Polypodiaceae
4 species in this database
All 4 Polypodiaceae species in this database are listed non-toxic to cats and dogs. They water every 3 to 14 days.
| Plant | Light | Water | Pet safe | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue star fernPhlebodium aureum | Low | 5–10d | Yes | Easy |
| Boston fernNephrolepis exaltata | Low | 3–6d | Yes | Demanding |
| Rabbit’s foot fernDavallia fejeensis | Low | 4–9d | Yes | Moderate |
| Staghorn fernPlatycerium bifurcatum | Medium | 7–14d | Yes | Moderate |
What these share
Derived from the 4 entries above, not asserted about the family at large.
| Watering range across the family | Every 3 to 14 days for a 6-inch pot indoors |
|---|---|
| Native habitat recorded | canopy epiphyte, tropical understory |
| Toxic to cats and dogs | 0 of 4 |
| Least demanding here | Blue star fern, Easy. Scores 2 of 5: by a distance the easiest fern to keep indoors, because it tolerates drying slightly and does not demand 70% humidity. The furry surface rhizomes are supposed to sit on top of the mix. |
Family membership is a rough guide to care, not a rule. It predicts toxic principle far better than it predicts watering: species in the same family routinely come from different habitats, and habitat is what sets the interval. Read the individual entry before acting on anything here.
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online — family placement for 4 of 4 species (example)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — toxicity classification, cited per species on each entry
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — poison severity where published
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — pest and disease guidance, cited per species
Compiled and edited by Tony Valcarcel · 2026-09-11
Every figure on this page is computed from the species entries listed above.
Nothing here is a claim about Polypodiaceae beyond the plants in this database.