Clivia Lily — LiquidGhoul at English Wikipedia
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dog safety reference

Is Clivia Lily safe for dogs?

Clivia spp.

Clivia is a popular, slow-growing shade-loving plant known for its strap-like leaves and vibrant clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. It contains lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Clivia LilyClivia miniataClivia spp.Kaffir Lily
Light
Low to bright indirect light
Habit
Clumping
Care
Low

Safety status

Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

What this means for your dog

Dogs are the pet most likely to actually dig up and chew a clivia bulb, which is where the highest concentration of lycorine and toxic alkaloids sits. ASPCA lists clivia as toxic to dogs; foliage usually triggers drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, but a chewed bulb can push into tremors, low blood pressure, or cardiac rhythm changes per Pet Poison Helpline.

What to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea early on. Larger ingestions — especially the bulb — can progress to weakness, tremors, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and in severe cases seizures.

Time window

Exact onset isn't published. Pet Poison Helpline classifies clivia among rapid-onset alkaloid plants — GI signs typically begin within minutes to a few hours; cardiac and neurologic signs depend on dose.

When to call the vet

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet immediately if your dog ate any bulb, or you see persistent vomiting, weakness, tremors, or trouble standing. A leaf nibble with no symptoms is still worth a call to set a monitoring plan.

Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential tremors in severe cases.

Escalation note

While generally considered mild to moderate in toxicity, ingestion can lead to discomfort and dehydration. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Clivia lily contains lycorine and other alkaloids which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Clivia miniata is a perennial bulbous plant that is toxic to dogs and cats.

Cats & dogs pagecats pageMy dog ate Clivia Lily

Same dog verdict

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