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Philodendron: toxicity, first aid and care
Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum, P. bipinnatifidum and others): toxic for cats, toxic for dogs, irritant for small children. The toxic principle, the signs, what to do, and how to grow it.
Cats: ToxicDogs: ToxicChildren: Irritant
Also sold as: Heartleaf philodendron, sweetheart plant, tree philodendron.
This is a reference table, not a diagnosis and not veterinary or medical advice. It cannot tell you how much of a plant matters for a particular child or a particular animal — that depends on body weight, on the part eaten and on how long ago. If a person or an animal has eaten part of a plant, phone the poison information centre or a clinician; do not wait for symptoms, and do not make anyone vomit unless you are told to.
What is in it
Toxic principle: Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides — Calcium oxalate needles.
The same crystal-needle mechanism as the rest of the arum family, at a lower intensity than dumb cane. Chewing a leaf drives oxalate needles into the soft tissue of the mouth; the pain is immediate and is what usually stops the animal from eating more, which is the reason most cases stay minor.
What it looks like when it goes wrong
Drooling, pawing at the face, head-shaking, a sudden loss of interest in food, and sometimes vomiting. Swelling of the lips and tongue in a larger mouthful. Cats often show it as an abrupt change of behaviour near the plant rather than as obvious illness.
What to do
Rinse the mouth with cool water and offer milk or yoghurt to bind the crystals. Phone a veterinary clinic if drooling persists beyond an hour or so, if the animal cannot swallow, or if there is any swelling of the face.
| Country | Poison information centre | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estonia | Mürgistusteabekeskus (Health Board) | 16662 | Round the clock; 112 for an emergency |
| Finland | Myrkytystietokeskus (HUS) | 0800 147 111 | Free, round the clock |
| Latvia | Saindēšanās un zāļu informācijas centrs | 67042473 | Round the clock |
| Sweden | Giftinformationscentralen | 010-456 67 00 | Non-urgent advice; 112 in an emergency |
| Norway | Giftinformasjonen | 22 59 13 00 | Round the clock |
| Denmark | Giftlinjen (Bispebjerg Hospital) | 82 12 12 12 | Round the clock |
Anywhere in the European Union, 112 reaches emergency services and can put you through. Lithuania's poison information bureau (Apsinuodijimų kontrolės ir informacijos biuras) publishes its own round-the-clock line; if you do not have it to hand, use 112. For an animal, your own veterinary clinic or its out-of-hours service is the first call — human poison centres do not advise on animals in every country.
How to grow it
| Condition | What it wants |
|---|---|
| Light | Medium to bright indirect; the trailing kinds tolerate a dim corner |
| Water | Let the top third of the pot dry between waterings |
| Temperature | 16-27 °C; it stops growing below about 15 °C |
The climbing kinds — heartleaf especially — are the most forgiving house plants sold, and they get bigger leaves if you give them something to climb rather than letting them trail. A moss pole or even a plain bamboo cane changes the plant's habit completely. Pinch the tips to keep it bushy and root the cuttings in water.
What it gets confused with
Half the plants sold as philodendron in this region are actually pothos or a Monstera, and vice versa. It does not matter much for safety — they are all aroids with the same crystals — but it matters for care, because pothos wants to dry out much more than a philodendron does.
A plant that is not on the toxic lists
If you are deciding what to keep in a home with a cat, a dog or a small child, this one fills a similar role and is not flagged by the veterinary services.
Others that work the same way
Calcium oxalate needles — these behave alike, and what you would do about them is alike too.
Alocasia
Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides
Anthurium
Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides
Dumb cane
Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides plus proteolytic enzymes
Monstera
Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides
Peace lily
Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides
Pothos
Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control — toxic and non-toxic plants · checked 2026-09-06
Care guidance is standard horticultural practice for a cool-temperate northern climate. Poison-centre numbers are listed on the hub page and are worth confirming against your own country's health service.
Frequently asked questions
Is philodendron toxic to cats?
The veterinary lists rate it "toxic" for cats and "toxic" for dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. The same crystal-needle mechanism as the rest of the arum family, at a lower intensity than dumb cane. Chewing a leaf drives oxalate needles into the soft tissue of the mouth; the pain is immediate and is what usually stops the animal from eating more, which is the reason most cases stay minor.
What should I do if my dog eats philodendron?
Rinse the mouth with cool water and offer milk or yoghurt to bind the crystals. Phone a veterinary clinic if drooling persists beyond an hour or so, if the animal cannot swallow, or if there is any swelling of the face.
Is philodendron dangerous for a small child?
The verdict for a child who chews or swallows part of it is "irritant" — milder than for a cat, which is the household member this plant affects most. In a child the expected problem is a sore mouth and an upset stomach. Phone the poison information centre with the plant to hand; they will tell you whether it needs to be seen.
How do you care for philodendron?
Light: Medium to bright indirect; the trailing kinds tolerate a dim corner. Water: Let the top third of the pot dry between waterings. Temperature: 16-27 °C; it stops growing below about 15 °C. The climbing kinds — heartleaf especially — are the most forgiving house plants sold, and they get bigger leaves if you give them something to climb rather than letting them trail.
What is philodendron confused with?
Half the plants sold as philodendron in this region are actually pothos or a Monstera, and vice versa. It does not matter much for safety — they are all aroids with the same crystals — but it matters for care, because pothos wants to dry out much more than a philodendron does.
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