At a glance
| Plant | Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum (heartleaf philodendron)) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic principle | insoluble calcium oxalate crystals |
| Signs ASPCA lists | mouth irritation, with pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips; heavy drooling; vomiting; trouble swallowing |
| ASPCA page | Heartleaf Philodendron, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
Every entry on ASPCA’s lists that names Philodendron, from split-leaf to tree philodendron, is toxic to both cats and dogs (our count, Nov 2026).
ASPCA lists “sweetheart plant” as another name for heartleaf philodendron. Don’t confuse it with sweetheart hoya, whose heart-shaped leaves are on ASPCA’s non-toxic list.
Look-alikes
- Pothos: toxic to cats, toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Same verdict. Pothos has grooved leaf stalks and no leafy sheaths on new growth; philodendron has smooth stalks and visible sheaths.
- Sweetheart hoya: non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Thick, heart-shaped leaves, often sold as a single rooted leaf around Valentine’s Day.
Care basics
Light: Medium light; it survives long stretches of very low light.
Soil and water: Keep the soil slightly moist and water less in winter. It appreciates misting.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Philodendron hederaceum.
If your pet ate some
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, as soon as you can. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
