Basically, most species of ferns that occur in nature or are cultivated indoors are poisonous to a certain extent. You don't necessarily have to shy away from cultivating plants indoors, but you should at least act with caution in certain cases.
Are indoor ferns poisonous to children and pets?
Indoor ferns can be poisonous if consumed by children or pets, with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or more severe poisoning occurring. A safe location and removing spores with a wet cloth can minimize risks.
Be careful with children and pets
Simply touching most species of indoor ferns is harmless, but accidental consumption by pets or small children can cause diarrhea, vomiting or even worse symptoms of poisoning. That's why you should definitely:before purchasing a room fern
- determine the exact type of each specimen
- consult the plant description regarding toxicity
- Consider a safe location
Due to the slightly reduced incidence of light and the higher humidity, indoor ferns generally appreciate a location in the bathroom. A slightly elevated position for the plant in the bathroom can be sufficient to avoid dangerous situations for pets or small children.
The spores of various types of ferns can also be dangerous
Although young fern sprouts are even eaten in some regions of the world, the dangers posed by some fern species should not be underestimated. Even the yellowish or brownish spores (collect as a fine powder on the windowsill) can cause poisoning or have a carcinogenic effect when inhaled.
Tip
In order to best prevent harmful effects caused by the spores of indoor ferns, the spores produced for reproduction should be swirled as little as possible in the air and should instead be wiped away with a wet cloth.
