Split Leaf Philodendron Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 2,045 found this helpful

Confirmed toxic to cats and dogs, while toxicity to horses remains unconfirmed

Toxic effects are caused by insoluble calcium oxalate crystals present in plant tissue

Oral contact or ingestion causes painful mucosal irritation and related digestive symptoms

FAQ

Is Split Leaf Philodendron toxic to Humans?

Oral irritation, intense burning pain in the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Low)

Is Split Leaf Philodendron toxic to Cats?

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Moderate)

Is Split Leaf Philodendron toxic to Dogs?

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Moderate)

Is Split Leaf Philodendron toxic to Horses?

No confirmed clinical signs reported, toxicity status is unknown (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Oral irritation, intense burning pain in the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Cats

Moderate

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Dogs

Moderate

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Horses

Unknown

No confirmed clinical signs reported, toxicity status is unknown

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, particularly leaves and stems

Exposure RouteOral ingestion, direct mucosal contact with plant sap or damaged plant tissue

Toxic CompoundsInsoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately rinse the mouth and affected oral areas with clean cool water to remove remaining plant matter
• Offer small sips of water or milk to dilute oxalate crystals if the patient is alert and able to swallow
• Monitor closely for worsening symptoms like airway swelling or persistent vomiting

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the patient exhibits difficulty breathing or swallowing
• If vomiting is persistent or blood is present in vomit
• If severe oral swelling or unrelieved pain lasts longer than 30 minutes

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, cats, dogs and other domestic pets
• Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation from sap exposure
• Educate household members on the plant's toxic risk to prevent accidental ingestion

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including fluid therapy to correct dehydration from vomiting
• Prescribed pain relievers and antihistamines to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Airway management if severe swelling obstructs breathing (rare occurrence)

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePhilodendron bipennifolium

AliasesHorsehead Philodendron、Cordatum、Heartleaf Philodendron、Panda Plant、Fiddle-Leaf、Fruit Salad Plant、Red Emerald、Red Princess、Saddle Leaf

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Oral mucosatonguelipsesophagusstomach

Mechanism of Action

• Sharp insoluble calcium oxalate crystals penetrate mucosal tissue in the mouth, esophagus and stomach upon contact, causing localized irritation, inflammation and intense pain

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Horse: Toxicity status is unconfirmed, no documented poisoning cases reported to date

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Expected to cause similar oral irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms as cats and dogs if ingested

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Swiss Cheese Plant Monstera deliciosa

Visually similar due to large split leaves; key difference is Monstera has characteristic internal fenestrations (holes) in leaves that Philodendron bipennifolium lacks, both are Araceae species with similar toxicity

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Ficus lyrata

Often confused due to overlapping 'Fiddle-Leaf' common name; key difference is Ficus lyrata has thick, leathery leaves without deep splits, and contains irritant latex rather than calcium oxalates

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Related Toxic Plants

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Moderate toxicity

Dumb Cane

Dieffenbachia seguine

High toxicity

Golden Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Low to moderate toxicity

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.