Taro (Caladium hortulanum) Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 2,541 found this helpful

Caladium hortulanum is confirmed toxic to cats and dogs, while equine toxicity risk is unconfirmed

Its core toxic component is sharp, insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Ingestion or mucous membrane contact triggers immediate local irritation and related symptoms

FAQ

Is Taro (Caladium hortulanum) toxic to Humans?

Oral irritation, intense burning pain in the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Moderate)

Is Taro (Caladium hortulanum) toxic to Cats?

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing (Moderate)

Is Taro (Caladium hortulanum) toxic to Dogs?

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing (Moderate)

Is Taro (Caladium hortulanum) toxic to Horses?

No confirmed clinical signs documented; toxicity risk remains unclassified (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Oral irritation, intense burning pain in the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Cats

Moderate

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing

Dogs

Moderate

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing

Horses

Unknown

No confirmed clinical signs documented; toxicity risk remains unclassified

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, with higher calcium oxalate concentrations in tubers and young leaves

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material, direct contact of mucous membranes with broken plant tissue

Toxic CompoundsCalcium oxalate crystals

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant residue from the exposed individual or pet's mouth immediately
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool, clean water to reduce mucous membrane irritation
• Offer small sips of plain water or milk to dilute remaining oxalate crystals

Contact Vet Immediately

• Exposed pet shows persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rapid progressive swelling of the mouth, lips or throat develops after exposure
• Severe pain, lethargy or refusal to eat/drink is observed post-ingestion

Prevention

• Keep potted or garden Caladium plants out of reach of pets and young children
• Wear protective gloves when handling cut or broken Caladium tissue to avoid skin irritation
• Clearly label Caladium plants to alert household members and visitors of toxicity risk

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care to manage oral pain and gastrointestinal discomfort
• Administer prescribed antihistamines or pain relievers as directed by a medical provider or veterinarian
• Monitor for airway obstruction in cases of severe oral or throat swelling

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCaladium hortulanum

AliasesCaladium、Elephant Ears、Pai、Ape、Cape、Via、Via sori、Malanga

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Oral mucous membranesLipsTongueEsophagusGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Sharp insoluble calcium oxalate crystals embed in mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract upon contact

• Crystal penetration triggers immediate local inflammation, pain and irritation of affected tissues

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Rabbit: Moderate risk; ingestion causes oral irritation, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal upset

Pet bird: Low to moderate risk; ingestion triggers oral pain and regurgitation

Small rodent: Moderate risk; exposure leads to oral irritation and refusal to eat

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Edible Taro Colocasia esculenta

Both plants have large heart-shaped leaves and are commonly called taro; edible Colocasia esculenta is safe only when fully cooked, while raw Caladium hortulanum is toxic in small quantities

Giant Taro Alocasia macrorrhizos

Shares the characteristic large 'elephant ear' foliage with Caladium hortulanum; it also contains calcium oxalate crystals but has higher concentrations in its tubers

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Related Toxic Plants

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguine

Moderate toxicity

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Low to moderate toxicity

Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Moderate toxicity

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.