Dieffenbachia Poisoning – Is it Toxic to Humans, Cats and Dogs?
Dieffenbachia poisoning is a significant concern for pet owners and parents, as this popular houseplant is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs.
In most cases, exposure causes painful mouth irritation, swelling, drooling, or skin irritation rather than life-threatening poisoning, but symptoms can still be serious and should not be ignored.
Also known as dumb cane, dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth, throat, and skin when the plant is chewed or the sap is touched. This guide explains how toxic dieffenbachia really is, the most common symptoms to watch for, and what to do after exposure.
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Dieffenbachia Poisoning – Is it a real problem?
The common name for dieffenbachia is dumbcane. The name refers to its poisonous effect, mainly when ingested. The poison can temporarily cause an inability to speak. Another common name for it is “mother in law’s tongue.”
Effects of ingesting
- Dieffenbachia plants contain needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals (oxalic acid) as well as asparagines, a protein found in the plant.
- When the leaf is chewed, these crystals will cause a burning sensation.
- Generally, the condition is mild and temporary.
- The poison is transmitted through the juice in the plant, found in the stems, leaves, and, more rarely, the roots.
- The toxicity of the plant is considered in the medium range.
Who is at risk?
- The problems are more severe for children and pets than for adults.
- The effects are rarely life-threatening.
- The most common patients attended to for dieffenbachia toxicity are children younger than 5.
Symptoms of dieffenbachia toxicity for humans
Most of the symptoms of dieffenbachia poisoning are mouth-related. Ingesting the leaf poison can result in any of these symptoms:
Mouth symptoms
- swelling and blistering in the mouth or on the tongue
- a burning sensation in the mouth or throat
- nausea and vomiting
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing
Eye Symptoms
If the poison is transferred to the eyes from the hands, these symptoms could occur:
- damage to the cornea
- eye pain.
Skin symptoms
- general redness
- burning
- itching
Ingestion symptoms
If the juice of the plant has been swallowed, one can expect
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- difficulty breathing (if enough is consumed)
Since the juice of the leaves produces a burning sensation, it is unlikely that large amounts would be consumed, so the last symptoms are “worst case” scenarios.
Dieffenbachia toxicity for pets
Since dogs and cats are most likely to be random chewers, the toxicity of the plant can be more severe. There have been reported instances of death with dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet birds.
If you have young puppies or kittens, dieffenbachia is probably not a good plant to grow indoors since they love to chew on anything nearby.
Symptoms of dieffenbachia poisoning in pets
In addition to the symptoms above for humans, dieffenbachia poisoning in animals might also include:
- scratching at the face
- restlessness
- drooling
- difficulty eating
- loss of appetite
- unconsciousness
Since the symptoms in animals can be life-threatening, a vet should be called if you suspect dieffenbachia poisoning.
Treatment for dieffenbachia poisoning
- If you or your child is affected, first wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth.
- Drink milk to ease the symptoms.
- Rinse eyes well with cool water if they are affected.
- The most common additional medical treatments for dieffenbachia poisoning are antihistamines, medical charcoal, or analgesic agents.
As long as the plant’s contact with the mouth or eyes is not severe, the symptoms usually resolve in a few days. You can also call poison control for more information.
Precautions with dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a common office plant and should pose no problems when used this way. However, since this plant is also common in many homes, some care should be exercised.
- If the plant needs to be cut, it is wise to wear gloves.
- If you have children or pets, dieffenbachia should be kept out of reach.
- If you notice lip or tongue swelling, or difficulty in breathing, seek urgent medical attention.
Other poisonous houseplants
This is not the only plant that is toxic to humans and pets. Many other commonly grown plants are. Some others to find out about are these:
- Angel trumpet – brugmansia
- Sago palm is another plant where all parts of the plant is toxic to humans.
- Calla lily poisoning is similar to dieffenbachia but milder.
- Gloriosa lily, although gorgeous, is a highly toxic plant.
- Caladiums are poisonous if chewed or swallowed, similarly to dieffenbachia.
- While not considered highly toxic, Mandevilla is from the dogbane family, so caution is noted in growing it.
- The umbrella plant is considered mildly toxic to felines
- Arrowhead plant has a mild to moderate toxic effect on cats, dogs, and horses.
