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Platycerium Alcicorne
Platycerium alcicorne · Polypodiaceae
How it looks
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium alcicorne) is an epiphytic fern whose leaves spread in two forms of large antler- or bat-wing shape: rounded shield fronds and divided, trailing fronds. The leaves are gray-green and covered with white fuzz, and it is grown mounted on a wall.
This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
If the leaves form a cup in the center that holds water, check whether that water sits at a height your cat can reach, and refresh it now and then — standing water turns cloudy over time.
If it is mounted on a wall or a board, your cat may reach the leaf tips from a cat tree or bookshelf beside it. If it is set on a shelf or table, a passing cat can nudge it over, so place it a little in from the edge. Pick up any fallen leaf pieces when you spot them on the floor.
Details
- Scientific name
- Platycerium alcicorne
- Common name
- Platycerium Alcicorne
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Polypodiaceae
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