Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet or poison control immediately.
About Mother of Thousands
Mother of Thousands produces tiny plantlets along leaf edges that drop and root everywhere. It contains potent bufadienolide cardiac glycosides — more concentrated than other Kalanchoe species. Ingestion can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias in both dogs and cats.
Safe Alternatives
These plants provide a similar look but are non-toxic to pets: