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Common Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum · Polypodiaceae
How it looks
Common Staghorn Fern is a very distinctive epiphytic fern whose large fronds resemble stag antlers or bat wings, in two forms (rounded shield fronds and divided, drooping fronds). The fronds are gray-green and covered with white fuzz. It grows 12–31 in (30–80 cm) across and is grown mounted on a wall.
Common Staghorn Fern is a fern with no known toxicity to cats according to the ASPCA. A nibble or two is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
Most ferns are a safe plant group for cats. Their trailing fronds can look like toys and invite batting, but a nibble or two won't lead to serious trouble. If you'd rather not have the fronds constantly roughed up, use a high shelf or a hanging planter out of reach. If it lives in the bathroom, chemicals like cleaners, air fresheners, and hairspray can be more dangerous to your cat than the plant — check the ventilation there as well. The key to care is keeping the soil from drying out completely, and it grows best in bright indirect light rather than direct sun.
Details
- Scientific name
- Platycerium bifurcatum
- Common name
- Common Staghorn Fern
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Polypodiaceae
Other safe flowers
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