Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Is Plumeria rubra poisonous to cats?
QUESTION:
I have been searching for information regarding
white pink plumeria trees to determine whether my 2 indoor cats will be at
risk if I attempt to grow one in my home. I recently returned from a trip to
Hawaii where I purchased cuttings to plant but I have not been able to find
any reference as to whether they are poisonous to cats or not. The store owner
was not very informed on the subject when I purchased the cuttings, so I hoped
you might either be able to tell me or give me some advise on where else
to look.
I find it very reassuring to find such useful information as is provided on the
Cornell site on this topic. I'm sure plumeria
is not typically a common choice as house plants go.
ANSWER:
The sap from Plumeria rubra is known to cause dermatitis (skin irritation) and
I don't know for sure, but since it is in the dogbane family it might well
contain some cardiac glucosides (like oleander, dogbane and foxglove) that would
cause problems if
eaten.