The Rabbit’s Foot fern (Davallia fejeensis) is an intriguing and easy-to-grow houseplant known for its furry rhizomes and delicate, lacy fronds. This epiphytic fern native to Fiji thrives with bright, indirect light and high humidity. With the right care, Rabbit’s Foot ferns can live for many years and add tropical flair to any indoor space.
👀 Overview
Rabbit’s Foot ferns are in the genus Davallia and the family Davalliaceae. There are around 40 species in this genus of ferns. Some other common names for Davallia fejeensis include:
- Hare’s Foot fern
- Squirrel’s Foot fern
- Lacy paw
- Ball fern
In nature, Rabbit’s Foot ferns grow as epiphytes, meaning they attach to trees and rocks and get their moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris around them rather than soil. Their rhizomes and roots anchor them to surfaces.
As houseplants, we mimic their natural epiphytic habits by allowing the rhizomes to grow uncovered over the soil surface. The rhizomes absorb moisture and also help reduce water needs.
Sure, here’s a table with relevant information about the Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis).
Key Features
- Rhizomes – The most striking feature of Rabbit’s Foot ferns are the furry rhizomes. These creeping horizontal stems grow at the base of the plant, spreading out over time. They are covered in brownish fuzzy hairs, resembling a Rabbit’s Foot. The rhizomes absorb moisture and nutrients.
- Fronds – Delicate, lacy green fronds emerge vertically from the rhizomes. The foliage has a soft, airy appearance. Fronds can reach up to 18 inches long.
- Growth habit – Rabbit’s Foot fern is a low, spreading plant. It rarely exceeds 18 inches in height but can spread horizontally to 3 feet wide once mature. Outdoors in ideal conditions they may get larger.
- Flowers & spores – This fern is polypodiaceous, meaning it reproduces via spores on the undersides of the fronds rather than flowers/seeds. The sporangia (spore producing structures) are clustered into sori.
Native Habitat
In the wild, Rabbit’s Foot fern is native to tropical forest regions of Fiji and other south Pacific islands. Like other ferns, it grows as an epiphyte in its native habitat. This means it attaches itself to tree trunks, branches, and rocks, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air rather than soil.
To mimic its natural epiphytic growth, Rabbit’s Foot ferns are typically grown in pots with the rhizomes laying horizontally across the soil surface. This allows the rhizomes to access moisture while getting the air circulation they need.
Why Grow Rabbit’s Foot Ferns?
Beyond having uniqely adorable furry feet, Rabbit’s Foot ferns offer many benefits as houseplants:
- They are relatively easy to care for compared to other ferns
- Tolerate occasional neglect better than many houseplants
- Thrive in low to medium, indirect light
- Trailing rhizomes cascading over pots look amazing
- Help purify indoor air
- Completely non-toxic for pets
- Provides a relaxing, calming ambiance
- Fun and easy to propagate
With the right conditions, Rabbit’s Foot fern is a durable houseplant that offers intrigue and versatile uses in displays. It’s a great choice for beginners and makes a lively accent plant.
| 📖 Common name | Rabbit’s Foot Fern, Squirrel's Foot Fern, Hare's Foot Fern |
| 🔬 Botanical name | Davallia fejeensis |
| 🫴 Care Difficulty level | Moderate |
| ☠️ Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
| 💨 Air-purifying Qualities | Moderate |
| 🌱 Soil Type and pH | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral |
| ☀️ Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light |
| 🍪 Edibility | Not edible |
| 🌴 Plant type | Fern |
| 🍃 Foliage Type | Evergreen |
| 🌿 Color of leaves | Bright to dark green |
| 🌸 Flower color | N/A |
| 💥 Bloom time | Does not bloom |
| 🚀 Growth Speed | Moderate |
| 📏 Mature Size | Up to 2 feet |
| 🔄 Life Cycle | Perennial |
| 🌍 Hardiness zones | 10-12 |
| 🗺️ Native area | Fiji, Pacific islands |
💚 Rabbit’s Foot Fern Care
While Rabbit’s Foot fern care is less demanding than some ferns, it still has some specific needs to thrive. Here is an overview of the key aspects.
