Rabbit's Foot Fern

Rabbit's Foot Fern Care

Davillia fejeensis

What is the plant

Are ferns and rabbits your lifelong passions? Then this plant is for you!

Well, even if they’re not, this exotic furry greenie can be a true hidden gem of your plant collection. Its trademark fluffy rhizomes that grow on the soil surface enchant even experienced plant parents.

It’s an epiphytic, Fiji-born fern. In its native habitat, the fern grows on trees and rock crevices, taking nutrients from various sources aside from the soil. Furry rhizomes that resemble a rabbit’s feet spread under lacy green fronds and cling to the edges of the pot. These are not decorative: the plant collects water and nutrients through them. It’s a very distinctive plant that’s pretty much destined to become your favorite part of the home garden.

The Rabbit’s Foot Fern can grow about 16-18 inches (40-45cm) tall and 18-20 inches (45-50cm) wide.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 21°C

Hardiness zone

10b - 12

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water your plant regularly and keep the soil moist. Try to avoid splashing the water on the leaves. Instead, water the soil just above the roots, where your fern is able to absorb it. Ferns like humid conditions, so don’t forget to mist it every few days with lukewarm, soft water.
Pruning
Remove dead and diseased fronds in late winter. Your plant will thank you!
Fertilizer
Fertilize with a diluted liquid feed once every two weeks during the summer. Rabbit’s foot fern doesn’t need fertilizing while dormant.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Rabbit’s foot ferns like bright, but indirect sunlight. East-facing windows are optimal for your plant’s health. However, avoid exposing the plant to direct light – it will burn the leaves and rhizomes.
Soil
A well-drained potting mix with perlite and a 6.6 to 7.5 pH range is optimal for your Rabbit’s foot fern. Do not bury rhizomes under the soil – this will cause root rot.
Propagation
You can propagate the plant by cutting off 2-3 inch (5-7 cm) pieces of its rhizome and planting them in separate pots. Place the pieces in a new pot horizontally so that the upper half remains above the soil level. Pin the pieces with hairpins, water them and move to the place with bright but indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not saggy.

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Temperature
Rabbit’s foot fern likes moderate temperatures. 65°-75°F (18°-24°C) is optimal at all times. Don't let the temperature drop lower than 55F (13°C).
Container
Any type of container will work, provided that it has good drainage. It grows remarkably well in shallow pots and hanging baskets. You can also put the pot on a tray with damp pebbles and clay granules.
Fun fact
The plant's furry rhizomes are the most fun fact possible. Seeing them is definitely worth it.