How to Care for Rabbits Foot Fern

Rabbits Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) is a charming, finely divided fern named for the fuzzy, silvery-brown rhizomes that creep over the pot rim and resemble a rabbit's foot. Its lacy, airy fronds and drought-tolerant rhizomes make it more forgiving than most ferns, though it still rewards attention to moisture and humidity.

Light

Provide bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a spot near a bright window shielded from direct rays is ideal. The delicate fronds scorch in direct sun, while too little light thins the foliage and slows growth. Steady, filtered brightness keeps the fern full and lacy.

Water

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy; do not soak it. Water when the top of the mix begins to dry, then let excess drain fully. The furry rhizomes store some moisture, so this fern tolerates occasional lapses better than most, but prolonged dryness browns the fronds and constant wetness rots the roots. Importantly, never bury the rhizomes when watering or potting; they must sit on top of the soil.

Soil & Potting

Use a light, airy, well-draining mix such as a peat- or coir-based potting soil blended with orchid bark, perlite, and a little sphagnum moss. Grow it in a wide, shallow pot or hanging basket so the creeping rhizomes have room to wander over the surface and edges. Excellent drainage is essential.

Humidity & Temperature

This fern loves warmth and humidity. Aim for 50 percent humidity or higher and average room temperatures of roughly 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect it from cold drafts, heating vents, and air-conditioning blasts. Boost humidity with a pebble tray, a nearby humidifier, or grouping it with other plants. Dry indoor air causes crispy frond tips.

Feeding

Feed lightly during the growing season, spring through summer, with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every four to six weeks. Ferns are sensitive to salt buildup, so err on the weak side and flush the pot occasionally. Stop feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.

Propagation

Propagate by rhizome division. Cut a section of furry rhizome that bears at least one or two fronds, lay it on top of a shallow tray of moist, airy mix, and pin it down so it makes contact with the surface. Keep it warm, humid, and lightly moist until new roots and fronds establish. This is the most reliable method for this species.

Repotting / Pruning

Repot every couple of years, or when the rhizomes have covered the surface and edges, moving up only slightly in pot size. When repotting, keep the rhizomes resting on top of the soil rather than buried. Trim away any browned or tattered fronds at the base to keep the plant looking fresh; the fuzzy rhizomes should be left intact.

Common Problems & Pests

Browning frond tips usually signal low humidity or dry air; raise humidity and keep moisture even. Yellowing or mushy bases point to overwatering and poor drainage. Watch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites, which appear more often in dry conditions; wipe them off and improve humidity. Never let the rhizomes sit in waterlogged mix.

Seasonal Care Tips

In spring, resume regular feeding, repot or divide if needed, and enjoy the flush of new fronds. Through summer, maintain even moisture and high humidity during the growth peak. In autumn, reduce feeding as growth slows. In winter, cut back on water slightly, keep the fern away from cold drafts and dry heat, and maintain humidity to prevent crispy tips.