☀️ Light ☀️
Rabbit’s Foot ferns grow best in bright, indirect sunlight, similar to the dappled light they would receive in a tropical forest. They tolerate low light better than many ferns but still need some light to flourish.
Indoors, place your Rabbit’s Foot fern near an east or west-facing window where it will get 4-6 hours of medium to bright indirect light. North-facing windows also work well. Avoid direct hot sunlight, especially intense midday sun, which can scorch the delicate fronds.
If you don’t have a good natural light source, artificial lights like fluorescent or LED grow lights can substitute. Place the lights 12-18 inches above the plant and keep them on for 12-16 hours per day.
Outdoors, Rabbit’s Foot ferns need shade. Dappled sun beneath trees or a covered porch is ideal. A little early morning or late evening sun is tolerated if the plant has shade during the intense midday hours.
Monitor your plant’s growth habits and move it around until you find the perfect spot. Signs of too much light include yellowing or dried leaf tips. Insufficient light leads to sparse, spindly growth.
💧 Water
As tropical epiphytes, Rabbit’s Foot ferns need consistently moist soil at all times. But take care not to overwater, as they are prone to root rot if left soggy or waterlogged.
How often you need to water depends on factors like temperature, humidity, sunlight exposure, and airflow around the plant. In general, check the soil daily by inserting your finger into the top 1-2 inches. Water whenever the topsoil feels partly dry. The rhizomes help reduce water needs but don’t rely solely on them.
How to water properly:
- Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the drainage holes. Take care not to get water directly on the rhizomes.
- Always allow excess water to drain fully from the drainage holes after watering. Empty any water that collects in cache pots or saucers.
- Use room temperature filtered, distilled, or rain water if possible. Tap water containing salts, fluoride, and chlorine may cause leaf tip burn over time.
- Increase humidity around your plant after watering through misting. Misting the fronds helps boost moisture levels.
- In winter when growth naturally slows, reduce watering frequency slightly. But don’t let soil get fully dry.
The potting mix should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings but should never become bone dry. When in doubt, it’s safer to water a bit more than to risk underwatering them. Adjust your personal schedule based on your specific growing environment.
🪴 Soil
Rabbit’s Foot fern has shallow, fine roots and doesn’t require deep, nutrient-rich soil. A good potting mix needs to provide aeration and moisture retention.
Use a peat-based potting mix designed for epiphytes and ferns. Or make your own airy mix with:
- 1 part peat moss or coco coir
- 1 part perlite, vermiculite, or horticultural charcoal
- 1 part pine bark fines or coconut husk chips
Orchid potting mixes also work perfectly. The goal is an airy, porous growing medium that drains well and doesn’t get overly waterlogged.
Soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5-6.5. Avoid letting salts accumulate by flushing the soil monthly with clean water.
🍼 Fertilizer
During the active growing season in spring and summer, feed Rabbit’s Foot ferns every 2-4 weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Good organic fertilizer options include fish emulsion, compost tea, and liquid kelp. Or use a complete water-soluble fertilizer like 20-20-20.
Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Flush the soil every few months to prevent salt buildup.
If you just repotted, wait a month before fertilizing to avoid fertilizer burn on the tender new roots. And always water before and after applying any fertilizer.
🌡️ Temperature
Rabbit’s Foot ferns prefer warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Temperatures dropping below 55°F (13°C) can cause leaf drop as the plant goes dormant. They also dislike hot, dry air over 80°F (27°C).
Indoors, keep your Rabbit’s Foot fern away from drafty areas, air vents, and windows in cold weather. Move it to a warmer spot if needed. Use a space heater temporarily to maintain ideal ambient temperatures.
In summer, air conditioning can make the air too cold and dry. Make sure the fern doesn’t get direct cold AC airflow. Use a fan to circulate the air around the plant.
Outdoors, Rabbit’s Foot ferns can be grown as annuals in zones 10 and 11. In cooler zones, they should be moved indoors before temperatures reach 55°F (13°C). Select a shady, sheltered garden area protected from wind.
