Pet safety
Is Bulbifer Voodoo Lilytoxic to cats & dogs?
Amorphophallus bulbifer
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Amorphophallus bulbifer
Is bulbifer voodoo lily safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists bulbifer voodoo lily as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Amorphophallus is an aroid (Araceae) genus containing insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, the toxic principle the ASPCA flags across the aroid family; treat as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing any part causes oral burning, drooling, and vomiting. The bulbils and corm are not food; keep all parts away from pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats bulbifer voodoo lily?
Amorphophallus is an aroid (Araceae) genus containing insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, the toxic principle the ASPCA flags across the aroid family; treat as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing any part causes oral burning, drooling, and vomiting. The bulbils and corm are not food; keep all parts away from pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to bulbifer voodoo lily, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate bulbifer voodoo lily
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move bulbifer voodoo lily out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of bulbifer voodoo lily to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to bulbifer voodoo lily
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Bulbifer Voodoo Lily and pets — frequently asked questions
Is bulbifer voodoo lily toxic to cats?
Bulbifer Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus bulbifer) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Amorphophallus is an aroid (Araceae) genus containing insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, the toxic principle the ASPCA flags across the aroid family; treat as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing any part causes oral burning, drooling, and vomiting. The bulbils and corm are not food; keep all parts away from pets and children. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is bulbifer voodoo lily toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Bulbifer Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus bulbifer) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like bulbifer voodoo lily is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats bulbifer voodoo lily?
Amorphophallus is an aroid (Araceae) genus containing insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, the toxic principle the ASPCA flags across the aroid family; treat as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing any part causes oral burning, drooling, and vomiting. The bulbils and corm are not food; keep all parts away from pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to bulbifer voodoo lily, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate bulbifer voodoo lily?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of bulbifer voodoo lily to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to bulbifer voodoo lily?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full bulbifer voodoo lily care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete bulbifer voodoo lily care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.