Philodendron species are at the top of the rankings of popular houseplants as opulent foliage plants. As evergreen climbers, they use mighty trees in rainforests as climbing aids without harming them as parasites. You can find out here whether the tree friend is also friendly to people and animals.
Are Philodendron plants poisonous?
Philodendrons are toxic to humans, cats, dogs and rodents because they contain toxic ingredients such as calcium oxalate, which can cause skin irritation, vomiting and kidney damage. Contact with these plants should be avoided and animals should not be allowed access.
Toxic to humans
Philodendrons are suffused with a white milky sap. This contains toxic ingredients such as calcium oxalate or various pungent substances. Severe irritation, rashes and itching can occur after mere skin contact. If parts of the leaf, a flower or fruit are eaten, the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat swell. This is followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
The tree friend should therefore not be placed within the reach of children. When carrying out care and cutting work, wearing gloves (€9.00 on Amazon) and long-sleeved clothing prevents skin contact. Clippings should be disposed of in the garbage can if there is a risk that animals can get into the compost heap in the garden.
Highly toxic to cats, dogs and rodents
The toxic content of Philodendron takes on a life-threatening dimension for cats, dogs and rodents such as guinea pigs or hamsters. You can recognize poisoning by these symptoms:
- Heavy salivation
- Trembling and restlessness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Poisoning can be fatal for cats as the toxins cause irreversible damage to the kidneys. Living together with domestic animals therefore excludes the simultaneous cultivation of philodendrons. This also includes birds that are allowed to fly around in living spaces.
Tip
If consumed, the philodendron is poisonous to humans and life-threatening to cats. Its numerous advantages should not be overlooked. In addition to the unique decorative value, the mighty leaves on the tree friend filter toxic substances from the air, such as formaldehyde or carbon monoxide.
