Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia · Araceae
How it looks
Dieffenbachia is a foliage plant with broad, large oval leaves marked with white and light-green variegation. The leaves are thick and glossy, and the stem is stout. Height 24 in-7 ft (60 cm-2 m); common indoors.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Dieffenbachia 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 Dieffenbachia rarely leads to serious trouble, but its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and 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 shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Dieffenbachia
- Common name
- Dieffenbachia
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, Proteolytic enzymes
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
