Is Kaffir Lily Poisonous? – Clivia Toxicity for Pets and Humans

Kaffir lily, commonly sold and grown as Clivia, is toxic to dogs and cats. The plant contains lycorine and other alkaloids from the Amaryllidaceae family. The bulbs hold the highest concentration, but leaves and flowers are also harmful. Large ingestion, especially of the bulb, can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, and heart rhythm abnormalities in pets.

About Kaffir Lily (Clivia)

Kaffir lily (Clivia miniata and related species) is a popular houseplant known for its clusters of orange, red, or yellow flowers and dark green strap-like leaves. It is also sold under the names cape clivia, caffre lily, and klivia. The plant is widely grown indoors because it thrives in low light and blooms reliably in late winter or spring.

The preferred common name is Clivia. Toxicology and veterinary references list it under both names. The ASPCA specifically lists this plant as toxic to dogs and cats; horses are not listed in the ASPCA entry for this species, unlike many other Amaryllidaceae plants.

Because Clivia is grown as a houseplant, pets that spend time indoors are the primary exposure group. The plant is most dangerous when its bulb is exposed, which commonly happens during repotting.

What Part of Kaffir Lily Is Toxic?

The entire plant contains lycorine and related alkaloids, but the bulb has the highest concentration. Leaves and flowers contain lower levels and should not be treated as safe. The risk of bulb exposure increases during repotting, dividing, or when the plant is knocked over. Any part of the plant that is chewed by a pet is a poisoning risk.

Symptoms of Kaffir Lily Ingestion

Dogs and cats: Vomiting, excessive drooling, and diarrhea are the most common initial signs. Larger ingestions, particularly involving the bulb, can lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Weakness and collapse may follow serious exposure. The ASPCA notes that bulbs are the most dangerous part.

Humans and children: Lycorine causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Dizziness and low blood pressure are possible. Minor exposures typically cause self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. Ingestion of significant bulb material warrants medical attention, especially in small children.

What to Do If Someone Ingests Kaffir Lily

1. Remove any plant material from the mouth.
2. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional.
3. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or your vet immediately.
4. If your pet ingested any part of the bulb, treat this as urgent and seek veterinary care promptly.
5. Watch for tremors, weakness, or collapse and report these symptoms to your vet right away.

Bulb ingestion can cause serious cardiovascular effects in dogs and cats. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before contacting a vet.

Safe Handling and Prevention

• Keep Clivia on high shelves or in rooms that pets cannot access.
• Be especially cautious during repotting: the bulb is exposed and soil is disturbed, increasing the chance that a pet will investigate.
• Do not leave bulb divisions or removed plant material on the floor or in areas reachable by pets.
• Wear gloves when handling the plant and wash hands afterward.
• If your dog or cat actively chews houseplants, consider whether Clivia is worth the risk in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Clivia species toxic? Yes. All species in the Clivia genus contain lycorine and related alkaloids. The toxicity profile is consistent across the genus.

Is kaffir lily the same as Easter lily or calla lily? No. These are different plants. True lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) cause kidney failure in cats, which is a different and more severe toxicity profile than Clivia. Clivia belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family along with amaryllis and daffodils.

How much Clivia would a dog need to eat to be affected? There is no established safe threshold. Any ingestion of the plant, particularly the bulb, warrants a call to your vet. Small dogs and cats are at higher risk from smaller amounts.

Can I keep Clivia in a hanging basket to protect my pets? Yes, if it is securely hung and the plant cannot droop within reach. Remove any dropped leaves or flowers from the floor promptly, as these also contain alkaloids.