Are Peace Lilies Toxic? How To Safely Display Peace Lilies At Home

Peace lilies are very popular indoor plants for their glossy, green foliage and elegant white flowers. Also they have abilities to purify indoor air.  But bewitched by their beauty, one should not forget their toxicity.

However, their toxicity level is generally considered mild to moderate, and severe poisoning is rare.

But you should not ignore their toxicity for the betterment of your pets, especially babies. 

To learn more about peace lilies’ toxicity to pets, animals, and humans and find the solution, read on.

Are Peace Lilies Toxic?

Are Peace Lilies Toxic To Birds

Peace lilies are a little bit risky to pet birds due to their content of calcium oxalate crystals. Peace lilies sometimes can be poisonous to birds.

This calcium oxalate, if chewed or ingested by birds, can lead to oral irritation and potentially cause digestive problems.

Peace lilies are commonly found at home, but do you know where peace lilies grow in the wild?

Peace lilies are native to the tropical regions of South America. For their ornamental appealing white flowers, they are popular all over the world. 

While peace lilies poisonous, you should keep your birds away from them.

Are Peace Lilies Poisonous To Humans

Yes, peace lilies are also toxic to humans. But they are poisonous only when ingested by someone. Sometimes it can be the cause of skin irritation if handling the plant. 

Peace lily contains poisonous chemical crystals. These crystals can lead to irritation and discomfort. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of peace lily poison in humans. 

While they are toxic in the mild to moderate range, they can be dangerous for babies. 

Are Peace Lilies Toxic To Rabbits

Peace lilies have tiny needle-like things called calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause irritation and discomfort in the mouth and throat of the rabbit. 

If a rabbit chews on or eats any parts of your peace lily, it can make them sick. 

There is no doubt that peace lilies can be harmful to rabbits. 

It’s important to keep your peace lilies away from rabbits to prevent them from getting sick. 

Are Peace Lilies Toxic To Rats 

As peace lilies contain toxic elements, they are bad for rats. 

If a rat nibbles on or eats parts of your peace lily, it can make them feel unwell. 

Calcium oxalate of peace lily plants can spread out by ingesting in their bodies and make them sick. 

Are Peace Lilies Toxic For Cats

Peace lilies contain a harmful chemical named calcium oxalate crystals. If chewed or eaten any parts of peace lily by cats, can lead to health issues.

When a cat bites into or consumes parts of your peace lily, these crystals can cause severe irritation and discomfort in the cat’s mouth and throat.

Your cats may suffer from immediate oral pain, a burning sensation, and swelling in the mouth.In some cases, ingesting peace lilies can lead to nausea and vomiting of your cats.

Are Peace Lilies Toxic To Fish

Fun fact is peace lilies can grow in aquariums. But, Peace lilies are also toxic plants to fish. If any part of your peace lily plant enters your fish tank, it could potentially release substances that might be harmful to the fish.  These substances can affect the water quality and the health of the fish. 

What Specific Toxins Are Present In Peace Lilies That Make Them Harmful?

The specific toxins that are present in the peace lilies are insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. 

These crystals are needle-like structures, and they are microscopic. 

When it is ingested or comes into contact with mucous membranes, it can lead to irritation and discomfort. 

But there is good news for you. If any humans or your pets don’t ingest or touch this plant, it won’t do any harm. Moreover, it will help clean your indoor air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. 

Additionally, it enhances the beauty of your home. 

So, you don’t need to wonder, are peace lilies good houseplants or not?

Obviously, peace lilies are good houseplants, but for safety purposes, you just need to keep them out of reach of babies and pets.

What Part Of A Peace Lily Is Poisonous?

Are peace lilies poisonous?

Ye, the entire peace lily plant contains the toxic compound calcium oxalate crystals. 

The concentration of these crystals can vary among different parts of the plant. The most notable concentration is found in the leaves. 

