Pet safety
Is Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron)toxic to cats & dogs?
Philodendron bipinnatifidum (syn. Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, P. selloum)
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Philodendron bipinnatifidum (syn. Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, P. selloum)
Is philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) safe for cats and dogs?
No — philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA classifies Philodendron (including selloum/lacy tree philodendron) as toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in the leaves, stems and sap, which on chewing cause intense oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The sap is also a skin and eye irritant in people, so wear gloves when pruning. Keep well out of reach of pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)?
The ASPCA classifies Philodendron (including selloum/lacy tree philodendron) as toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in the leaves, stems and sap, which on chewing cause intense oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The sap is also a skin and eye irritant in people, so wear gloves when pruning. Keep well out of reach of pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to philodendron selloum (tree philodendron), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) and pets — frequently asked questions
Is philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) toxic to cats?
Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) (Philodendron bipinnatifidum (syn. Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, P. selloum)) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA classifies Philodendron (including selloum/lacy tree philodendron) as toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in the leaves, stems and sap, which on chewing cause intense oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The sap is also a skin and eye irritant in people, so wear gloves when pruning. Keep well out of reach of pets and children. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)?
The ASPCA classifies Philodendron (including selloum/lacy tree philodendron) as toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in the leaves, stems and sap, which on chewing cause intense oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The sap is also a skin and eye irritant in people, so wear gloves when pruning. Keep well out of reach of pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to philodendron selloum (tree philodendron), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.