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
dog safety reference
Is Lacy Tree Philodendron safe for dogs?
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
What this means for your dog
Dogs that chew lacy tree philodendron get an immediate, painful mouthful — the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals stab into the tissue of the mouth and tongue on contact. The reaction is dramatic, but most dogs spit out the leaf and recover with supportive care; the bigger concern is when a determined chewer keeps going.
What to watch for
Most-common to least: sudden, heavy drooling and pawing at the mouth, oral and lip swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. A dog that chewed and kept chewing may show pronounced swelling and refuse food and water. Systemic toxicity is uncommon.
Time window
Signs appear almost immediately after chewing. Pet Poison Helpline describes the mechanism as immediate tissue penetration; symptom duration is not well documented but typically resolves within hours of supportive care.
When to call the vet
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.
First aid at home
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.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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.
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.
Questions about Lacy Tree Philodendron
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.
Same dog verdict
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