Fiddle Leaf Fig: A Few Updates
Cats, , Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
If you recall, I bought a Fiddle Fig Leaf plant back in October. Surprisingly it is still alive although my husband claims its on its death bed. Whatev.
So, I thought I would share a few updates since the last post. Cosmetic, care-related, and about the cats .
Occasionally, one of the leaves will turn more yellowish and/or get brown at the tips. The brown seems to work its way up the leaf. Typically Ill just pull it off after awhile and it snaps off fairly easily. Thankfully, I have had one or two new leaves to fill in some of the bald spots. But, with all the pruning over the last six month, its definitely not as hefty as it once was .
You can see I also ended up pruning the bottom of the tree . This was mainly due to the cats. Like I mentioned in the original post, there were reviews online about whether or not fiddle leaf figs are safe for cats.
Up next? Ill officially re-pot it. The black plastic container it came in is likely too small. I need to upgrade the pot and add some nice dirt.
Not sure you can make the commitment to a real version? There are so many great faux fiddle leaf fig options now as well! Ive round up a few below.
I am definitely still a fan of this plant . Are you, or has it been overdone?
Do you have any fiddle leaf fig tips or things to avoid? With such finicky little plants, I would love to hear others successes !
disclosure: some affiliate links used
What Ought To I Do If My Cat Bit A Fiddle Leaf Fig
The very first thing is to not panic. Its necessary to know that this plant releases toxins as a approach of defending itself within the wild. Its not out to take over your property and hurt your pets.
With that stated, nonetheless, its toxin is robust sufficient to trigger a cat, canine, and another family pet some critical points.
Its not going to be deadly not less than I couldnt discover a recorded case of it inflicting a fatality.
One of the best factor you are able to do to assist them is to try to get them to drink slightly milk. I do know, milk isnt good for cats, however on this occasion its medicinal!
Very similar to milk helps us if we eat one thing too spicy, itll assist neutralize the consequences of the burning sensation slightly.
The following factor to do is to get on the telephone to your vet. Its best to know precisely how a lot theyve ingested if any, and youll describe their precise signs to them.
One of the best factor you are able to do is act on their recommendation at this level. Nobody likes taking a visit to the vets workplace, however that is doubtlessly a critical difficulty if their throat swells up and so they cant eat or drink.
Im certain your cat can be wonderful. Chalk it as much as a lesson discovered, and do one thing to keep away from them coming into contact along with your fiddle fig once more.
Additional Poisonous Plants I Need To Point Out
There are two more plants I really want to point out. They may not be that common to have indoors, but they may find a way into your house. Im talking about Lilies and Sago palm, and both are extremely toxic to cats.
Most palms that are commonly grown indoors are not toxic to cats, like the Areca palm and Ponytail palm, but the Sago palm is really toxic, it can even cause death. I dont have it in my house and even if my cats wouldnt be attracted to it, I still wouldnt have it!
Lilies are also really toxic to cats. They may not be commonly grown indoors, but they are a really common cut flower that you can easily receive as a gift. So, just be aware of its toxicity if you have a cat at home.
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What Is Fig Poisoning
Like many plants, while figs are perfectly safe for humans, the fruit, leaves and sap of figs and fig trees is toxic and irritating to your cat. ;While the toxicity of figs is low to moderate, if you suspect your cat has ingested any toxic substance you should seek immediate veterinary care. ;Your cats chances for long-term recovery from poisoning improve with rapid veterinary attention immediately after exposure.
Figs are common fruits that have been grown for centuries. ;Fig plants, also known as weeping fig or ficus, are also popular indoor and outdoor ornamental plants. ;Their long, glossy green leaves make for attractive indoor foliage. ;Unfortunately, the same qualities that humans find attractive in figs can also entice your kitty, which can prove dangerous for their health. ;
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Is Fiddle Leaf Fig Toxic To Dogs
Many dog parents dont even know that fiddle leaf figs can be toxic for their dogs and only understand after it happens.
Fiddle leaf figs have calcium oxalate crystals that are very sharp. If your dog ingests a part of the plant, there might be pain and irritation due to those crystals.;
If your dog doesnt stop at this and eats more, it will get into his intestines and cause other symptoms.
Some of the common symptoms found in dogs are:
- Irritation and pain in the mouth
- Pawing on the face
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Plant Portrait: Fiddle Leaf Fig
Is #Monsteramonday not enough for you? Want another giant plant friend in your life? Prepare yourselves for the Fiddle Leaf Fig, now becoming popular with #FLFFriday on Instagram.;
Its exhausting staying with the trends.
