The lucky chestnut is one of the non-toxic plants and can be placed in a household with pets without hesitation. Pachira aquatica is native to South America, meanwhile it is often used as an ornamental plant in Germany. The lucky chestnut is mostly sold as a potted plant, the stems are often braided. For the plant itself, this method poses a danger, because damage to the trunk can lead to infestation with pests and, as a result, to the death of the plant.
toxicity
For children
Pachira aquatica in households with children
Caution should be exercised with small children if a lucky chestnut (often Pachira glabra) is one of the ornamental plants. The foliage and fruits are not poisonous, but the trunk contains a plant sap that can cause symptoms of poisoning under certain circumstances. However, the danger only exists in small children and only if the juice of several plant stems is consumed. The likelihood of poisoning is therefore low, but for safety reasons the plant should still be kept out of the reach of children.
For cats
The lucky chestnut is non-toxic to cats
Cats and other pets often take a great interest in indoor plants. To avoid the risk of poisoning, only non-toxic plants should be placed near animals. Pachira aquatica is one of the non-poisonous plants for animals, even if cats gnaw the leaves there is no danger. On the other hand, the beloved house tiger poses a threat to the stem of the plant. Due to the thin bark, it is relentlessly exposed to cat claws. If the house tiger scratches the trunk and scars appear, the plant is exposed to the risk of pest infestation. It often only takes a few weeks for the first symptoms to appear.
Notice: Too frequent watering also damages the plant, the rotting pattern resembles that of a pest infestation at first glance.
For pets
Toxicity of money chestnuts to other pets
dogs
It is the same with dogs as with cats, the plant cannot harm their health. Even if a dog plays with the trunk of a Pachira and swallows some of the plant sap, there are no significant signs of poisoning to be feared.
Rabbits
However, the plant should be kept out of the reach of rabbits. Despite their edibility, they are not suitable as vegetables for herbivores. The branches should also not be given to the animals as a nibble, as the plant sap they contain can lead to runny faeces. However, fears of poisoning are not necessary if the animal eats parts of the plant. It is more dangerous for the plant, which can suffer permanent damage from the sharp rabbit teeth.
birds
The lucky chestnut is not poisonous to birds, including the budgerigar that is often kept, and there is no danger to be feared even if the birdie pecks at the plant.
The toxicity of the lucky chestnut at a glance:
- no danger for cats
- no danger for rodents, dogs and birds
- no danger for adults
- low risk for small children
- Leaves and fruits of the plant are edible
- Toxicity to children only in the sap of the stem
- Poison database does not contain any entries for Pachira aquatica
Attention: It is important to remember that when fertilizers are used, they may pose a risk to pets and children. It is therefore advisable to use harmless fertilizers within the reach of animal roommates and children.
edibility
Edible parts of fortune chestnuts
Most people keep the houseplant for its year-round green appearance and symbolism. Lucky chestnuts are considered lucky charms in large parts of Germany and are very popular as gifts. However, what very few plant lovers know is that many parts of the plant are even edible. For example, the young leaves, which can be cooked as a vegetable or used as a crunchy addition to salads. But the seeds of the lucky chestnut can also be eaten roasted. They taste like a peanut. However, lucky chestnuts native to this region usually do not form seeds. The reason for this is the cramped growing space in pots and the wrong weather conditions.
In South America, the fruits of Pachira aquatica are even used as a substitute for cocoa beans. The drink made from the ground powder has a nutty flavor and is usually made with water or milk.
What to do when eating the lucky chestnut?
If pets have eaten parts of the plant, there are no consequences to worry about. The plant is not listed as poisonous in the poison databases and therefore there is no danger. Only the organism of a small child is not yet able to process the plant juices. There is no threat from consuming small amounts of the juice contained in the trunk. However, if a child has consumed the sap of multiple plant stems, the poison control center should be contacted for advice. As a rule, there are no deadly threats, but there is a risk of effects on the gastrointestinal tract.