Heartleaf Philodendron Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 962 found this helpful

Confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data, with no verified non-toxicity for humans

Primary toxic component is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found in all plant tissues

Most common post-ingestion symptoms include oral pain, swelling, drooling, and digestive upset

FAQ

Is Heartleaf Philodendron toxic to Humans?

Potential oral pain, swelling of lips/tongue, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing if ingested, consistent with calcium oxalate tissue irritation (Low)

Is Heartleaf Philodendron toxic to Cats?

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Moderate)

Is Heartleaf Philodendron toxic to Dogs?

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Moderate)

Is Heartleaf Philodendron toxic to Horses?

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing (vomiting does not occur in affected horses) (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Potential oral pain, swelling of lips/tongue, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing if ingested, consistent with calcium oxalate tissue irritation

Cats

Moderate

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Dogs

Moderate

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Horses

Low

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing (vomiting does not occur in affected horses)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, stems, roots) contain toxic insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure is via ingestion; contact with broken plant tissue may cause mild temporary skin irritation

Toxic CompoundsInsoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the affected person or pet's mouth thoroughly with cool clean water to remove remaining plant particles
• Offer small sips of plain water or milk to dilute toxic compounds and soothe irritated oral tissue
• Monitor closely for signs of worsening swelling, breathing difficulty, or persistent distress for 1 hour post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• Excessive drooling that persists for more than 30 minutes post-exposure
• Severe swelling that impairs breathing, swallowing, or normal mouth function
• Persistent vomiting (in cats and dogs) or signs of severe abdominal pain and distress

Prevention

• Keep the plant placed well out of reach of pets, livestock, and young children to avoid accidental ingestion
• Wear disposable gloves when pruning or handling broken plant tissue to avoid mild skin irritation
• Label the plant clearly as toxic if kept in shared households or spaces with access for vulnerable groups

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including oral soothing agents and antihistamines to reduce mild swelling and discomfort
• Fluid therapy to prevent dehydration in cases of severe persistent vomiting in cats and dogs
• Airway monitoring and supportive management if severe swelling restricts normal breathing function

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePhilodendron hederaceum

AliasesCordatum、Sweetheart Plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Oral mucosatonguelipsthroatgastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Sharp insoluble calcium oxalate crystals penetrate soft oral, throat, and gastrointestinal mucosal tissue on contact, causing immediate pain, inflammation, and localized swelling

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): High toxicity risk; ingestion causes severe oral pain, drooling, and gastrointestinal distress that can be fatal due to their small body size

Pet birds: Moderate toxicity risk; ingestion can cause oral irritation and digestive tract swelling that leads to feeding difficulties

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Pothos Epipremnum aureum

Both have trailing growth habits and heart-shaped green leaves; Pothos has thicker, waxy leaves often with yellow or white variegation, while heartleaf philodendron has thinner, matte solid green foliage

Heartleaf Hoya Hoya kerrii

Both have distinct heart-shaped leaves; Hoya kerrii has thick, fleshy succulent leaves and produces clusters of waxy fragrant flowers, unlike the soft thin foliage of heartleaf philodendron

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Related Toxic Plants

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Moderately toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguine

Highly toxic to humans and pets, may cause severe airway swelling that requires emergency care

Elephant Ear

Colocasia esculenta

Moderately to severely toxic, can cause severe oral irritation and permanent gastrointestinal damage in severe cases

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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.