What should I do if my cat ate Lacy Tree Philodendron?

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) any time you see drooling that doesn't quickly settle, swelling of the mouth or tongue, vomiting, or refusal to eat or drink. Airway swelling — though rare — is a get-seen-now situation.

What should I do if my dog ate Lacy Tree Philodendron?

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for any persistent drooling, visible mouth or tongue swelling, vomiting, or refusal to eat or drink. Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — rare — means call immediately.

Lacy Tree Philodendron — (c) B. Phalan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by B. Phalan — Photo by (c) B. Phalan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by B. PhalaniNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) B. Phalan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by B. PhalaniNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Q: Is Lacy Tree Philodendron safe for cats?

Lacy Tree Philodendron is potentially toxic to cats. The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested any part of this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Q: Is Lacy Tree Philodendron safe for dogs?

Lacy Tree Philodendron is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically leads to immediate discomfort due to the release of calcium oxalate crystals. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum

The Lacy Tree Philodendron is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.

Check a list

Horsehead PhilodendronPhilodendron bipinnatifidumPhilodendron selloumSplit-leaf PhilodendronThaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Upright, shrub-like
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

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

Escalation note

The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical irritation. If your cat has ingested any part of this plant, please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

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

Escalation note

Ingestion typically leads to immediate discomfort due to the release of calcium oxalate crystals. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Lacy Tree Philodendron is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

This plant is widely known as Philodendron bipinnatifidum or Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum and is noted for its large, deeply divided leaves.

cats safety page My cat ate Lacy Tree Philodendron dogs safety page My dog ate Lacy Tree Philodendron

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Share the alias "horsehead philodendron".

Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron bipennifolium

Philodendron bipennifolium is a popular vining aroid known for its unique, fiddle-shaped foliage. Like many members of the Araceae family, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Share the alias "split leaf philodendron".

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Devil's Ivy is a popular trailing houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves and ease of care. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a popular succulent known for its medicinal gel, but it contains compounds that can cause digestive distress if ingested by pets. It is widely grown as a houseplant for its architectural foliage and low-maintenance care requirements.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.