Cordatum Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,118 found this helpful

Philodendron oxycardium

This Araceae family plant is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA records

Its core toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found in all plant tissues

Exposure leads to immediate painful oral irritation and associated digestive or respiratory symptoms

FAQ

Is Cordatum toxic to Humans?

Oral pain, lip/tongue swelling, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, and mild abdominal cramping after ingestion (Low)

Is Cordatum toxic to Cats?

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

Is Cordatum toxic to Dogs?

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

Is Cordatum toxic to Horses?

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing (no vomiting occurs) (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Oral pain, lip/tongue swelling, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, and mild abdominal cramping after ingestion

Cats

Moderate

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

Dogs

Moderate

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

Horses

Low

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing (no vomiting occurs)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, stems, roots, sap) contain toxic compounds

Exposure RouteOral ingestion, direct contact of sap with oral mucosa or eye tissue, rare mild skin irritation from sap exposure

Toxic CompoundsInsoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Gently remove any remaining plant fragments from the affected person or animal's mouth
• Offer small sips of cold water or plain yogurt to neutralize oxalate crystals and soothe irritation
• Monitor closely for signs of worsening swelling, difficulty breathing, or persistent distress

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet exhibits excessive drooling, repeated vomiting, or visible difficulty swallowing
• If swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat appears to restrict normal breathing
• If symptoms do not begin to improve within 1 hour of initial exposure

Prevention

• Place the plant in a location completely inaccessible to pets, toddlers, and grazing livestock
• Wear gloves when pruning or repotting the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap
• Clearly label the plant as toxic to prevent accidental ingestion by household members or visitors

Treatment & Prognosis

• Symptomatic care with oral demulcents and antihistamines to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Intravenous fluid administration may be provided to address dehydration from repeated vomiting
• Airway support and corticosteroids may be used in rare cases of severe upper airway swelling

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePhilodendron oxycardium

AliasesFiddle-Leaf、Horsehead Philodendron、Heartleaf Philodendron、Panda Plant、Split Leaf Philodendron、Fruit Salad Plant、Red Emerald、Red Princess、Saddle Leaf

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Oral mucosa (lips, tongue, mouth lining)Upper gastrointestinal tractUpper respiratory tract (in cases of severe swelling)

Mechanism of Action

• Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals penetrate soft mucosal tissue of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract on contact, triggering immediate pain, inflammation, and swelling

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Toxic, ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and digestive distress; small body size puts individuals at higher risk of severe complications from even small amounts of ingestion.

Pet birds: Low to moderate toxicity, ingestion can lead to oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset; severe cases may cause respiratory distress if swelling occurs.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Golden Pothos Epipremnum aureum

Both are trailing houseplants with heart-shaped green leaves, often mislabeled in stores. Pothos has thicker, waxy leaves with common yellow variegation, while cordatum has thinner, matte foliage.

Young Swiss Cheese Plant Monstera deliciosa

Juvenile monstera and cordatum both have solid heart-shaped green leaves as houseplants. Mature monstera develops characteristic leaf holes (fenestrations) that cordatum never produces.

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Related Toxic Plants

Dumb Cane

Dieffenbachia seguine

Moderate toxicity

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Low to moderate toxicity

Calla Lily

Zantedeschia aethiopica

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.

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