PlantFunLacy tree philodendron Toxic?
All parts of the plant contain needle-like calcium oxalate raphides and soluble oxalates that drive toxic effects
Mild exposure triggers mucous membrane and gastrointestinal irritation, while high doses cause organ damage, arrhythmia or seizures
Birds face extremely high severe toxicity risk even from small amounts of ingested plant material
FAQ
Is Lacy tree philodendron toxic to Humans?
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding of gums, gastrointestinal tract or uterus, difficulty breathing (pharyngeal edema), difficulty swallowing (laryngeal edema). High doses may cause seizures, ataxia, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, liver and kidney damage. (Moderate)
Is Lacy tree philodendron toxic to Cats?
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, mouth/throat swelling. High doses may cause hypocalcemia, liver and kidney damage. (Moderate)
Is Lacy tree philodendron toxic to Dogs?
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, mouth/throat swelling. High doses may cause hypocalcemia, liver and kidney damage. (Moderate)
Is Lacy tree philodendron toxic to Horses?
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, colic, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, mouth/throat swelling. High doses may cause hypocalcemia, liver and kidney damage. (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding of gums, gastrointestinal tract or uterus, difficulty breathing (pharyngeal edema), difficulty swallowing (laryngeal edema). High doses may cause seizures, ataxia, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, liver and kidney damage.
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, mouth/throat swelling. High doses may cause hypocalcemia, liver and kidney damage.
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, mouth/throat swelling. High doses may cause hypocalcemia, liver and kidney damage.
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, colic, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, mouth/throat swelling. High doses may cause hypocalcemia, liver and kidney damage.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove all remaining plant material from the mouth, skin or fur of the exposed individual immediately
- • Rinse affected mucous membranes (mouth, eyes) thoroughly with cool, clean running water for 10-15 minutes
- • Offer small sips of water or milk to dilute oxalates if small amounts were ingested and the individual is alert
- • Monitor closely for signs of throat swelling, difficulty breathing or abnormal bleeding
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Large amounts of plant material were ingested
- • Symptoms including difficulty breathing, bleeding, seizures, or irregular heart rate are observed
- • Symptoms persist for more than 2 hours after initial first aid
- • Exposure occurred in birds, who face extreme severe toxicity risk
Prevention
- • Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets and pet birds at all times
- • Wear disposable gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap
- • Label the plant clearly if kept in shared living or workspace to prevent accidental ingestion
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination: induced vomiting or activated carbon administration for recent ingestion if clinically appropriate
- • Symptomatic care: analgesics for pain, antihistamines for mild swelling, glucocorticoids for severe airway swelling
- • Calcium supplementation for cases of very large ingestion to correct hypocalcemia
- • Supportive care including liver/kidney function monitoring and heart rhythm management for severe exposures
Professional Toxicology
• Needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides puncture mucous membranes on contact, causing immediate pain, swelling and irritation
• Soluble oxalates bind to systemic calcium, causing hypocalcemia, and accumulate in organs to cause liver and kidney damage at high doses
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.