Pet safety
Is Caladium 'Red Flash'toxic to cats & dogs?
Caladium bicolor 'Red Flash'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Caladium bicolor 'Red Flash'
Is caladium 'red flash' safe for cats and dogs?
No — caladium 'red flash' is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing the leaves, petioles or tuber causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The stored dormant tuber is also toxic. Keep the plant and tubers 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 caladium 'red flash'?
ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing the leaves, petioles or tuber causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The stored dormant tuber is also toxic. Keep the plant and tubers 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 caladium 'red flash', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate caladium 'red flash'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move caladium 'red flash' 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 caladium 'red flash' 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 caladium 'red flash'
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:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Caladium 'Red Flash' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is caladium 'red flash' toxic to cats?
Caladium 'Red Flash' (Caladium bicolor 'Red Flash') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing the leaves, petioles or tuber causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The stored dormant tuber is also toxic. Keep the plant and tubers 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 caladium 'red flash' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Caladium 'Red Flash' (Caladium bicolor 'Red Flash') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like caladium 'red flash' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats caladium 'red flash'?
ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing the leaves, petioles or tuber causes intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The stored dormant tuber is also toxic. Keep the plant and tubers 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 caladium 'red flash', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate caladium 'red flash'?
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 caladium 'red flash' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to caladium 'red flash'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail 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 caladium 'red flash' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete caladium 'red flash' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.