Let’s see their poisonous part: 

• Leaves: Their beautiful dark green leaves contain the highest amount of calcium oxalate crystals in their cells.  If eaten, they can cause various health issues. For some people, it can cause an allergic reaction to touch.
• Flowers: You may think their beautiful flowers have no harmful substance. But it’s wrong. Their white spathes and the tiny flowers inside them contain calcium oxalate crystals. If chewed or swallowed, they can cause mouth and throat irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and other issues. 
•  Stems: he stems that support the leaves and flowers are also toxic. They have the same effects as other parts of the plants. 
• Roots: The roots of the peace lily are not usually exposed, but they are also poisonous if dug up and eaten. They can cause gastrointestinal distress and kidney failure.

In a nutshell, There is no part of your peace lily without toxins. 

If you or your pet has ingested any part of a peace lily, you should seek medical or veterinary attention immediately. 

Symptoms Of Peace Lily Poisonous

The symptoms of peace lily poisoning are caused by the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that are present in all parts of the plant. 

These crystals can cause irritation and inflammation of the mouth, throat, skin, and gastrointestinal tract when chewed or swallowed.

Let’s see some symptoms of peace lily poisonous:

• Mouth and throat irritation: This can include drooling, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, hoarse barking, and vocalisation.
• Skin irritation: This can include redness, itching, rash, and allergic reactions. If you handle too much of this plant, then it can cause skin irritation.
• Gastrointestinal distress: Gastrointestinal distress is very common symptoms of peace lily poison. This can include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: When large amounts of plant material are ingested, affecting the heart rate and rhythm.
• Respiratory distress: This can occur in rare cases when the airway is obstructed by the swelling of the throat or by inhaling the sap of the plant.

Peace Lily Poisonous To Cats Symptoms

Peace lilies are mildly toxic to cats due to the calcium oxalate crystals they contain such as: 

• Severe burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling and increased salivation

What To Do If The Pet Gets Poisonous With Peace Lily?

Peace lilies are not too toxic. But their poison can lead to discomfort and irritation. 

Let’s see some tips on what to do if your pet or kid gets poisoned by a peace lily:

Pets: 

• At first, be sure to take the plant away from your pet, and any remnants found in its mouth or paws.
• Wipe your pet’s mouth and paws with a wet cloth to remove as much residue as you can.
•  If your pet is showing symptoms of poisoning, such as drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, try giving them some lactose-free milk or yogurt to soothe their discomfort. 
• Lastly, contact your vet to get proper treatment. 

Kids: 

• If your kid has chewed or swallowed part of a peace lily, wipe as much as you can out of their mouth
•  Then give them a cool drink or snack to ease the pain.
• If you notice pain is accompanied by swelling that causes difficulty breathing, swelling or talking then immediately go to the nearest emergency room.

How To Safely Display Peace Lilies In My Home If I Have Pets?

If you want to display peace lilies in your home while having pets, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure the safety of your animals. 

Let’s see how you can safely display your peace lily at home: 

• Choose Safe Locations: Place your peace lilies in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. You can consider using elevated surfaces or shelves.
• Use Hanging Baskets: Hanging baskets can be an effective way to display your peace lilies out of reach of pets.
• Create Physical Barriers: You can use barriers such as decorative fencing or pet gates to prevent access to areas where peace lilies are displayed.
• Train Pets: Train your pets to avoid certain areas of your home or to not chew on plants. 
• Supervise Interactions: When your pets are roaming freely, keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t approach or attempt to nibble on the peace lilies.
• Educate Yourself and Others: You have to be aware of the symptoms of peace lily poisoning and educate family members and visitors about the potential dangers.

It’s not enough to place them out of reach of your pets and babies. You should also place them where they can get an adequate environment. You have to know how much light a peace lily needs. And also, how to care for a peace lily indoors?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Conclusion

Peace lilies are not only beautiful but also they are toxic. As a peace lily planter, you must know about their toxicity. 

Otherwise, you can’t make your pets safe from its toxins as well as yourself. 

While they are rarely poisonous, it can cause various health issues and discomfort. So you should not ignore their toxicity. 

You already know about their toxin and what you need to do if someone ingests it by reading the article. Follow the tips given in the article and enjoy a safe peace lily plant’s.