💦 Humidity
Rabbit’s Foot ferns thrive in humid conditions similar to their tropical native environment. Creating a humid microclimate around your fern helps it thrive when indoor air is excessively dry.
Some tips to effectively boost humidity:
- Use a room humidifier or vaporizer nearby
- Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water
- Mist or spritz the fronds daily using room temperature purified water
- Grow Rabbit’s Foot fern among other houseplants to create a jungle effect
- Place it in a naturally humid spot like the kitchen or bathroom
- Cover with a plastic greenhouse dome temporarily to create a terrarium effect
Aim to maintain the humidity around your Rabbit’s Foot fern between 50-70% relative humidity. Monitor with a hygrometer and adjust your methods as needed based on your environmental conditions.
📃 Types of Rabbit’s Foot Fern
There are several different species and varieties of Rabbit’s Foot Fern to choose from. The most common are:
Davallia solida var. fejeensis
- The most popular houseplant variety
- Lacy, arching fronds 12-18 inches long
- Fuzzy, creeping rhizomes resemble a rabbit’s foot
Davallia tyermannii / Humata tyermanii
- More compact and slower growing
- Fronds under 12 inches long
- Very furry rhizomes
Davallia canariensis
- Native to the Canary Islands
- More drought tolerant
- Rhizomes less furry
Davallia denticulata
- Native to Asia
- Tripinnate fronds with toothed leaflets
- Rhizomes only slightly furry
There are also many other Davallia species like D. solida, D. bullata, and D. trichomanoides. Most have similar care needs but may vary slightly in size, growth rate, frond shape, and rhizome furriness.
When buying a Rabbit’s Foot Fern, check the specific name to know what to expect. But most will thrive under the same basic care regimen of bright indirect light, high humidity, and moist well-draining soil.
🪴 Potting and Repotting Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Repot Rabbit’s Foot fern every 2-3 years in early spring. This gives the spreading rhizomes more room and provides fresh soil.
Choose a pot 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current container. Rabbits Foot ferns are content being somewhat pot bound and dislike frequent upsizing.
How to repot Rabbit’s Foot ferns:
- Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen any circled roots. Trim off any dead roots or rhizomes.
- Partially fill the new pot with fresh, sterile potting mix.
- Spread out the rhizomes over the soil surface. Do not bury them under the mix.
- Fill in around the roots and rhizomes with more potting medium. Leave rhizomes uncovered.
- Water thoroughly after repotting. Allow to recover in a shady spot for 5-7 days before moving back to its normal growing area.
- Hold off on fertilizing for 4-6 weeks after repotting to prevent fertilizer burn.
✂️ Pruning Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Pruning is not necessary for health but can help maintain an attractive appearance by:
- Removing dead or damaged fronds
- Trimming back wayward rhizomes
- Shaping overgrown plants
Use clean, sterilized scissors or pruning shears. Make cuts at an angle near the base of each frond or rhizome you trim. Limit pruning to only once or twice a year.
Removing browned fronds allows fresh growth to emerge. But refrain from overpruning, as it can stunt plants. Always take a minimalistic approach.
🌱 How to Propagate Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Rabbit’s Foot ferns are very easy to propagate through division when repotting or pruning. This ensures new plants are exact replicas of the parent.
How to propagate by division:
- Carefully divide root sections into smaller divisions, ensuring each has several fronds.
- Prepare a shallow container with potting mix.
- Plant divisions horizontally atop the mix, spreading out rhizomes. Anchor with bent paperclips if needed.
- Water thoroughly after planting. Cover with plastic to increase humidity until new roots establish.
- Place in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Mist 1-2 times daily.
- Growth may be slow at first. Once frond growth resumes, remove the dome.
- Transition to normal Rabbit’s Foot fern care once well established. Repot into a larger container after several months of growth.
Aim to divide in spring or summer for highest success rates. But divisions can be taken any time of year.
