We at Wild Interiors® love pets just like you do, and we want to make sure your furry friends are safe. That’s why we made this guide to help you find plants that are safe for pets. On our site, just look for the paw print icon to find options that are better for pet owners. Remember that you should call your vet right away if you think your pet has eaten a poisonous plant.
Before bringing any plant home, it’s a good idea to double-check for pet safety. Some common plants have chemicals in them that can irritate pets or even make their health worse.
When in doubt, check the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List for up-to-date information and resources. ImproveNet also has a resource library for other pets as well, including reptiles and birds. When in doubt, look it up!.
Blue star fern, with its delicate fronds and cobalt markings, is an eye-catching houseplant. But is it safe to keep around cats? Can curious kitties nibble on those pretty leaves without getting sick?
An Overview of Blue Star Fern
Blue star fern, also called phlebodium aureum, is a type of tropical fern native to Mexico and Central America In the wild, it grows on trees or rocky slopes in shaded rainforests.
As a houseplant, blue star fern has feathery, arched fronds that can reach up to 3 feet long Young fronds emerge with a cool blue tint that darkens to green as they mature. Mature fronds develop silvery-blue markings, or “stars”, along their veins – hence the name.
Blue star fern thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity. It prefers an airy potting mix that drains well. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Mist the fronds regularly to boost humidity. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
With proper care, this elegant fern makes a lovely accent plant for bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces. But is it feline-friendly?
Is Blue Star Fern Toxic to Cats?
The good news is blue star fern is not toxic to cats.
According to the ASPCA, none of the 865 species of fern have been found toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. While the ASPCA does not specifically list blue star fern, it falls under their general designation of ferns being non-toxic.
Other authoritative sources, including PetMD and VCA Hospitals, also list ferns as safe for cats. Popular houseplants like Boston fern, rabbit’s foot fern, and maidenhair fern are all non-toxic varieties.
So while blue star fern itself has not been extensively studied for cat safety, all evidence points to it being fine for feline households.
Potential for Minor GI Upset
While not poisonous, there is a small chance nibbling on a fern could cause minor stomach upset in some cats. The ASPCA says “vomiting and diarrhea are the expected results of fern ingestion.”
The reason is ferns contain plant matter that is difficult for cats to digest properly. Indigestible plant fibers may irritate the digestive tract or cause obstruction.
However, any irritation is likely to be transient. Serious toxicity or long-term health consequences are unlikely from occasional fern nibbling.
Monitor your cat after exposure to ferns. Look for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy. Call your vet if symptoms persist more than 24 hours.
Preventing Cats From Nibbling Ferns
While ferns are not severely toxic, it’s still best to deter cats from chewing on houseplants. Here are some tips:
-
Elevate ferns out of reach of cats. Place them on high shelves, plant stands, or hang them from the ceiling in a basket.
-
Apply cat-safe deterrents like sour apple spray. Reapply regularly.
-
Keep cats well-hydrated so they are less inclined to nibble plants.
-
Provide cat grass for nibbling to satisfy curiosity.
-
Use positive reinforcement when catching cats away from plants.
-
Block access to plant areas with baby gates or motion-sensor deterrents.
-
Clip the tips of fronds to remove temptation.
-
Trim back ferns before periods when you are away.
-
Keep plants in rooms cats are not allowed access to. Shut doors and use baby gates.
-
Provide alternative scratching posts and cat trees to distract curious cats.
-
Consider removing high-risk plants if your cat is extremely determined. Choose pet-safe alternatives instead.
Pet-Safe Fern Alternatives
If your cat is obsessed with nibbling ferns, you may opt to avoid them. Here are some non-toxic alternatives:
- Bird’s nest fern
- Rabbit’s foot fern
- Boston fern
- Kimberly queen fern
- Button fern
- Silver dollar vine
- Mother fern
- Polka dot plant
- Nail fern
- Cast iron plant
- Sword fern
- Flowering maple
Check out cat-safe houseplants from the ASPCA for more ideas. Select plants with sturdy, thick leaves that are less tempting for cats to chew on.
The Bottom Line
While no houseplant is 100% cat-proof, blue star fern appears to pose a very low toxicity risk for cats. Mild stomach upset is possible if cats ingest fern fronds. But serious poisoning is very unlikely.
Use common-sense precautions to keep your cat away from nibbling on ferns and other houseplants. Avoid high-risk plants and provide safe alternatives. With some adjustments, you can enjoy beautiful ferns and thriving felines in your home.
Exercise caution when considering the following plants:
- Sansevieria or “Snake Plant”*
- Croton**
- Phlebodium Blue Star Fern***
*Snake Plant is mildly toxic to pets, due to saponins. It has a very bitter taste that deters most animals from attempting to eat it, and a lethal amount is not likely to be consumed. Use your best judgment and knowledge of your pets before deciding to bring home a Snake Plant. Read more. The ASPCA rates this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
**Croton is mildly toxic to pets and people if digested, but its bitter taste keeps most pets from eating it. In large doses, eating Croton plants can be fatal. Use your best judgment and knowledge of your pets before deciding to bring home a Croton. Read more.
***The ASPCA has not evaluated the Phlebodium Blue Star Fern, though other sources indicate it to be pet-friendly.
Our pet-friendly plant offerings include:
- Curly Spider
- Baby Rubber Plant
- Echeveria
- Gasteria
- Haworthia
- Peperomia
- Fluffy Ruffles Fern
- Rabbits Foot Fern
- Blue Star Fern
Plants That Are Toxic to Cats!!
FAQ
Is Blue Star plant toxic to cats?
Is Blue fern pet friendly?
Is blue star fern toxic?
Which fern is poisonous to cats?
Is blue star fern poisonous?
The Blue Star Fern is safe for most people and pets. Unlike some plants that can be toxic, the Blue Star Fern does not harm cats, dogs, or humans if they touch or eat it by accident. Because it is not poisonous, you can feel confident having it in your home.
Are ferns toxic to cats?
Ferns from the family Polypodiaceae are not toxic for cats, although you should try to stop your four-legged friend from eating entire fern plants. Some fern-like plants are toxic, too, including some plants that have fern in the name, even though they aren’t true ferns.
What is a blue star fern used for?
Uses: The Blue Star Fern is primarily used as a decorative indoor plant. Its tolerance for lower light conditions and unique appearance make it a popular choice for adding greenery to homes and offices. It’s also used as a companion plant in mixed containers.
Are blue star ferns easy to care for?
Blue Star Ferns (Phlebodium aureum) are considered to be relatively easy to care for, especially when compared to other fern species. They are adaptable and can tolerate a range of indoor environments, making them suitable for beginners.
Can Blue Star ferns be grown from scratch?
Like other fern species, blue star ferns aren’t commonly grown from scratch. A mature plant does produce spores (brown dots on the undersides of the leaves), but growing new ferns from those would be a huge hassle compared to normal propagation.
Do Blue Star ferns have mealybugs?
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that can infest your Blue Star Ferns. They can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and a sticky residue on the plant. To treat mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant.