The Hawaiian Palm is one of those truly unique houseplants that’s been popping up in more and more indoor jungles lately. Whether it’s sitting on your living room windowsill or chilling in a pot in your sunroom, it brings a serious tropical vibe to any space. But, as with any new plant, if you’ve got kids or furry friends running around, the first thing you’re probably wondering is: “Is this thing toxic?”
Is the Hawaiian Palm dangerous?
To get to the bottom of this, scientists have actually put every part of the plant under the microscope, including the:
- Trunk
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Milky sap
The good news? No toxins were found anywhere in the plant. This makes the Hawaiian Palm a fantastic choice for homes with toddlers, curious cats, or dogs. Touching the plant won’t cause skin irritation, and if your cat decides to take a little nibble, they’ll be just fine.
If you ever need to trim off a leaf—maybe it’s turned yellow from a watering mishap or a pesky pest—you’ll notice a white, milky sap oozing from the cut, similar to what you see with dandelions. Don’t worry, this sap isn’t poisonous either. It’s a bit sticky, but it washes right off with some soap and water.
Growing your Hawaiian Palm with care
Anyone with a love for exotic greenery can grow a Hawaiian Palm without needing any special safety gear. However, it’s still a good idea to teach kids to be gentle with it. Those leaves are pretty delicate and can bruise easily if handled too roughly. And, of course, even though it’s non-toxic, you shouldn’t be putting it on the dinner menu! It’s a succulent, not a snack, and it definitely isn’t a toy—it just wants to sit back and grow in peace.
As for pets, we all know cats love to munch on anything green they can reach. While your cat won’t get sick from snacking on a Hawaiian Palm, the plant itself won’t be too happy about it. To keep your palm looking its best and prevent it from getting chewed up, it’s usually best to keep it on a high shelf or somewhere out of your pet’s reach.
