A mature Elephant Ears plant is a head-turner thanks to its leafy good looks. Exercise caution because the stems and leaves of this rare plant are poisonous and can also cause skin irritation. While rarely fatal, it is still best to admire the foliage from a distance. If you need to handle the plant, consider wearing gloves or wash your hands right away using soap and warm water. If you have young children or pets, be aware and ensure everyone is safe.
Are Elephant Ears Poisonous to Children
Elephant Ears are poisonous to children. Touching the stems or leaves can cause skin irritation and possibly a rash and itching. Eating the leaves, stems, or sap can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat and lead to swelling.
Are Elephant Ears Poisonous to Dogs
A dog will become sick after eating the toxic leaves or stems of an Elephant Ears plant. Animals that have ingested parts of the plant may experience excessive drooling, mouth irritation and swelling, and difficulty swallowing. A dog may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, slowed heart rate, and even a lack of coordination. Consuming Elephant Ears plants is rarely fatal, but in large enough quantities, eating the plant can be very damaging and possibly even deadly.
Are Elephant Ears Poisonous to Cats
Elephant Ears contain insoluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to cats. Cats can experience an adverse reaction after eating any part of the stems or leaves. After ingesting any part of the plant, a cat may drool, experience swelling or irritation of the lips, tongue, and mouth. Vomiting and diarrhea are also symptoms of poisoning.
Are Elephant Ears Poisonous to Other Animals
Horses can experience poisoning after eating the leaves or stems of Elephant Ears. The animal may experience oral irritation, like swelling of the mouth and throat and difficulty swallowing.
Symptoms of Elephant Ears Poisoning
Always check with your doctor or veterinarian for guidance if you suspect Elephant Ear poisoning. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
- Skin irritation and rash
- Swelling of mouth and throat if ingested
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Preventing Elephant Ears Poisoning
Fences are an effective solution to keep horses away from Elephant Ears plants. Physical barriers can also work for dogs or grow the plants in outdoor areas that your dog may not be able to access. Fences and barriers are generally not very practical for cats. If you bring your Elephant Ears inside for the winter or grow them as a houseplant, then be mindful of your pets.
Pet Poison Helpline
If something were to happen to your furry friend, and you suspect that they are suffering from (insert plant) poisoning, there is a poison control hotline to call for 24/7 vet advice. It is called the Pet Poison Hotline, and their phone number is (855) 764-7661.
Click here for a complete list of Pet Safe Plants.
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FAQs
🐘 Hardy Elephant Ear is Toxic to Humans. Calcium oxalate crystals make all parts of Hardy Elephant Ear toxic. Children are more at risk; keep the plant out of their reach. Immediate response crucial: Rinse skin, seek medical help if ingested.
How poisonous are elephant ears? ›
Exposure to juice or sap from these plants or a puncture wound from the thorns may produce a skin rash or irritation. Ingestion may cause minor symptoms such as rash, vomiting or diarrhea.
What are the cons of elephant ear plants? ›
A Elephant ears, along with other members of the arum family — houseplants Dieffenbachia (dumb cane), Spathiphyllum (peace lily) and philodendrons, calla lilies, anthurium and caladiums, along with Italian arum and Jack-in-the-pulpit, all contain crystals of calcium oxalate which can cause burning and swelling of the ...
What part of elephant ear is toxic to dogs? ›
The liquid inside of the leaves and stalk is also an irritant to your dog's skin as well as the thorns. This can cause skin pain, redness, itching, and redness. Alocasia poisoning is caused by the elephant ear plant, which contains an insoluble calcium oxalate acid.
Is Colocasia poisonous to humans? ›
All parts of the plant are poisonous while raw, but once cooked the tubers are edible.
Is elephant ear plant poisonous to adults? ›
A mature Elephant Ears plant is a head-turner thanks to its leafy good looks. Exercise caution because the stems and leaves of this rare plant are poisonous and can also cause skin irritation. While rarely fatal, it is still best to admire the foliage from a distance.
Are elephant ears good for anything? ›
Air Purification Benefits
The Elephant Ear Philodendron isn't just a pretty face; it's a veritable air scrubber. With its large, glossy leaves, this plant is like a living air purifier, tackling indoor air pollutants head-on.
How do you treat elephant ear poisoning in the mouth? ›
Take the plant with you to the hospital, if possible. The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive fluids through a vein (IV) and breathing support.
Why do elephant ear plants cry? ›
Watering: Soil should be maintained evenly moist but not saturated. Water when the soil starts to feel a little dry. If your Elephant Ear plant gets too much water, it will let you know by “weeping” or dripping water from the tip of the leaf.
Is elephant ear toxic to dogs? ›
Toxicity to pets
Chewing or biting into this plant will release these crystals causing tissue penetration and irritation the mouth and GI tract. VERY rarely, swelling of the upper airway occurs making it difficult to breathe. Veterinary care is recommended for pets with persistent gastrointestinal clinical signs.
TLDR; Elephant Ear plants can cause serious contact dermatitis just from their foliage in some people, so be careful if you've never handled one before and ALWAYS wash your hands after!
Are hostas poisonous to dogs? ›
Toxicity to pets
Hostas contain saponins, bitter tasting phytochemicals that lead to gastrointestinal distress following ingestion. Vomiting and diarrhea are common clinical signs, but lethargy and anorexia may also occur. Veterinary treatment is not necessary for pets with mild signs that resolve rapidly.
Can elephant ear plants make you sick? ›
Elephant ear plants are indoor or outdoor plants with very large, arrow-shaped leaves. Poisoning may occur if you eat parts of this plant.
What is the difference between taro and elephant ears? ›
Taro can be distinguished from elephant ears by the attachment of the leaf from the petiole. In taro, the petiole attaches to the leaf several inches from the base of the 'V' of the leaf, while the petiole is attached directly at the base in elephant ears.
What is the largest elephant ear plant? ›
Common Name: Giant Elephant Ear
'Thailand Giant' is much larger than C. gigantea. Its glaucous green leaves can measure a whopping 5' long x 4' wide each. Full grown plants typically reach 9ft tall, though some grown in tropical climates have reportedly reached 20'.
Are elephant ears toxic to touch? ›
These plants have broad leaves resembling elephant ears (hence the name) and can grow anywhere from 1 to 12 feet tall! Although they are very beautiful, Alocasia plants can be harmful when mishandled. All parts of the plant contain tiny calcium oxalate crystals.
What do you do if you touch an elephant ear plant? ›
If the Hardy Elephant Ear plant becomes more than just a visual treat and someone gets a taste of its toxic side, act fast. For skin contact, rinse immediately with water. If the sap has made its way into the eyes, medical attention isn't just a suggestion—it's a necessity.
Are Alocasia toxic to touch? ›
SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE! All parts are poisonous and contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic and makes the mouth, tongue and throat feel as if small needles are digging in to them. Poisonous by ingestion, dermatitis, and eye injury.
