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
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

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.

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.

Dogsconcern 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.

Cats & dogs pagecats pageMy dog ate Lacy Tree Philodendron

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