The Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis); a fantastic alternative to your common Boston Fern or Maidenhair.
This unique fern showcases it’s “Rabbit’s Feet” – which are it’s rhizomes. The rhizomes on the Rabbit’s Foot Fern are distinct from other plants in that they grow above ground (not under! do not bury!) and feature fine hair-like fibers that give it an adorable rabbit foot-like appearance.
Climate
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern is an evergreen perennial native to Fiji, and can be grown both indoors and outside. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F, but ideally should be kept between 65-78°F.
Since it is native to Fiji, this is a plant that appreciates a bit of humidity. If grown indoors, it should be misted frequently to encourage growth of the rhizomes, and to prevent the green fronds from burning and browning. If grown outdoors, plant it in a shady spot to protect it from the hot sun on those days that breach 80°F.
Inside your home, it should be placed in a spot that frequently receives bright, indirect light. Unfortunately it will not get enough energy from the dark corner of your laundry room! If you’re looking for a plant that needs less light, check out this list here.
Care
Plant your Rabbit’s Foot Fern in a shorter pot, with well draining soil. The root system is tight to the surface, and most of that energy is instead being put into growing the rhizomes above soil. You do not need a pot that is 1ft+ deep no matter how old it is – it would not utilize that space.
Depending on the season and size of your plant, water a few times a week. I water anywhere from 2-4 times a week in summer, once or twice a week in winter.
It is normally suggested to mist your plant fairly often, or to keep on a pebble tray. In my own experience (off a pebble tray), I’ve found that misting less often just results in the “rabbits feet” not being as abundant – mine don’t “spill out all sides of the pot”, they only grow underneath the shade of the fronds. But good news! This is a really easy fern in particular to care for because even if it gets arid, it’s going to stay alive.
Just don’t put it on a heater. (and especially pay attention during dry months, like the middle of winter)
Despite the root system being fairly shallow, this plant can grow up to 2ft tall! When it seems to be “crowded” in its original pot, replant in spring. Make sure to choose another shallow pot that is about 2in bigger in diameter.
This is a plant that will keep continuously growing. The older green fronds will shrivel and die – remove these once they are clearly “dehydrated” and easy to pull. If you have to pull harder than a gentle tug, its not ready.
Fertilizer
If you repot every year, you shouldn’t typically need to fertilize. If you do decide to fertilize, most sources suggest to dilute your liquid fertilizer and give your fern only 1/2 of the recommended amount. Repeat every 3 weeks or so from spring until fall. Don’t fertilize in winter – that’s its dormant period, and since the plant isn’t actively trying to grow, all fertilizing would do is encourage root rot.
| Planter Size | 4″-10″ Deep |
| Water | 1-2x/week winter, 2-4x/week summer |
| Light | 6-8hrs, bright indirect |
| Mist | Yes, or pebble tray |
| Temperature | 65-78°F, tolerates as low as 50°F |
| Replant | Yearly, if needed – in a wider pot, not much deeper |
| Soil | Porous, well draining – neutral PH 6.6-7.5 |
| Fertilize | Monthly, spring through fall |
| Size | Up to 24″ – typically up to 18″ |
| Toxic | Nope! Safe for both dogs and cats! |
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