3 Pet-Safe Fern Varieties to Grow Indoors
Ferns have been popular houseplants for decades. Despite their reputation for being picky about indoor conditions, ferns are easy to care for when given the right conditions. A great advantage to many ferns is their lack of toxicity, making them safe for households with pets. If you're interested in growing ferns at home, varieties like the bird's nest fern are perfect additions to your houseplant collection. Here are some other pet-safe ferns to consider:
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are an iconic houseplant found in homes around the world. These round, bushy plants are perfect for hanging baskets or tall pedestals. They prefer bright light and warm temperatures, and grow quickly when given the perfect conditions. Boston ferns make great plants for pet owners because while their long, feathery fronds might be tempting for animals to chew on, they're completely non-toxic.
Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair ferns produce fluffy mounds of delicate leaves. While they don't require much light, they are more picky than other ferns about humidity, and will get crispy and brown if it's too dry. Maidenhair ferns are great candidates for bathrooms with moderate light, or with a nearby humidifier to keep the air moist. Tiny versions of this plant are popular picks for terrariums due to their high-humidity demands, but no matter where you grow them at home, they pose zero risk to your pets.
Crocodile Fern
Crocodile ferns offer vivid color and striking texture to a home environment. Their leaf pattern and texture is what inspired their name, resembling reptile scales. These ferns like to have evenly moist soil and indirect light but are more forgiving than some other ferns with humidity. Crocodile ferns can grow very large indoors if given the perfect conditions, some reaching five feet in height and diameter. If a pet decides to take a bite of this fern, you don't need to worry about their health. While ingesting an entire leaf might cause intestinal distress, the plant is completely non-toxic and safe to grow around animals.
About the Author
Daniel Martin, Higgins Group Private Brokerage, Licensed in CT, Lic. #RES.6767971
With over two decades of experience in Connecticut real estate, Daniel Martin is a seasoned Realtor at Higgins Group Private Brokerage, renowned for his exceptional market insight and unwavering client dedication. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Daniel's deep roots in the community, coupled with his extensive professional background, provide an invaluable advantage to both buyers and sellers across Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
Daniel's distinguished career is marked by consistent achievement, earning him the prestigious Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor award from 2014 to 2025. He is a perennial Top Producer, recognized as both a Top Listing Agent and Top Selling Agent, a testament to his strategic approach and keen understanding of market dynamics. His expertise spans a broad spectrum of real estate needs, including guiding First Time Home Buyers, navigating transactions for Single and Multi-Family Homes, Land, New Construction, New Residential Developments, Condominiums, Downsizing, and Rentals.
Beyond his impressive track record, Daniel's professional affiliations include memberships with the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), Connecticut Association of REALTORS (CAR), Bridgeport Board of Realtors, Smartmls and Greenwich MLS. His foundational education in real estate from Naugatuck Valley Community College, complemented by studies at Connecticut School of Electronics and Housatonic Community College, underpins his comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Daniel's unique blend of customer service acumen and technological proficiency sets him apart. He leverages every available marketing resource to ensure his clients' homes gain maximum exposure and stand out in the competitive market.
When not orchestrating successful real estate ventures, Daniel cherishes time with his family, including his wife, two children, and four grandchildren. A passionate musician and golf enthusiast, he embodies the vibrant spirit of the Connecticut communities he serves. Daniel's network extends globally, allowing him to facilitate referrals anywhere in the world.
