© Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 · Commons
Philodendron
Toxic🐾Philodendren · (Philodendron hederaceum)
Arum family (Araceae)
Description
Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. As of September 2025, the Plants of the World Online accepted 625 species; other sources accept different numbers. Regardless of number of species, the genus is the second-largest member of the family Araceae, after genus Anthurium.
External use only!
This plant must NOT be taken internally. Use only as compress, salve, or bath.
- RawWhole plantExternalFolk medicine
When kept as a living houseplant, the heartleaf philodendron absorbs formaldehyde from indoor air according to the NASA Clean Air Study (Wolverton 1989). The study recorded measurable reduction in sealed test chambers.
Preparation & dosage
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- RawWhole plantExternalFolk medicine
As an ornamental plant, Philodendron hederaceum is valued for its mood-enhancing effect through indoor greening. Scientific studies on biophilia confirm positive psychological effects of houseplants in general.
Preparation & dosage
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- RawLeafExternalFolk medicine
Large-leaved houseplants like Philodendron hederaceum release water vapour through transpiration, increasing relative humidity in dry indoor spaces.
Preparation & dosage
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