Fiddle Leaf Figs really arent a trend, theyve actually been favorited indoor houseplants for years. Many of the garden discussion boards I follow have people of all ages asking questions and flaunting their giant Fiddles. Im not going to dress it up what makes them the center of discussion is they are TRICKY. Somewhat temperamental and oddly fast growing, Fiddle Leaf Figs, known as Ficus Lyrata, need the right conditions to be happy. Unlike Rubber Trees or Monsteras that are a bit more hardy, Fiddles need the right care to flourish. Dont be intimidated, keep reading.
Let me introduce, Filbert, my Fiddle Leaf Fig.
It was somewhat difficult finding one at first, but strangely the Home Depot always seems to have several in their greenhouse. I purchased him in 2015 at 4 and in three years he is now well over 7. Only one trunk, yes, but hes a happy clam and I just keep adding stakes as he grows higher. Ill have to prune him eventually, but thats another blog post.
Cotton Rope Plant Basket For 10 Planter / Flower Pot
The cotton rope plant basket adds a tasteful and modern touch to your much-loved house plants. The planter is handcrafted with 100% sustainable cotton rope and sewn together, creating a sturdy basket.
Instead of replanting your tree, you could just slide the original plastic pot into this aesthetically pleasing basket cover. The plant holder is 28 x 28 x 28 cm and can hold a 26 cm planter to cover your plastic pot container and water tray. Its perfect for a fiddle leaf fig tree, snake plants, a rubber tree, and plenty more house plants.
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Symptoms: Common Fig Tree And Weeping Fig Poisoning In Cats
In cats, fig poisoning is usually from mild to moderate. However, there are instances when the toxicity could be extreme. Few of the cat fig poisoning symptoms include the following:
- Vomiting
- An increase in watering and drooling from the cats mouth
- Constant shaking of the head
- Skin irritation and conditions such as open and weeping sores or, in extreme cases, dermatitis
How To Keep The Fiddle Leaf Figs Away From Dogs
You have to keep the fiddle leaf fig out of your dogs reach, and here are a few ways to do it:
- Keep the plant at a height where your dog cant reach.
- Sprinkle some pepper around the fiddle leaf fig as it irritates the dogs nose and will keep them away.
- You can spray lemon juice or keep the peels of citrus fruits around the plant to keep the dogs away as they dont like that smell.
- You can pot marigolds that will also keep the dogs away from the fiddle leaf figs.
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Causes Of Fiddle Leaf Poisoning In Cats
A feline can become poisoned by all parts of the fiddle leaf plant, including the leaves, roots and stem. The fiddle leaf contains raphides, which are non-living substances are characterized by bundles of needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate packed with gelatinous, oxalic acid.;
When a feline consumes a portion of the Fiddle Leaf plant, the idioblast cell is broken down by the cat’s saliva and allows the raphides’ calcium crystals to leave the cell. When the raphides leave the idioblast cell, they shoot out in violent, penetrating projections that pierce the feline’s mouth and embed themselves in the upper digestive tract. The feline feels immediate discomfort as the millions of microscopic needles lodges themselves in the mouth, tongue, throat and stomach.;
Grab The Essentials For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig:
Fiddle leaf fig cat safe. While id love the air in my home to be more healthy and of higher quality, i definitely wouldnt want to inadvertently poison a furry friend. Fiddle leaf fig care can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are a first time plant owner. Prepare yourselves for the fiddle leaf fig, now becoming popular with #flffriday on instagram.
Contact of the sap with skin can cause irritation, while ingestion can cause irritation in the mouth and gastrointestinal problems resulting in vomiting and. Creeping fig, weeping fig, ficus and indian rubber plant are all common names for fig trees. But theyre safer !
The most common signs observed are vomiting and diarrhea. My baby fiddle leaf fig / ficus lyrata a post shared by ina on aug 29, 2017 at 9:36am pdt ugh, of course one of the most popular indoor plants rn is poisonous. In short, yes the fiddle leaf fig plant is mildly toxic to cats and will cause very mild oral and gi irritation.
This indoor tree type plant grows over 15 metres tall in it’s natural habitat and up to 3 metres indoors, although they can be topped to prevent them growing taller. Like i mentioned in the original post, there were reviews online about whether or not fiddle leaf figs are safe for cats. Its exhausting staying with the trends.
Fiddle leaf fig and spider plant both the fiddle leaf fig and spider plant are mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Premium fiddle leaf fig potting soil; See my visual above of all the popular.
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Common Plants Toxic To Cats
- String of pearls
- Pothos
Indoor plants have seen a huge resurgence in popularity over the past few years, and it is easy to understand why. They are great for apartments with no gardens and add interest to the home. But, not all plants are safe around cats, and some can even be deadly.
