PlantFunCaladium Toxic?
All parts of the caladium plant are toxic to humans, pets, livestock, and birds
Toxicity is driven by needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides and soluble oxalate salts
High-dose exposure can cause severe organ damage, cardiac arrhythmia, and neurological symptoms
FAQ
Is Caladium toxic to Humans?
Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding (gums, gastrointestinal tract, uterus), difficulty breathing (pharyngeal edema), difficulty swallowing (laryngeal edema). High doses may cause cramps, ataxia, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, liver and kidney damage (Moderate)
Is Caladium toxic to Cats?
Expected to produce similar symptoms to humans, including immediate mouth/throat irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and systemic effects at high exposure levels (Moderate)
Is Caladium toxic to Dogs?
Expected to produce similar symptoms to humans, including immediate mouth/throat irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and systemic effects at high exposure levels (Moderate)
Is Caladium toxic to Horses?
Expected to produce similar symptoms to humans, including immediate mouth/throat irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and systemic effects at high exposure levels (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding (gums, gastrointestinal tract, uterus), difficulty breathing (pharyngeal edema), difficulty swallowing (laryngeal edema). High doses may cause cramps, ataxia, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, liver and kidney damage
Expected to produce similar symptoms to humans, including immediate mouth/throat irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and systemic effects at high exposure levels
Expected to produce similar symptoms to humans, including immediate mouth/throat irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and systemic effects at high exposure levels
Expected to produce similar symptoms to humans, including immediate mouth/throat irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and systemic effects at high exposure levels
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth/skin of the exposed individual/pet immediately
- • Rinse affected mucous membranes (mouth, eyes) thoroughly with cool, clean water
- • For ingestion cases, offer small sips of water or milk to dilute toxins if the individual is alert and able to swallow
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Exposure is followed by excessive salivation, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing
- • Vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of bleeding from the mouth or stool occur after exposure
- • Seizures, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or altered mental state develop after high-dose ingestion
Prevention
- • Keep caladium plants out of reach of children, pets, and livestock
- • Wear gloves when handling caladium plants to avoid skin or mucous membrane exposure
- • Do not consume any part of the caladium plant for any purpose
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform decontamination (induced vomiting, activated charcoal administration) for recent ingestions as clinically indicated
- • Provide symptomatic care including pain relievers, antihistamines if needed, and glucocorticoids for severe swelling
- • Administer calcium supplementation for cases of very high-dose ingestion to address oxalate-related calcium depletion
- • Provide supportive care for liver, kidney, and cardiovascular function as needed for severe cases
Professional Toxicology
• Needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides penetrate mucous membranes upon contact/ingestion, causing immediate local irritation, swelling and pain
• Soluble oxalate salts bind to systemic calcium leading to hypocalcemia, and precipitate in organs causing tissue damage
• High-dose exposure leads to multi-system organ toxicity
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.