Easter lily
Lilium longiflorum (Liliaceae)
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats
The ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to cats only; its entry says cats are the only species known to be affected.
What makes it toxic: Unknown.
Signs to watch for: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible. Cats are only species known to be affected.
Source: ASPCA entry "Easter Lily", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Indoors, display Easter lily in bright, indirect light near a window, out of direct sun. After it finishes blooming, it can go in a sunnier spot.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 2.2 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Water thoroughly when the soil surface is dry, until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Outdoors it prefers full sun.
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Areca palm bright indirect light
- Gloxinia bright indirect light
- Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis) bright indirect light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Easter Lily"
- Light and care: University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension (Wisconsin Horticulture), "Easter Lily, Lilium longiflorum"
- Light and care: UF/IFAS Extension Gardening Solutions, "Easter Lily"
- Light and care: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, "How should I care for my Easter lily?"