SPECIMEN NO. #42
🟢 PET SAFE
Family: Polypodiaceae
Platycerium bifurcatum
Common Name: Staghorn Fern
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is a houseplant in the Polypodiaceae family, native to Bogotá. It is a bright indirect-light species that thrives between 1500 and 4500 lux. Optimal indoor care calls for watering roughly every 7 days, temperatures of 15–30°C, and about 70% humidity. According to ASPCA data, it is non-toxic and considered pet-safe for cats and dogs. It is also known as Elkhorn Fern.
ASPCA Pet Toxicity Determination
Toxic to Dogs?
NO (Safe)
Toxic to Cats?
NO (Safe)
Clinical Symptoms:
Non-toxic. Safe for dogs and cats.
Quantitative Care Thresholds
Light Level Profile
Bright Indirect
Minimum Light Requirement
1500 Lux
Maximum Light Tolerance
4500 Lux
Watering Frequency
Every 7 Days
Temperature Envelope
15°C – 30°C
Ideal Ambient Humidity
70% RH
Taxonomic & Field Verification
GBIF Usage Key
7126767
Native Biogeographical Range
Bogotá; Canary Is.; Canary Isl. [I] (La Palma Isl. [I]); South Africa [I] (KwaZu...