Dieffenbachia and Philodendron Two Popular but Poisonous Houseplants

The Full Story

Both Dieffenbachia and Philodendron are easy to grow houseplants, making them popular with novice as well as experienced plant lovers. Together, these genuses of flowering plants include over 500 species. Although Dieffenbachia and Philodendron are different plants, they both cause toxicity in similar ways.

Dieffenbachia plants are known by several common names, such as "dumb cane" and "mother-in-law's tongue," which describe their toxicity when this plant is ingested. Dracaena is an unrelated genus of plants that also goes by the common name "mother-in-law's tongue." Depending on the species of Dieffenbachia, the thick, broad leaves are usually a combination of green, white, and yellow. Some can grow as tall as 6 to 8 feet while others can be kept pruned to remain as short as 12 inches. Dieffenbachia produce flowers seasonally but rarely flower when kept as indoor plants. These plants can also produce sap that can cause painful irritation when touched.

Philodendron plants usually have large leaves that are lobed or deeply cut. The leaves can be oval or spear shaped, but they can be various other shapes. Some species are vining plants with aerial roots and can climb to great heights.

Both Dieffenbachia and Philodendron contain calcium oxalate, which can cause toxicity when the plant is handled improperly or eaten. These oxalates form "raphides," which are tiny, needle-like structures. The role of calcium oxalate crystals in these plants is not entirely understood; perhaps they are a protective feature to discourage herbivores. Raphides can cause mechanical injury and painful microtrauma leading to immediate pain and swelling when the plant is chewed or when the sap gets on skin or eyes.

All parts of the Dieffenbachia plant contain raphides. The raphides in Dieffenbachia plants also release proteolytic enzymes which increase the severity of symptoms, causing swelling and respiratory distress. Oxalates are typically found in the leaves of Philodendron plants. Some Philodendron species can produce edible fruit. However, unripe fruit will contain calcium oxalates. 

In severe oral exposures, the pain and swelling can lead to excessive drooling, difficult or painful swallowing, and loss of speech. Skin exposure can lead to rash, swelling, redness, and dermatitis (skin inflammation). Touching the sap and then touching your eye can lead to eye irritation, corneal abrasions, and, rarely, permanent eye damage.

For ingestions, rinse with water and spit to remove any remaining plant materials from the mouth. If the mouth continues to be irritated, sucking on ice chips or frozen treats can relieve pain. Do not force fluids. If the person is drooling excessively, has severe mouth swelling, or is having difficulty swallowing or breathing, call 911. If you come into contact with the sap, you should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes. If the sap comes into contact with your eyes, immediately irrigate with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or do not improve.

If you are worried about an exposure to either Dieffenbachia or Philodendron plants, check the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Whether you log on or call, expert assistance is available 24 hours a day.

Diana N. Pei, PharmD
Certified Specialist in Poison Information