Philodendron

An ornamental, often grown as a pot plant, these plants may or may not have a climbing habit. If grown outside, they are often vines or climbers with thickened stems and numerous aerial roots.

Flowers are similar to other aroids in that they are small and numerous, crowded onto a central spike which is surrounded by a greenish coloured spathe.

Leaves are shiny, sometimes variegated and often lobed or segmented.

The two main types of philodendron houseplants are vining and non-climbing varieties.

Vining philodendrons need a post or other supporting structure to climb on. These include blushing philodendrons and heartleaf philodendrons. 

Non-climbing philodendrons, such as lacy tree philodendrons and bird’s nest philodendrons, have an upright, spreading growth habit. The width of non-climbers can be as much as twice their height, so give them plenty of elbow room.

Heart-leaved philodendron Philodendron scandens is an ornamental. Chewing the leaves of philodendrons results in painful burning and swelling of the mouth parts because of the oxalates. Contact dermatitis also occurs (Lampe and McCann 1985). A recent survey showed that even though 67% of 188 cases involved philodendrons, only one case developed minor symptoms (Mrvos et al. 1990). McIntire et al. (1990) describe the death of an infant after it had ingested a philodendron. The child had ulceration of lips and tongue as well as esophageal erosion. Death was caused by cardiac arrest secondary to vagotonia resulting from esophageal erosions. Family pets can also exhibit signs of toxicity if they chew on leaves of philodendrons. Hanna (1986) lists several symptoms attributable to ingestion of these plants by pets.

However, Sellers et al. (1977) conducted laboratory feeding studies on cats and concluded that signs of acute toxicity were not found upon necropsy, even when large quantities of leaves were ingested. Experimental work on mice and rats showed that death occurred when the rodents were given extracts from leaves and stems (Der Marderosian et al. 1976).

Symptoms:

All parts of the plant contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which if chewed or eaten, can cause immediate pain or a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Swelling may cause copious salivation, difficulty in breathing, swallowing or speaking. Severe swelling or gastric irritation may become life-threatening.The sap may cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation.