Is the Peace Lily Toxic for Pets?
Some time ago, I wrote a piece on houseplants, in which I mentioned the peace lily (Spathiphyllum), such a popular and easy-care houseplant. In the comments, a reader pointed out that I shouldn’t recommend this plant, as it is toxic to pets. He shared his experience, explaining that he had to take his cat to the vet at great expense.
Plants in the lily family (Lilium spp.) are well known for their toxicity to pets, especially cats. Even in small quantities, they can be extremely dangerous. All parts of the plant – flowers, leaves, stems, pollen and even vase water – are capable of causing acute renal failure, often fatal without prompt intervention. Symptoms in cats include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite and, in advanced stages, kidney failure. Dogs and humans are generally less affected by these plants. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), although belonging to a different family, also present a similar toxicity to cats.
Not a “True” Lily
The catch is that the Peace Lily is not a “real” lily! Spathiphyllum belong to the Araceae family, like philodendrons, and to the order Alismatales. On the other hand, true lilies and daylilies, although not in the same family, both belong to the order Liliales. This distinction is important, as it explains their biological and toxicological differences, despite their confusing common names.
However, this doesn’t mean that Spathiphyllum are harmless to our little companions. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, microscopic needles that irritate the mouth and throat of curious pets. The result? A stinging tongue, excessive salivation and sometimes vomiting or difficulty swallowing.
Don’t panic! It’s not as serious as intoxication by real lilies and daylilies, but it’s still uncomfortable for pookie or kitty. If your pet tastes it, remove the plant immediately, rinse his mouth if possible, and monitor his symptoms. Symptoms usually subside within 24 to 48 hours, but if they persist or worsen, especially if breathing becomes difficult, contact a vet immediately.
In fact, the symptoms are similar in humans, try to resist the temptation to taste your peace lily!
Why Are Pets Interested in Houseplants?
You may be thinking, “I’ve often had peace lilies in my house with my cat, and there’s never been a problem!” That’s my case too: I’ve had cats all my life, and peace lilies in the house for a good part of that time. So why have I never had a problem?
It has to be said that peace lilies are not among the most attractive plants for our four-legged companions. It’s quite possible that they’ve simply never shown any interest in your Spathiphyllum, which would explain why everything has gone so well so far.
That said, cats and dogs can be interested in houseplants for all sorts of reasons, even if they don’t taste good. Out of natural curiosity, they explore their environment with their mouths, testing anything new or different. Boredom can also play a role: an unstimulated animal might decide to chew on a plant to pass the time. Sometimes, it’s an instinct that drives them to eat plants to purge or aid digestion. The texture of leaves, their movement or scent can also attract their attention. Finally, stress or anxiety may prompt some animals to nibble on plants as a way of calming themselves.
To avoid accidents, it’s best to keep poisonous plants out of their reach and offer them safe alternatives, such as interactive toys or catnip. This not only protects their health, but also satisfies their curiosity and natural needs.
Other Toxic “Lilies
Other plants bearing the name “lily” can also be toxic to your four-legged companions. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is particularly dangerous, causing heart trouble and, in severe cases, death.
Crinum lilies (Crinum spp.) cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Bush lily (Clivia miniata), particularly the bulbs, can cause excessive salivation, tremors and cardiac arrhythmia. Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.), often mistaken for a lily, is also problematic, causing digestive disorders and lethargy. Finally, calla lily (Zantedeschia spp.) contains irritating crystals similar to the peace lily, which can cause mouth pain and profuse salivation. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach to avoid any risk.
Non-Toxic Indoor Plants
Determining the toxicity of plants is complex, as it is impossible to directly test their effects on humans or domestic animals, without risking poisoning. Evidence is often anecdotal and subject to many factors: contamination by fungi or pesticides, misidentification of the plant, or allergic reactions rather than actual toxicity. Toxicity can also depend on the quantity consumed or the part of the plant ingested, with some parts being edible while others are dangerous, as with potatoes or cherries. Furthermore, what is toxic for one species is not necessarily so for another: for example, chocolate is toxic for dogs, but not for humans, while birds may eat fruit that is fatal for us. Finally, some inedible plants are not necessarily toxic, but simply indigestible or unpalatable.
This list identifies houseplants that are non-toxic to humans, cats and dogs, to help families with young children or pets choose safe plants. Although these plants are considered non-toxic, it is still possible for sensitive individuals to experience an allergic reaction. The risk of choking or injury from thorns must also be taken into account.
You can still keep your Peace Lily, but to avoid any risk, it should be kept out of the reach of pets, young children or those with late-night munchies.
https://laidbackgardener.blog/2024/12/08/is-the-peace-lily-toxic-for-pets/