🐛 Common Pests
Rabbit’s Foot Ferns are unfortunately susceptible to several common houseplant pests. Being vigilant and addressing infestations early is key to keeping your plant healthy. Some pests to watch out for include:
Mealybugs
- Small, soft-bodied insects that appear as white cottony masses on stems and leaves
- Can stunt plant growth and spread disease
- Wipe off visible mealybugs with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap
Scale
- Small immobile insects that attach themselves to stems and leaves
- Cause yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop
- Rub off visible scale with cotton swab or prune affected leaves
Spider Mites
- Tiny red or yellow spiders that spin fine webs
- Cause stippling, discoloration, and leaf loss
- Knock off with water or treat with neem oil
Aphids
- Small, soft-bodied insects that congregate on stems and leaves
- Secrete sticky honeydew leading to sooty mold growth
- Remove manually or use insecticidal soap
Whiteflies
- Tiny white flying insects that congregate on undersides of leaves
- Cause yellowing and leaf drop
- Use yellow sticky traps and neem oil treatments
Be vigilant in checking for pests regularly. Isolate and prune affected plants as needed. Avoid using harsh chemical pesticides which can damage delicate fronds. With prompt action, pests can be controlled before causing major damage.
🩺 Common Problems With Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Understanding the cause of any issues that arise allows you to get your Rabbit’s Foot fern back to full health. Here are solutions to common problems:
Yellowing Or Browning Fronds
Yellow, curling, or browning fronds are often caused by:
- Insufficient humidity – Boost humidity through daily misting, humidifier use, and pebble trays.
- Underwatering – Check soil regularly and water when partly dry. Don’t rely solely on rhizomes for moisture.
- Overwatering – Allow soil to partly dry between waterings. Repot in fresh mix if needed.
- Too much direct sun – Move to a shadier spot. Slowly acclimate to increased bright light.
- Cold temperatures – Keep above 60°F (15°C). Move to a warmer room.
- Chemical exposure – Avoid getting leaves wet when spraying household chemicals. Don’t use leaf shine sprays.
- Salt buildup – Flush soil regularly to remove accumulated salts. Use purified water.
- Natural frond loss – Older fronds naturally yellow and die over time. Remove them promptly.
Wilting Or Drooping Fronds
If fronds start to wilt, droop, or bend down, the cause is usually:
- Underwatering – Check soil moisture and water if dry. Increase watering frequency.
- Overwatering – Allow soil to partly dry between waterings. Repot if needed to refresh soil.
- Temperature extremes – Move back to ideal temperature range of 60-80°F (15-27°C).
- Pests – Inspect closely for signs of sap-sucking pests like mealybugs or aphids. Treat accordingly.
- Old age – As growth naturally slows, old fronds start to weaken. Trim off any dead fronds.
Slow Or Stunted Growth
When your Rabbit’s Foot fern lacks new growth and seems stunted, potential causes include:
- Insufficient light – These ferns need bright filtered light. Slowly acclimate to increased light levels.
- Cold temperatures – Below 60°F (15°C) dramatically slows growth. Move to a warmer room.
- Underfeeding – Feed every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with diluted fertilizer.
- Rootbound container – Repot in a slightly larger pot if severely rootbound.
- Watering issues – Ensure soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Old age – Mature plants have slower growth rates. Propagate new plants.
Moldy Rhizomes
The fuzzy rhizomes are prone to mold growth if they stay too wet for too long. Solutions include:
- Reduce watering frequency so rhizomes dry adequately between waterings.
- Repotting in fresh, well-draining soil mix. Discard any rotted rhizomes.
- Increase air circulation with a small fan to help dry rhizomes faster after watering.
- Remove badly affected rhizomes. Apply fungicide like neem oil to control persistent mold issues.
Mealybugs & Other Pests
Sap-sucking pests like mealybugs, aphids, scale, and spider mites may take up residence in hidden rhizome crevices or on the undersides of fronds. Treat with:
- A cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove isolated pests
- Insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil spray
- Systemic insecticide drench for heavy infestations
- Isolate infected plants to avoid spreading
- Introduce predator insects like ladybugs if possible
Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the foliage. Remove badly infested fronds if needed. With early intervention, pests are manageable. Inspect regularly to prevent major issues.
