Philodendrons are enjoyed by many households for their greenery and easy care. Yet their attractive leaves also come with risks if certain safety steps aren’t followed. This article will share how these plants can potentially harm if swallowed or touched, what warning signs to look out for, and simple ways to childproof your space. By learning more about philodendrons’ true nature, readers can feel at ease keeping these beauties while also ensuring the well-being of little ones or furry friends under their roof. The complete facts lie ahead – keep reading to gain helpful knowledge on this commonly found plant.
Key Takeaway
- Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause issues if consumed.
- Keeping plants up high and away can prevent mouths from swelling, drooling excessively or struggling to swallow.
- Always place philodendrons where little hands and noses can’t reach to avoid any unwanted sickness.
Are Philodendrons Poisonous?
Philodendrons can indeed make people and pets feel unwell. All parts of the plant hold sharp crystals that don’t agree with tummies. If the crystals are chewed or swallowed, they may cause a burning feeling in one’s mouth and throat, and lead to some swelling. Our furry friends like dogs and cats could have similar yucky symptoms if they take a nibble.
Sadly, eating the plant may also cause an icky upset tummy with nausea and puking. The bad feelings can start quickly too. That’s why it’s super important to keep philodendrons up high, where little hands and noses can’t reach. Accidents do happen though. If someone does eat a bit by mistake, it’s always good to get help from a doctor or call the poison help people right away. Knowing these risks can help keep everyone in the home safe and feeling well.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Here are some things to watch out for if someone or a pet eats a philodendron:
Pain and swelling: The mouth, lips, tongue and throat might start to feel funny or hurt. It could become hard to eat or drink with this kind of discomfort [1].
More drool than normal: Dogs and cats may drool a whole lot more than usual. This leaves wet fur and an unhappy pet.
Tummy troubles: Throwing up or diarrhea are common signs that the plant bothered the tummy. Stomach aches and feeling yucky in the gut too.
Pets might show they don’t feel good other ways too, like pawing at their face a lot or refusing their dinner. If any of these things happen, call the poison help line or take your pet to the vet right away. Early help can make the bad signs not as strong. It’s important to get advice from the experts if an accident occurs.
How to Respond to Ingestion
If someone does put a part of the philodendron plant in their mouth by accident, it’s smart to act fast. Here are some things you can do right away [2]:
Rinse gently – If a kid or pet has been chewing the leaves, rinse their mouth with water for at least 15 minutes. This helps wash away any plant bits.
Get help – Call the emergency number or poison help line right away. They can tell you what to do based on each situation.
Keep a close eye – Watch for troubles like breathing issues or problems swallowing. If that happens, medical care is needed as soon as possible.
It’s also good to have soap and water ready just in case. Touching some philodendron plants can cause skin irritation for some. Quick cleanup can lower the chances of worse reactions. Moving quickly helps make sure accidental exposures aren’t too harmful.
Keeping Your Home Safe
There are some easy things you can do to keep philodendrons safe around little ones and pets:
Put them up high – Place the plants on tall shelves or in hanging pots where no one can reach them. This simple step helps prevent accidental nibbles.
Teach everyone – Talk to all family members about how the plants can make tummies feel bad if eaten. Knowledge is powerful for avoiding mistakes.
Choose pet-friendly plants – If you have kids or furry friends at home, consider getting spider plants or Boston ferns instead. These beauties are just as nice looking without any worries.
Safety should come first. Remind loved ones often how important it is to keep the philodendrons up and away. Protecting little ones and pets is worth this small change. With some smart steps, you can enjoy these popular greenery indoors peacefully.
Understanding Philodendron Care
Philodendrons are easy to care for houseplants, which is why many like having them. But since they can cause tummy troubles, extra steps are needed. Here are some tips:
Sunlight – Philodendrons do well with indirect light, not sun beaming down. Too much direct sun can burn their leaves.
Water – Only water when the top soil feels dry. Giving them too much water can cause sick roots. It’s safer to water a little less!
Checks – Look over the leaves once a week for any problems or bug friends. Healthy plants are less likely to cause trouble by accident. Taking good care also makes the plants stay pretty.
Knowing how much light, water and attention they need helps you enjoy their nice greenery safely. With some simple steps, you can feel good about keeping philodendrons indoors!
Alternatives to Philodendrons
If you want lovely houseplants but without risks, there are other good choices. Here are some popular pet-friendly options:
Spider Plant – Known for cleaning air and being low-maintenance. It grows with different light and is safe for furry friends too.
Boston Fern – Adds nice green without concerns. It likes humidity so is great for bathrooms.
Bamboo Palm – Adds a tropical feel that’s safe around kids and pets. These plants help freshen indoor air quality.
Choosing plants carefully makes a big difference. Options that don’t cause tummy issues let you have indoor gardens without worries. Friends and loved ones can all enjoy the beauty together comfortably.
FAQ
Are philodendrons poisonous to cats and dogs?
Yes, philodendron plants are toxic to pets. If your cat or dog chews or swallows any plant material, they might show common signs like excessive drooling and mouth and throat swelling. These house plants contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe reactions in pets.
What should I do if my child has eaten part of a philodendron plant?
First, stay calm. Rinse their mouth with water or milk. Call your local poison control center immediately – they’re available 24/7 across the United States. If you notice difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth, seek medical attention right away or call your local emergency number.
What are the symptoms of philodendron poisoning?
The main symptoms include oral irritation, burning sensation, pain and swelling in the mouth area, and difficulty swallowing. These reactions occur because philodendrons are toxic plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. In rare cases, severe reactions may require medical attention.
How can I prevent accidental poisoning from my philodendron?
Keep philodendron plants out of reach of children and pets. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling plant material. If you’re in the San Francisco area or anywhere else in the United States, save your local poison control center number for emergencies.
What’s the difference in toxicity between heartleaf philodendron and split leaf philodendron?
Both heartleaf philodendron and split leaf philodendron varieties are similarly toxic because they both contain calcium oxalates. The size of the plant doesn’t affect its toxicity level – even a small amount of chewed or swallowed plant material can cause symptoms.
What should I do if philodendron sap gets on my skin?
If skin contact occurs, rinse the affected area with water for 15 minutes. While most cases only cause mild irritation, some people may experience more serious reactions. If you develop severe symptoms, contact your local poison prevention center for guidance.
How do I safely care for my philodendron?
For proper philodendron care, place the plant in direct sunlight and watch for signs of root rot. When handling these toxic plants, always use basic safety precautions. Store the national poison control number in your phone, and teach children never to put plant parts in their mouth.
Conclusion
While philodendrons look lovely, please be aware their whole plant contains crystals that can cause harm. Eating any part may lead to swollen lips, drooling, bellyaches or other unpleasant signs. Young ones and pets are most at risk. Always place thesegreeneries up high and safely away. And if someone does swallow some by mistake, calling experts right away helps them get fast help to feel better soon. Taking basic steps creates a safer space for all the people and pets inside your home.
References
- https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/are-philodendrons-poisonous
- https://www.poison.org/articles/dieffenbachia-and-philodendron-202
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- https://knowngarden.com/different-philodendrons/
- https://knowngarden.com/is-philodendron-toxic-to-dogs/
- https://knowngarden.com/are-philodendron-toxic-to-cats/