Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
Pet safety reference
Lacy Tree Philodendron
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.
Horsehead PhilodendronPhilodendron bipinnatifidumPhilodendron selloumSplit-leaf PhilodendronThaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright, shrub-like
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
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
This plant is widely known as Philodendron bipinnatifidum or Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum and is noted for its large, deeply divided leaves.
Questions about Lacy Tree Philodendron
Is Lacy Tree Philodendron toxic to cats?
Yes, Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout the plant that cause immediate irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips when chewed or ingested.
What symptoms will my cat show after chewing a Lacy Tree Philodendron?
Symptoms typically appear within minutes and include sudden drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, oral pain, swelling of the lips or tongue, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Severity ranges from mild oral irritation to enough swelling to interfere with eating.
What should I do if my cat ate a 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. If you notice swelling of the mouth or throat — though rare — treat it as an emergency and seek immediate care.
What part of the Lacy Tree Philodendron is poisonous to cats?
The entire plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, so any part — leaves, stems, or roots — can cause irritation. These crystals work by mechanically penetrating tissue on contact, which is why oral signs like burning and drooling appear almost immediately after chewing.
Is Lacy Tree Philodendron toxic to dogs?
Yes, Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
What happens if a dog chews on a Lacy Tree Philodendron?
Symptoms appear almost immediately after chewing — the calcium oxalate crystals penetrate tissue on contact. Expect heavy drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral and lip swelling, and possibly vomiting. A dog that chewed repeatedly may show pronounced swelling and refuse to eat or drink. Systemic toxicity is uncommon.
What should I do if my dog ate a 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 specifically instructs you to — the crystals have already caused irritation and forcing vomiting can worsen it.
Which part of the Lacy Tree Philodendron is poisonous to dogs?
All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, so any chewing or ingestion — leaves, stems, or roots — can cause irritation. The mechanism is physical: the needle-like crystals penetrate soft tissue in the mouth and throat on contact, which is why symptoms are immediate rather than delayed.
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.
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