Arrowhead Vine
Syngonium podophyllum · Araceae
How it looks
Arrowhead Vine is a foliage plant whose arrowhead-shaped leaves are simple when young but become lobed as the plant matures. Varieties with white or pink variegation are common, and young leaves are paler. It grows as a vine, trained for hanging baskets or up poles.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Arrowhead Vine contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Arrowhead Vine rarely leads to serious trouble, but the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Syngonium podophyllum
- Common name
- Arrowhead Vine
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Araceae
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