Pet safety
3ASPCA non-toxic look-alikes — a similar plant, safe for cats & dogs.
Philodendron is listed as mildly toxic to pets to cats and dogs on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Each plant below is ASPCA non-toxic and chosen to echo Philodendron's look, habit, or growing conditions — tap through to its full pet-safety and care guides before you buy. Prefer to keep Philodendron? See its full toxicity detail and symptoms.
The closest match to the 'heartleaf' look — a delicate trailing vine of heart-shaped leaves that genuinely shares philodendron's 'sweetheart vine' nickname (confirmed in commonNames for both species), and it is ASPCA pet-safe.
Shared with philodendron: trailing vine, heart-shaped leaves, 1-3 m trailing length, popular shelf/macrame trailer, 'sweetheart vine' common name shared with heartleaf philodendron
A long-trailing, glossy-leaved tropical vine that fills the same shelf or trellis as a heartleaf philodendron and shrugs off neglect just as easily, but is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Shared with philodendron: trailing/climbing tropical vine, 1-3 m trailing length, thick glossy evergreen foliage, indirect light, low-fuss shelf or hanging plant
A compact, glossy-leaved tropical foliage plant that thrives in the same medium-indirect light as a tabletop philodendron and gives the same lush green look on a desk or shelf, with ASPCA-confirmed pet-safe status.
Shared with philodendron: compact tropical foliage houseplant, glossy rounded leaves, medium-indirect light, tabletop/shelf use, forgiving of average indoor conditions
Yes. The ASPCA lists Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) as mildly toxic to pets to cats and dogs. ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty. If you keep it, site it well out of reach; otherwise the non-toxic alternatives below give a similar look without the risk.
String of hearts is the closest pet-safe swap — The closest match to the 'heartleaf' look — a delicate trailing vine of heart-shaped leaves that genuinely shares philodendron's 'sweetheart vine' nickname (confirmed in commonNames for both species), and it is ASPCA pet-safe. For a full set of options, every plant on this page is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Yes — each alternative is classified by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and every one links to its full ASPCA-sourced pet-safety guide so you can confirm it before you buy. Non-toxic means it will not poison a pet, though no plant is food — large amounts of any foliage can cause mild, brief stomach upset.
Most share Philodendron's light level and growth habit — that is why they read as look-alikes — but care is never identical. Each card notes the shared traits, and every alternative links to its full care guide so you can match it to your space before buying.
Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away, note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice. A leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.