Toxicity of Caladiums

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
kibocat Saint Petersburg, FL Aug 25, 2018

I have a question about how toxic caladiums are. I'm not going to eat them, I just want to know if I need to change out the soil in planters that caladiums have been growing in. I'm planning to plant herbs in those planters, and since I'll be using the herbs in my cooking, I don't want any toxicity from caladium roots in the soil to end up in my food.

Of course, I'll be removing the caladium bulbs to store for next year; I'm just concerned about any roots that may remain in the soil after taking the bulbs out. I will most likely add some fresh soil, but it is rather costly to replace it all.

Does anyone know anything about this?

Post #10382675
Quote
TXSkeeter Mesquite, TX Aug 29, 2018

Based on several internet searches I did ("are any parts of caladium plants poisonous?" quickly revealed multiple sources) all parts of the plant are poisonous to some degree although most references seem to indicate that typically, pets are the most affected with varying symptoms and issues. Apparently, different parts (leaves, stems or tuber) of certain caladium species seem to be more toxic than other parts of a different although related species.
I can't see anything that suggests leaving the unintended root or two in potting soil would have any detriment on future plantings of edibles.
Hope that helps.

Post #10383301
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener Threads

Go to all Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener threads
BACK TO TOP