- Chinese lantern plants are toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities.
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Admin note: This article about dieffenbachia poisoning first appeared on the blog in June 2017. This post has been updated with new photos, and a slideshow video about various types of houseplants.
Good information
Hi,
Whilst cutting the plants core I sliced my thumb too. I’ve been soaking it in salt water but what else can I use? I dint like medication but only haemiooathic medicine. What can you suggest?
Thanks for sharing these details.
We have one and I was concerned for the cat
Tim Miltz
So it’s poison only when ingested not by merely touching the leaves?
Hi Mia, Generally speaking, ingesting is the problem, but the plant has sap which could be harmful to skin. It is suggested to wear gloves when handling the plant, particularly if it is oozing at all.
I have one that is producing power on the plant and leaves. What is causing this? It is also killing the plant.
I’m afraid I can’t diagnose plant problems without seeing the plant in person.
@Carol, Yes! I made the mistake of cutting the brown leaves dropping at the bottom and my hands immediately started burning!!! It felt like a million prickly needles!!! ALWAYS wear protective gloves when cutting/ breaking the leaves.
@Carol, it was harmful to my skin. Just leaving urgent care with a steriod prescription because of the rash this plan caused to my arm and hands:(
@EJ Sawyer, I wish I had read this first. I have one that is growing way to fast. I attempted to move it around Monday and got the juice all over my hands and arms..Awful rash and just got a steriord prescription..it is beautiful but it has to go. I am getting a puppy Yorkie Saturday and I don’t want to take any chances 🙁
@EJ Sawyer, wat is the best medicine for itching
What about other range of colours of the same species like the pinkish ones?
I am not familiar with a dieffenbachia with pink coloring. Do you have a species name?
Those are in a different family called Aglaonema, great and easy to care for as well.
Thanks for the information.
I have seen the cat eating duffen leaf in my house .I can not under stand but perhaps the pet was sick and in duffen there may be some cure effect.
If your cat appears sick you should take it to a veterinarian.
I got a skin irritation after watering this plant. Small blood spots have started to appear on the affected area. I’ve taken an antihistamine and applied calamine lotion on the area. Should I go see the doctor or call poison control? And could these symptoms get any more severe? Are there any other meds I should take? Thank you
Hi Alina. Normally the toxicity is a problem for children and pets and is worse when ingested. If your irritation continues or gets worse, I would definitely see a doctor.
So keep it far from your area. there are many plants to keep in home
I’ve kept one of these plant just in front of me on the study table so is it harmful to me?
No, you’ll be fine. The plant it harmful when eaten , so one should be careful with children and pets.
Carol Hi. My name is Angie, and my mother had a terrible thing happen to her because of this plant. She had a growth that swelled up on her wrist, from cutting a piece off to transplant and make a second one in a pot. Some of the juice (or sap) came in contact with her skin on her wrist and it grew to the size of a quarter or just a little bigger than a quarter, and she had to have it surgically removed. I believe we know some things and/or symptoms of this type of plant, but it may have other known properties or symptoms steaming from it, that no one knows anything about, other than what some have reported. The doctor that saw my mother knew exactly what this was from, but HIGHLY STRESSED FOR HER TO DISPOSE OF THIS PLANT OR PLANTS RELATED TO THIS ONE, because of the toxicity & poisioness compound of this plant!! Just thought I would put this out there for anyone wanting to know the dangerous effects of it!! BEWARE
of PURCHASING OR ACCEPTING ANY PLANT FROM ANYONE OR ANYWHERE UNTIL YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH ON WHAT KIND IF PLANT YOU ARE WANTING.
Hello , I was just cutting some dead leaves of this plant ( 8 feet tall). kind of squeezed the leaves by holding them between fingers,of which one was soaked
with the juice. About five minutes later I felt a very strong burning and numbness pain between flesh and fingernail. Also a red spot started to cover the tip of my finger. Maybe by instinct I put my finger under cold running water
and squeezed it over and over. the pain moved to the cuticle. after 5 to 10 mins
of cold water treatment, my finger slowly came back to be normal.
I am sharing this unexpected situation. I had read sometime ago about
dieffenbachia’s toxicity.
