Plant ID

[Ink]

Can someone please tell me what plant this is and is it safe for my desert box turtle? I would like to put it in Paxton 's enclosure. Thank you

 

[zolasmum]

To me it looks like a variety of coleus - if so, I think it would definitely not be good for Paxton - but I am probably wrong.
Angie

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

It’s Hypoestes phyllostachya (polka dot plant) I’ve read it’s not toxic but can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, I wouldn’t put it in. Hope this helps🙂

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

It’s Hypoestes phyllostachya (polka dot plant) I’ve read it’s not toxic but can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, I wouldn’t put it in. Hope this helps🙂

The Tortoise Table lists it as safe, though. Do you have a link where these symptoms are listed? (I need more sources besides TTT, perhaps)

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

The Tortoise Table lists it as safe, though. Do you have a link where these symptoms are listed? (I need more sources besides TTT, perhaps)

I can’t remember where I read it tbh😣I remember looking up a bunch of different house plants I had years ago to check if they were pet safe and I remember this one saying it could cause sickness and diarrhoea if a pet were to eat it but it’s not toxic, I’ll try and find the link

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

@Alex and the Redfoot found it!

Polka Dot Plant

If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435.

www.aspca.org

Maybe it’s not the case for torts though? Idk..
I did also see this old thread

HELP! is this plant alright for consumption?

Hypoestes phyllostachya aka Polka Dot Plant We are selling these at my work and I thought they were cute but I didn't want to buy something that will harm my tortoise. I looked on this site and some others and couldn't find this one... anyone know?

tortoiseforum.org

I’d personally air on the side of caution with it and wouldn’t put it in, but that’s just me, I overthink everything when it comes to pet safety🥲

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Googled a bit, it seems that when eaten in large quantities it can cause "mild gastrointestinal discomfort". So it's safe to use.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Googled a bit, it seems that when eaten in large quantities it can cause "mild gastrointestinal discomfort". So it's safe to use.

Ah that’s good to know!😊