Rabbit's Foot Fern
Davallia fejeensis
The Rabbit's Foot Fern is named for the fuzzy, silvery rhizomes that creep over the pot's edge like little furry feet. Its lacy, delicate fronds and unusual surface roots make it a striking, conversation-starting houseplant.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Let topsoil dry slightly
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Rabbit's Foot Fern is an epiphytic fern from Fiji, famous for the soft, light-brown to silvery rhizomes that grow above the soil and drape over the container, resembling a rabbit's or hare's feet.
These fuzzy rhizomes absorb moisture from the air and should never be buried, as that can cause them to rot. Combined with finely divided, lacy fronds, the plant has an airy, ornamental appearance well suited to hanging baskets.
How to identify it
Recognize the Rabbit's Foot Fern by:
- Rhizomes: furry, silvery to tan, creeping over the soil surface and pot edge — the signature feature
- Fronds: finely divided, lacy, triangular, and bright green
- Habit: spreading, often grown in hanging baskets so rhizomes can dangle
- Roots: surface-running rather than deeply buried
- No flowers: spores form on the frond undersides
Care & growing
Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun.
Water: Let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings; the furry rhizomes are sensitive to constant wetness. Water the soil, not the rhizomes.
Soil: Loose, well-draining mix; never bury the rhizomes.
Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Humidity: Prefers higher humidity; mist the air or use a humidity tray.
Feeding: Diluted balanced fertilizer monthly in the growing season.
Propagation: Lay a section of rhizome (with a frond) on moist soil; it will root where it contacts the surface.
Habitat & origin
Native to Fiji, where it grows as an epiphyte and on rocks in humid tropical forests, with its rhizomes clinging to bark and stone surfaces.
It is cultivated globally as a houseplant, usually in hanging baskets or shallow pots that show off the creeping rhizomes.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bury the furry 'feet'?
No. The fuzzy rhizomes must stay above the soil. Burying them can cause rot — they absorb moisture from the air.
How do I propagate it?
Lay a piece of rhizome that has at least one frond on top of moist soil. It will root from the underside where it touches the surface.
Why are the rhizomes shriveling?
Shriveled rhizomes usually indicate low humidity or underwatering. Mist around the plant and keep the soil lightly moist.
Rabbit's Foot Fern guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Rabbit's Foot Fern.
