Pothos And Turtle Tanks: Safe Or Not?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is also known as devil's ivy due to its extreme hardiness. It is often used in aquariums, hydroponic systems, and bioactive terrariums. While pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, there are mixed opinions on whether it is safe for turtles. Some sources claim that it is toxic to turtles in large amounts, while others suggest that as long as the turtle does not eat the leaves, it should be fine. In conclusion, while pothos may be aesthetically pleasing and beneficial for reducing nitrate levels and algae growth in aquariums, caution should be exercised when considering its use in a turtle tank due to potential toxicity concerns.

Pothos is toxic to dogs and cats when ingested

Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is a popular houseplant characterised by its trailing vines and highly resilient nature. While it is easy to grow and maintain, the plant is toxic to dogs and cats when ingested. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. The leaves, in particular, have the highest concentration of these microscopic needle-like crystals.

If your dog or cat chews on the pothos plant, you may observe symptoms such as irritation or swelling of the eyes, mouth, tongue, and nose. In some cases, ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and swelling, resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea. In rare instances, breathing difficulties may occur due to throat swelling. Additionally, consuming large amounts of pothos can lead to the build-up of calcium oxalate crystals in the urine, a condition called calcium oxalate crystalluria.

The behavioural signs of pothos poisoning in pets include pawing at the face or throat, yelping or crying, fast and panicked movements, and defensiveness or guarding against touch. If you suspect your pet has ingested pothos, it is crucial to seek veterinary advice immediately. The prognosis for a full recovery is generally good, especially if veterinary care is sought promptly.

To prevent pothos poisoning, it is important to keep the plant out of the reach of curious pets. Place the plant on high shelves, hang it from the ceiling, or display it in a room that your pets cannot access.

The toxic compounds are in the leaves and stems, not the roots

Pothos plants, also known as "Devil's Ivy", are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. However, there is conflicting information on whether the plant is safe for turtles. Some sources claim that the toxic compounds are found only in the leaves and stems of the plant, not in the roots. As long as the turtle does not eat the leaves, it should be safe. In small amounts, it may even be beneficial for the turtle as it helps with water quality by reducing nitrate levels and algae growth.

On the other hand, some turtle owners have reported that their turtles got sick after eating the leaves. Symptoms of pothos toxicity in turtles include oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In large amounts, the plant can be toxic to turtles and cause these adverse effects.

To err on the side of caution, it is recommended to keep the pothos plant out of the turtle's reach. This can be done by hanging the plant above the tank or using a small bog filter to place above the turtle tank. Another option is to build a cage or barrier around the plant to prevent the turtle from accessing the leaves.

Overall, while the toxic compounds in pothos are mainly in the leaves and stems, it is important to monitor the turtle's health and behaviour if the plant is kept within its reach. If any signs of toxicity are observed, the plant should be removed immediately, and veterinary advice should be sought.

Turtles can get sick from eating pothos

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is listed as a toxic plant for turtles. While some sources suggest that small amounts of the plant are not harmful, others advise that it should not be used in a turtle tank at all. In one instance, a turtle owner reported that one of their turtles got sick after eating pothos, although the turtle recovered.

The toxic compounds in pothos are found in the leaves and stems, not in the roots. Therefore, if you have pothos in your turtle tank, it is crucial to ensure that your turtle cannot access the leaves. However, it is recommended to avoid using pothos altogether in a turtle tank, as turtles may still accidentally ingest leaves or stems.

It is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health and safety of your turtle. There are alternative plants that can be used in a turtle tank that are known to be safe for turtles to ingest. For example, some turtle owners have suggested using a small bog filter to hang above the tank for decoration, which does not pose a risk to your turtle's health.

If you suspect that your turtle has ingested pothos or any other toxic plant, it is important to monitor them closely for any changes in their health and behaviour. If you notice any signs of illness or distress, consult a veterinarian immediately. It is also recommended to remove any potentially toxic plants from your turtle's environment to prevent future incidents.

In summary, while small amounts of pothos may not cause serious harm to turtles, it is best to avoid using this plant in a turtle tank altogether. There are alternative, safer options available that can provide decoration and natural filtration without posing a risk to your turtle's health. The health and safety of your turtle should always be the top priority.

Pothos can be used as a natural aquarium filter

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that can also be used as a natural filter in aquariums. While it won't mechanically filter out particles, pothos is excellent at reducing nitrate levels and algae growth, thus maintaining water quality. This is because pothos absorbs toxic nitrogen compounds produced by fish waste. Its ability to grow quickly, even in low light conditions, makes it a great, inexpensive option for aquarium owners.

To use pothos in a turtle tank, it is recommended to keep the plant out of the turtle's reach to prevent ingestion, as pothos is toxic to turtles in large amounts. Some methods to achieve this include hanging the pothos from the aquarium lid with the roots in the water, using a hang-on-back filter, or placing the plant in a small bog filter above the tank. If using a hang-on-back filter, be sure to set the pothos away from the motor compartment to prevent the roots from growing into the impeller and clogging it.

When using pothos in a turtle tank, it is important to monitor the turtle's behaviour and health. If the turtle ingests pothos, signs of toxicity may include oral irritation, intense burning and irritation in the mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If any of these symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek veterinary care and remove the pothos from the tank.

While pothos can be a beautiful and beneficial addition to a turtle tank, it is crucial to prioritise the turtle's health and well-being. Therefore, if you notice your turtle attempting to eat the pothos, it is advisable to remove the plant and find alternative ways to filter your tank.

It is easy to grow and hard to kill

Pothos is a low-maintenance houseplant that is easy to grow and hard to kill. It is a tropical vine native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. Its adaptability and minimal maintenance make it a great plant for any houseplant collection. It is also known as Devil's Ivy because it is almost impossible to kill and will maintain its pretty green colour no matter the light conditions.

Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginner growers. It is a fast-growing plant, often adding 12 to 18 inches of length in a month. The draping vines feature pointed, heart-shaped green leaves that may be variegated with white, yellow, or pale green striations.

Pothos thrives in ordinary, well-draining potting soil on the dry side and does just as well in coarse, chunky planting media. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, with a pH from 6.1 to 6.8. It should be watered every one to two weeks, more often during the growing season, and less often in winter. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

Pothos is also easy to propagate using stem cuttings rooted in water. To propagate, use a sharp, sterile cutting tool to remove a healthy stem with at least three leaves. Cut at an angle about half an inch to an inch below the lowest leaf, then remove the lowest leaf from the stem. Place the stem in a glass or jar of water, ensuring that the remaining leaves do not touch the water. New roots will emerge within a week to ten days. Once the roots are several inches long, transplant the cuttings into pots as soon as possible, placing them in a spot with bright indirect light and keeping the soil moist but not wet.

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