Variegated Philodendron
Scindapsus, Philodendron spp · Araceae
How it looks
The Variegated Philodendron is a vining foliage plant with heart- or arrowhead-shaped leaves marked in white and yellow. The variegation appears differently on each leaf. It is grown as a hanging plant or trained up a pole, with leaves 2–8 in (5–20 cm) across.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Variegated Philodendron contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling and vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Variegated Philodendron rarely leads to serious trouble, but the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Scindapsus, Philodendron spp
- Common name
- Variegated Philodendron
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
