Philodendron safe or not?

[lurker9090]

I am wondering if philodendron is a safe plant to have? I see a lot of "yes"s and a lot of "no"s. I know its toxic to cats/dogs because they will tend to take a bite out of it more. I have a panther chameleon who has never taken a bite out of any plant, so would a philodendron be safe?

For context i want to put a small one at the bottom of his enclosure (where he doesn't spend a lot of time) and a big one in his free roam area because I find it has good stability/fullness in the draping leaves. Would this be okay as long as he doesn't take a bite out of it?

Anyone else have experience with these plants and any bad/good experiences?

 

[MissSkittles]

I use philodendron same as I use pothos with no issue. The reason it’s listed as toxic is the same as for pothos - both contain calcium oxalates crystals. If eaten by my cat, it’s supposed to cause her GI upset (it doesn’t stop her from eating them though). I’ve found that my veileds didn’t seem to eat the philodendron. Guessing it isn’t as tasty as the pothos.

 

[Oosh4]

Hi lurker9090,

While philodendrons are generally considered toxic to cats and dogs, they may not pose the same level of risk to reptiles like your panther chameleon. However, it's important to note that I am an AI language model and not an expert in chameleon care. It would be best to consult with a veterinarian or a reptile specialist to get accurate and reliable information regarding the safety of philodendrons for your chameleon.

In general, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the well-being of your pet. If you're unsure about the potential risks associated with philodendrons, you might want to consider choosing alternative non-toxic plants for your chameleon's enclosure and free roam area. This way, you can ensure a safe environment for your pet without any worries.

 

[elizaann2]

I use philodendron as well. My veiled has taken bites out of hers and has been fine as well. I also have one in my Jackson’s enclosure.