Chemical Weapon…
I pruned some dead leaves from my dumbcane and now my hands are burning/itching. I’ve washed them thoroughly but it didn’t help. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Most rashes from dieffenbachia will ease in time. I can’t really give medical advice, since I am not a doctor. If the rash continues, you should consult your medical provider.
I have got one Dieffenbachia,Really scared now by reading people’s comments.Thinking through away.
We have had many of these for over 40 years. We cut and share them, when they reach the ceiling or when they fall over, just be cautious. Warn anyone you share it with to also be careful.
(Sansevieria is the one that’s called mothers-in-law tongue. It has very long thin leaves and is a succulent.)
I was removing dead leaves and just breaking them off when suddenly My hand started to burn and itch. I quickly applied cold water, but it did not go away. It felt like needles piercing My hand which i dipped in Milk out of desperation, but that helped. Then i took antihistamin. But 5 hrs later My hand still stings a bit and causing discomfort. I Hope it goes away soon.
I Will get rid of this plant because I have a dog.
I have decided to always use gloves from now when when dealing with plantes!! I have learnt My lesson!
A good rule of thumb is that most plants with a milky sap are toxic and should be handled with gloves.
I am so getting rid of mine! I transplanted (without gloves) last week and my hands are blistered and even up my wrist. My dog has been loosing hair and scratching and we couldn’t figure out what she is allergic too. The tip of the leaves with drip sometimes so I’m 99% sure it’s the liquid that drips on the carpet. Also my 18 mth old grand baby had a few blisters on her hand but we couldn’t figure it out. It will break my heart because this plant was giving to me from my belated sister-in-law 16 yrs ago. It’s huge and I’ve made several plants for other people. My sister has one and she gets blisters too but she’s always transplanting. Seeing the Vet for my dog tomorrow. But this info has helped me so much! Thanks
Does anyone know how to kill Dieffenbachia? It’s taken over large areas of our farm in Hawaii, and I can’t find an herbicide that works on it. I made the mistake of trying to control it with a string trimmer, and it shot the sap everywhere (including on me). That was a painful experience! Worse yet, the millions of little pieces chewed up and spit out by the trimmer all seem to have taken root and spread this pestilence.
Digging up might be your only recourse.
My Dieffenbachia Plant had blight on the leaves and I was told to water it with diluted dishwashing liquid. This didn’t bring the black ‘covering’ off, so I wiped each leaf with a sponge, having to rub quite firmly. Shortly after, my hands started to burn and itch! This continued for about 3 days and was so bad that it prevented me sleeping properly at night. There was not much sign of rash, but intolerable itching, burning and a feeling of tightness of the skin. I would not like to think of a child with the symptoms I had and certainly hate to think of it being ingested! This was only from wiping the leaves, no contact with the juices – which I have proved can be worse! I suggest anyone who even handles this plant wear gloves for sure!
Oh dear, I had the same experience as you. Just simply in contact with the sap cause painful irritation on my palm. I currently have multiple blister mostly on my thumb which makes them super itchy when coming in contact with water. I’m not sure if the effect was permanent but I’m afraid that some of my fingers are in pain when I tried to stretch my hands. It somehow feel as if the texture of my skin feels tight. Its been 3 days now and I’m still the same after thorough hand washing, oral antihistamine and putting on hypoallergenic lotion.
Thank you for your information I just have bought it and I keep a few cats young and old. I may be bring back to shop
Those who know medicine for this please tell problem
Good morning sir pls my child test Dump cane and he is crying alot what should I do
Take your child to a doctor.
I have been affected for 7 years. 10 I went to the hospital but did not get better. If doctors say it comes from a plant, they don’t believe it. I am worried 🥺🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
@Karthicrajan, You might try good quality CBD oil. I get the itching and blisters with this plant if I handle it without gloves. CBD helps me with the itching and inflammation till it finally heals. Maybe it will provide some relief for you. It causes eczema on my hands. It took me a while to figure out because I have periodic eczema outbreaks anyway. The CBD is the only thing I have found that helps as I don’t want to get on the steroid merry-go-round. Seems to help with the healing too.
Thank you so much for this information. Our 6 month old son got ahold of our plant last night and your site had more information than the pediatrician could give us. It was very helpful and he is okay. Truly, thank you so much from a frantic parent.
Glad my info was useful. Hope your son is okay!