Root Rot
Overwatering and poor drainage leads to root rot. Symptoms include foul odor, black roots, and squishy rhizomes. Solutions include:
- Repotting in fresh, well-aerated potting mix
- Removing all rotten roots and rhizomes
- Allowing the soil to partly dry between waterings
- Watering less in winter when growth is slower
- Applying fungicide drench to control rot fungus
- Improving air flow around the plant
Discard any portions too damaged by rot. Providing the right soil and moisture levels helps prevent this disease.
🖼️ Display Ideas
One of the best aspects of Rabbit’s Foot fern is how easy it is to showcase its trailing rhizomes and delicate fronds. Some fun display ideas:
- Hanging baskets – Suspended pots let the rhizomes cascade dramatically.
- Short pedestal pots – Elevates the rhizomes and foliage closer to eye level.
- Mounted boards – Use floral pins to train directional rhizome growth over a prepared board. Keep moist.
- Group with other plants – Combine with pilea, ivy, nerve plants for a lush tropical look.
- Stagger at different heights – Let them trail off shelves and side tables for dimension.
- Add grow lights – Highlight them in a dark corner with grow lamp illumination.
- Rotate position – Periodically move its position so all sides get light exposure.
The uses for these fabulous ferns are endless! Show off those adorable feet prominently.
👍 Pro Tips for Healthy Growth
To ensure your Rabbit’s Foot Fern thrives indoors, follow these expert tips for healthy growth:
Light Requirements
- Provide bright, indirect light, such as near an east or west-facing window
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves
Watering and Humidity
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy
- Allow the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Mist the plant regularly to maintain high humidity
Temperature and Environment
- Maintain a temperature range of 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 60°F (16°C)
Pruning and Maintenance
- Remove yellow or dying leaves to encourage better growth
- Trim off brown leaf tips and increase humidity around the plant
- Regularly inspect the plant for pests and diseases
Soil and Potting
- Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix with plenty of organic matter
- Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound, using a shallow pot
By following these pro tips, you can ensure your Rabbit’s Foot Fern remains healthy and vibrant indoors. Remember to monitor the plant’s condition and adjust its care as needed to maintain optimal growth.
❓ FAQ
How Much Light Does A Rabbit’s Foot Fern Need?
Rabbit’s Foot ferns grow best in bright, indirect sunlight. Indoors, an east or west-facing window is ideal. Outdoors, provide dappled shade. Avoid intense direct sunlight.
What’s The Best Way To Increase Humidity For A Rabbit’s Foot Fern?
Use a humidifier, set pots on pebble trays, or mist the fronds daily to keep the humidity around 50-70% for optimal growth.
How Often Should You Water A Rabbit’s Foot Fern?
Check soil daily by inserting your finger into the top inch. Water whenever it feels partly dry. Allow excess water to drain fully after watering.
What Temperature Is Best For Rabbit’s Foot Ferns?
They prefer warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) or drafts.
Should You Bury The Rhizomes When Repotting A Rabbit’s Foot Fern?
No, always keep the rhizomes above the soil surface when repotting. Burying them causes rotting. Simply lay rhizomes over the potting mix.
How Do You Propagate New Rabbit’s Foot Ferns?
These ferns propagate easily through division. When repotting, simply divide sections of rhizome with attached fronds and plant in a new container.
📝 Final Thoughts
The Rabbit’s Foot fern is an easy-going houseplant known for its trailing furry rhizomes and delicate lacy fronds. With high humidity, bright indirect light, warm temperatures, and a well-draining yet moist potting mix, this endearing fern will reward you with vigorous growth. Show off its cute feet and let the rhizomes spill over containers. The Rabbit’s Foot fern’s versatility and unique nature make it a top choice for plant lovers.
📚 Further Reading
📗 Learn more about Rabbit’s Foot fern
📗 Boston Fern
📗 Staghorn Fern
📗 Bird’s Nest Fern
📗 Maidenhair Fern
📚 References
📘 Flora Details for ID 1545 – National Parks Board Singapore.
📘 Davallia solida var. fejeensis – North Carolina State University Plants Database.
📘 Organism Details for 86429 – Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia.
