Clivia Lily
Clivia spp. · Amaryllidaceae
How it looks
Clivia Lily has broad, thick, long strap-shaped dark green leaves that grow from the base in a fan-shaped clump. In spring, 10–20 orange-to-yellow trumpet-shaped flowers gather like an umbrella at the tip of a thick flower stalk. It grows 16–24 in (40–60 cm) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Clivia Lily (especially the roots) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling 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 of Clivia Lily usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the lycorine and other alkaloids in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, tremors
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Clivia spp.
- Common name
- Clivia Lily
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the roots)
- Compounds
- Lycorine, Alkaloids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, tremors
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