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are one of the most common toxic properties in plants. Clusters of needle-sharp crystals known as raphides are contained within the plant tissues. When the plant is chewed, these needle-sharp crystals penetrate the oral mucosa causing extreme pain and burning. While this can look dramatic, most cases are self-limiting and should resolve without incident. In rare cases, swelling can develop which can lead to difficulty swallowing and breathing, this is a medical emergency.
My go to resources are ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, Royal Horticulture Society and the University of California toxic plant list to ensure the accuracy of the content. Swiss Cheese plant is commonly referred to as Philodendron or even Monstera Philodendron, and while split-leaf philodendron has a similar appearance with its large fenestrated leaves, they are different plants.; For the layperson, the Swiss cheese plant has smooth edges, and split-leaf philodendron has wavy edges.
Spp. denotes there are several species.
A Footnote: Best Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Planter
The fiddle leaf fig is by far one of the trendiest indoor plants. Boasting large, glossy leaves, it adds a certain architectural elegance to any place especially when potted in a boho, chic planter.
Once youve got your plant home, its time to repot your fiddle leaf fig into a decorative container that best suits your space and aids your plants health.
So, I hope youve picked your perfect fiddle leaf planter to repot your plant. Once youve done that well, grab a cup of tea, sit down, and enjoy your beautiful plant showing off in its planter.
Take a look at some of my other posts for more insight on the fiddle leaf figs:
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Fiddle Leaf Fig Safe For Cats Plus How To Identify Fiddle Leaf Fig Poisoning
Many plant enthusiasts like myself, who own cats , understand the unspoken rule that comes with keeping a variety of plant species.
Firstly, your cats jungle instincts are going to be revealed. And secondly, not all plants are safe for your cat they may be toxic.
Therefore, its not only a problem for your plant collection, but it may also be dangerous for your kitty. So while it may be tempting to purchase new kinds of weird and wonderful plants, as a cat owner, youre responsible for ensuring that theyre safe for your feline.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Safe for Cats? unfortunately the fiddle leaf fig, is poisonous to cats. It may be beautiful, but if ingested, the plant is toxic.
Popular Indoor Plants Pet Owners Should Avoid
There are a handful of beloved houseplants that are known to be toxic to pets, including devil’s ivy , snake plants;, Swiss cheese plants , and fiddle leaf figs . While pothos are vining plants and can be placed high up or in a hanging planter to keep out of a pet’s reach, it’s always safer for your pet’s health not to have these around.
Quick tip: If you’d like to confirm the toxicity of any plants you already own, the ASPCA’s non-toxic houseplant database is a useful resource.
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Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Poisonous To Cats
Im sorry I have to be the ones to break it to you, but if your cat ingests the FLF, theyll suffer some painful symptoms. So if youre looking to add a little bit of greenery to your life, be sure to keep your cats personality in mind.
Cats are like a box of chocolates; you never quite know what youre going to get. Which is all part of the fun! If youve been a cat owner for as long as you can remember, youll notice how some cats love lounging around, while others choose to turn your house into their own personal playground picking plants as their favourite play toy.
This is why it can be a concern bringing one of these Instagramable plants into your home. The big leaves appeal to cats who love wacking around the leaves of your plants. I know my cat does.
While this is totally ok in terms of toxic content its the ingestion that is a problem.
Cats may not sit around eating leaves;; however, they do tend to chew on the leaves when theyre in the destructive mood.;
Top Tip:Artificial fiddle leaf plants are safe for cats and are just as beautiful!;
Symptoms Of Fiddle Leaf Poisoning In Cats
Clinical signs of a fiddle leaf poisoning in cats may be seen immediately after ingestion, as biting into the fiddle leaf plant releases the needle-like oxalate crystals, piercing the feline’s tissues. The feline may begin to paw at her face, begin drooling profusely, or foam at the mouth. The felines face, lips and tongue will likely swell, as well as the upper airways making breathing difficult. If the feline swallowed the plant vegetation, despite irritation to the mouth, he or she may vomit in an attempt to rid the body of the indigestible toxin.;
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What To Do If Your Pet Ate A Fiddle Leaf Fig
Pets are not capable of understanding which plants are harmful to them. So it is up to you to understand which plants can cause problems to your pet and keep them away.
The only way to treat your pet is to take it to the pet. It is advised that you do not try anything on your own and consult the vet at first.
Once you take your pet to the vet, you need to tell the vet how much amount of the plant your pet has ingested and how long it has been since then.
After that, the vet will start the treatment based on your answer. The first step might be that the vet will rinse your pets mouth so that the sap will get washed away.
The doctor might perform tests to check if the calcium oxalate from the fiddle leaf fig has affected the gastrointestinal tract, or kidneys, or liver. The rest of the treatment will be based on the test results.