Rabbits Foot Fern
Davallia fejeensis
The rabbit's foot fern is a charming epiphytic fern named for the furry, creeping rhizomes that drape over its pot like soft animal paws, topped with delicate lacy fronds.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Keep lightly moist; don't soak
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Got a plant like this?
Identify any plant from a photo, free.
Overview
The rabbit's foot fern is instantly recognizable by the fuzzy, silvery-brown rhizomes that creep over the edge of its container, resembling a rabbit's furry feet. Above them rise finely divided, feathery green fronds.
Native to Fiji, Davallia fejeensis is an epiphyte that naturally grows on trees and rocks. The visible rhizomes both store water and anchor the plant, and they are a key part of its ornamental charm.
How to identify it
Identify it by:
- Rhizomes: thick, creeping, covered in soft silvery to tan hairs, growing over the pot rim
- Fronds: delicate, lacy, triangular, finely divided, bright green
- Habit: epiphytic, mounding, with fronds typically 1-2 ft
- Texture: airy and feathery overall, finer than most ferns
- Note: the furry feet should rest on the soil surface, not be buried
Care & growing
Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sun that scorches the fine fronds.
Water: Keep the soil lightly and evenly moist but never soggy; let the surface dry slightly between waterings. Mist or provide humidity.
Soil: Light, airy, well-draining mix; epiphytic or orchid-type media suit it.
Temperature: 60-75F; appreciates humidity, so a bathroom or pebble tray helps.
Feeding: Diluted fertilizer occasionally in spring and summer.
Propagation: Divide the rhizomes, ensuring each piece has roots and some fronds.
Habitat & origin
Davallia fejeensis is native to Fiji in the South Pacific, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks, branches, and rocks in humid forest.
It is cultivated worldwide as an indoor and conservatory plant, often grown in hanging baskets or shallow pots that show off its decorative creeping feet.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bury the furry feet?
No. The hairy rhizomes should rest on top of the soil. Burying them can cause rot; they naturally creep over the surface and pot rim.
Why are the fronds going brown and crispy?
Usually low humidity or dry soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, raise humidity, and keep it out of direct sun and drafts.
How do I propagate it?
Divide the creeping rhizomes into sections, each with some roots and fronds, and pot them in a light, airy mix.
Rabbits Foot Fern guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Rabbits Foot Fern.
