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Ball Fern
Davallia spp. · Polypodiaceae
How it looks
Ball Fern (Davallia) is a fern with feather-shaped, deeply divided fronds and brown, fuzzy legs (rhizomes) that creep over the edge of the pot. Because the rhizomes resemble rabbit feet, it is also called the "rabbit's foot fern." It stands 12–20 in (30–50 cm) tall.
Ball 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
- Davallia spp.
- Common name
- Ball Fern
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
