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My chameleon ate peace lily. Is it toxic? Should I be concerned?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

We bought a veiled chameleon and some live plants we were told were safe for her terrarium from a pet store last week. For the past few days she’s been taking lots of bites of one of the plants, which after some research we found to be a spathiphyllum kochii which the internet says isn’t safe. She’s eaten the leaves as well as the flowers. She’s very active and is eating well, she doesn’t seem to be ill but we removed the plant from the terrarium and are wondering if we should be concerned.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 1st, 2018

It is not a recommended plant to be kept in a chameleon enclosure. The oxalic acid in the leaves produces a burning sensation in the mouth and GI tract. Long term ingestion is more dangerous than a few bites in a short period of time.
It is good that you removed it. Monitor her for lethargy, decreased appetite, loose stool or regurgitation. If she is asymptomatic after 24-48 hours, she has likely suffered no ill effects from her dietary indiscretion.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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