The rabbit foot fern (Davallia fejeensis) is a popular houseplant cherished for its delicate, lacy foliage and distinctive appearance. This perennial fern is native to tropical regions, such as the Fiji Islands, where it naturally grows as an epiphyte, anchoring itself to trees and rocks. The plant derives its common name from the creeping, fuzzy stems—known as rhizomes—that grow above the soil surface and often spill over the edges of a container, resembling a furry animal’s foot. Understanding the maximum potential size of both its fronds and these unique rhizomes is helpful for anyone looking to incorporate this species into their indoor environment.
Understanding Maximum Frond Dimensions
The vertical size of a rabbit foot fern is determined by the length of its arching fronds, which are finely divided and give the plant an airy, light texture. For the most commonly cultivated species, Davallia fejeensis, the individual fronds can reach lengths of up to 2 feet in a healthy environment. The overall vertical height of the entire plant mass, from the soil line to the highest frond tip, generally ranges between 1 to 3 feet.
This height potential is often on the smaller end when grown indoors, especially when compared to its growth in native tropical settings where humidity is consistently higher. The size of the fronds also varies between the different Davallia species cultivated as houseplants. Indoor container growth tends to limit the foliage mass, resulting in a plant that usually occupies the lower end of the potential size spectrum.
How Rhizomes Influence Horizontal Spread
The horizontal spread of the rabbit foot fern is primarily dictated by its creeping, aerial rhizomes. These rhizomes grow laterally, extending outward over the soil surface and eventually draping over the sides of the pot. The rhizomes are the plant’s mechanism for anchoring, absorbing moisture, and generating new fronds, which emerge as small fiddleheads along their length.
This outward-creeping growth pattern is why the fern’s horizontal footprint often exceeds its vertical height. A mature plant can achieve a horizontal spread of 1 to 4 feet wide, with the rhizomes themselves contributing significantly to this dimension as they seek new areas to colonize. Although the plant is considered long-lived, the rhizomes are generally slow-growing, meaning this wide spread develops gradually over many years. The plant’s epiphytic nature means these rhizomes do not need to be buried; instead, they should rest on the surface to facilitate this natural, outward growth.
Managing Growth Through Cultivation
Homeowners can significantly influence the overall size of a rabbit foot fern by controlling its growing conditions and physical space.
Container Selection
The most direct method for limiting the plant’s size is through container selection, as these ferns do not mind being slightly root-bound. Repotting should only be done every two to three years. The new container should be only marginally larger than the previous one to restrict the growth of the root system.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning is another tool used to manage the plant’s shape and size. Fronds that are yellowing, brown, or damaged should be cut at their base to encourage healthy new growth. When pruning, it is important to remove no more than one-third of the total foliage mass at any given time to avoid stressing the plant. The rhizomes themselves should not be cut unless the plant is being divided, although a healthy, overgrown rhizome can be separated and replanted if it becomes too large for the container.
Environmental Factors
Overall size is influenced by environmental factors. Insufficient light and consistently low humidity can effectively stunt the plant’s growth, resulting in smaller fronds and a less dense appearance. Providing bright, indirect light and maintaining higher humidity levels, which mimics its tropical origin, will encourage the fern to reach its maximum size potential. If the goal is maximum size, regular fertilization during the active growing season also supports robust foliage development.