Clivia Lily Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,889 found this helpful
Clivia spp.
1

Clivia Lily is confirmed toxic to cats and dogs, with no verified toxicity data for horses available

2

Lycorine and other alkaloids are the primary toxic compounds present in the plant

3

The bulb is the most poisonous part, and large ingestions can cause life-threatening symptoms

FAQ

Is Clivia Lily toxic to Humans?

No specific human toxicity data is documented, but ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, and mild dizziness (Low)

Is Clivia Lily toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias (Moderate)

Is Clivia Lily toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias (Moderate)

Is Clivia Lily toxic to Horses?

Toxicity risk is unknown; monitor for gastrointestinal upset and unusual behavior if accidental ingestion occurs (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Low

No specific human toxicity data is documented, but ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, and mild dizziness

Cats
Moderate

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias

Dogs
Moderate

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias

Horses
Unknown

Toxicity risk is unknown; monitor for gastrointestinal upset and unusual behavior if accidental ingestion occurs

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsBulbs (highest toxicity), leaves and stems contain lower concentrations of toxic compounds
Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact with plant sap may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Toxic CompoundsLycorine; Other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Remove any remaining plant material from the affected individual/animal's mouth immediately
  • • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean cool water to remove residual plant matter
  • • Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification by medical/vet staff
  • • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a professional

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • If your cat or dog has ingested any part of a Clivia Lily, especially the bulb
  • • If symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors or abnormal heart rate appear after exposure
  • • If a large quantity of the plant has been consumed even if no symptoms are visible yet

Prevention

  • • Keep potted and garden Clivia Lily plants out of reach of cats, dogs and small children
  • • Dispose of fallen leaves, flowers and discarded bulb trimmings in sealed animal-proof containers
  • • Label Clivia Lily plants clearly to alert all household members and visitors of their toxic nature

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Activated charcoal may be administered to absorb remaining toxic compounds in the digestive tract
  • • Supportive care including IV fluids, anti-emetics and cardiac monitoring will be provided for severe cases
  • • Anti-seizure medication may be given if convulsions occur due to high toxin exposure
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameClivia spp.
AliasesKaffir Lily、Clivies、Caffre Lily、Cape Clivia、Klivia
Toxicity Grade
HumansLow
CatsModerate
DogsModerate
HorsesUnknown
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemCardiovascular system
Mechanism of Action

• Toxic alkaloids irritate the gastrointestinal mucosal lining first, high concentrations suppress central nervous system function and disrupt normal cardiac electrical activity

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Expected to be toxic similar to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause severe gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms
Birds: Toxicity risk is unconfirmed, but ingestion of alkaloid-containing plant parts is not recommended and may cause adverse effects
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Amaryllis Hippeastrum spp.
Visually similar due to large strap-like leaves and bright trumpet-shaped blooms; key difference: Amaryllis blooms usually emerge before leaves fully develop, while Clivia blooms appear among established mature leaves
Lily of the Nile Agapanthus spp.
Similar long dark green strap leaves and tall clustered flower stalks; key difference: Agapanthus flowers are most commonly blue or purple, while Clivia flowers are typically orange, red or yellow
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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.

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