Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Mother Fern
Asplenium bulbiferum
The Mother Fern is a popular, non-toxic houseplant known for producing small plantlets directly on its fronds. It is considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive upset.
Asplenium bulbiferumBulbiferous FernHen and Chickens Fern
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Mother Fernis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical name for Asplenium bulbiferum.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Bichetii Grass
Chlorophytum bichetti
Bichetii Grass is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its arching, variegated foliage that resembles a miniature spider plant. It is widely considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
California Pitcher Plant
Darlingtonia californica
The California Pitcher Plant is a unique carnivorous species native to boggy areas of Northern California and Oregon. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though its fibrous structure may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
The Cast Iron Plant is a hardy, shade-tolerant houseplant known for its deep green, leathery foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. It is widely considered a pet-safe choice for households with cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Baby Doll Ti Plant
Cordyline terminalis
The Baby Doll Ti Plant is a popular tropical ornamental known for its vibrant, colorful foliage. It contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Cattleya Orchid
Cattleya labiata
The Cattleya orchid is a popular, showy flowering plant known for its large, fragrant blooms and epiphytic growth habit. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Christmas Orchid
Cattleya trianaei
The Christmas Orchid is a popular epiphytic orchid known for its large, showy, and fragrant winter blooms. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Easter Cattleya
Cattleya mossiae
The Easter Cattleya is a popular, fragrant orchid known for its large, showy blooms and elegant growth habit. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.