PlantFunPeace Lily Toxic?
All parts of the peace lily are toxic, with severe, potentially fatal toxicity reported for birds.
Toxic effects are driven by needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides and soluble oxalate compounds.
High ingestion doses can cause seizures, heart rhythm abnormalities, and permanent liver/kidney damage.
FAQ
Is Peace Lily toxic to Humans?
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding of gums, gastrointestinal tract or uterus, breathing and swallowing difficulty from throat edema; high doses cause seizures, ataxia, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, liver and kidney damage (Moderate)
Is Peace Lily toxic to Cats?
Same general toxicity symptoms as humans reported for cats upon ingestion (Moderate)
Is Peace Lily toxic to Dogs?
Same general toxicity symptoms as humans reported for dogs upon ingestion (Moderate)
Is Peace Lily toxic to Horses?
Same general toxicity symptoms as humans reported for horses upon ingestion (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding of gums, gastrointestinal tract or uterus, breathing and swallowing difficulty from throat edema; high doses cause seizures, ataxia, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, liver and kidney damage
Same general toxicity symptoms as humans reported for cats upon ingestion
Same general toxicity symptoms as humans reported for dogs upon ingestion
Same general toxicity symptoms as humans reported for horses upon ingestion
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse mouth or affected skin thoroughly with cool clean water immediately after exposure
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical or veterinary professional
- • Offer small sips of water or milk to dilute toxins if a small amount of the plant was ingested
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If the exposed individual shows signs of breathing difficulty, severe throat swelling, or abnormal bleeding
- • If seizures, lethargy, or irregular heart rate develops after ingestion
- • If more than a small bite of the plant was consumed by a child, pet, or bird
Prevention
- • Keep peace lilies out of reach of children, pets, and pet birds at all times
- • Wear disposable gloves when pruning or repotting the plant to avoid sap contact
- • Label the plant clearly as toxic if kept in shared living or workspace areas
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer decontamination as directed by a medical professional
- • Provide symptomatic care including pain relievers, antihistamines, or glucocorticoids for severe swelling
- • Calcium supplementation may be given for very large ingestions to counteract oxalate-related hypocalcemia
Professional Toxicology
• Needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides penetrate oral, throat and gastrointestinal mucosa, causing immediate pain, swelling and tissue damage
• Soluble oxalates bind to systemic calcium, leading to hypocalcemia and calcium oxalate crystal formation in organs at high doses
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
Download PlantFun App
Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!
Instant Plant ID
Take a photo to quickly identify plants.
Smart Care Reminders
Generate watering and care schedules.
Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis
Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.
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.