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Dwarf Whitman Fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia plumosa · Nephrolepidaceae
How it looks
The dwarf Whitman fern is a compact Boston fern cultivar with deeply divided feather-shaped fronds that arch gently as they grow. Its fronds are smaller and denser than those of the ordinary Boston fern. Height 12–20 in (30–50 cm).
Dwarf Whitman 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
- Nephrolepis cordifolia plumosa
- Common name
- Dwarf Whitman Fern
- Family
- Nephrolepidaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Nephrolepidaceae
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