Caladium
Caladium hortulanum · Araceae
How it looks
Caladium is a foliage plant with large arrowhead- or heart-shaped leaves vividly marked in white, pink, and red. The leaves are thin, so the patterns appear more vivid when light shines through them. It stands 12–24 in (30–60 cm) tall and is popular as a showy summer foliage plant.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Caladium contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Caladium rarely leads to serious trouble, but the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, intense burning, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Caladium hortulanum
- Common name
- Caladium
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, intense burning, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Araceae
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