The Squirrel’s Foot Fern (Davallia canariensis or Davallia trichomanoides) is a distinctive houseplant. Its appeal lies in its furry, creeping rhizomes, which extend over the pot’s edge, resembling a squirrel’s foot. This unique aesthetic and adaptability make it a popular choice for indoor gardening.
Understanding Your Squirrel’s Foot Fern
These brown, tan, or silvery rhizomes, covered in fine, hair-like scales, give the plant its common name and absorb moisture and nutrients while anchoring the fern. Delicate, lacy fronds emerge from these rhizomes, varying from bright to dark green. In its natural habitat, this fern often grows as an epiphyte on trees or rocks, or as a lithophyte on rocky surfaces, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air.
Essential Care for Squirrel’s Foot Fern
Providing the right environment ensures robust growth and a vibrant appearance for your Squirrel’s Foot Fern. Its care mimics its natural conditions.
Light Needs
Squirrel’s Foot Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light, similar to dappled forest sunlight. An ideal indoor spot is near a north-facing window or a few feet from an east or west-facing window. Direct sunlight scorches delicate fronds, causing browning or fading. While they tolerate some shade, growth may slow, and very dark conditions can yellow central leaves.
Watering Practices
Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels slightly dry. Allow excess water to drain freely to prevent root rot, which can cause yellowing leaves. Regular misting benefits the furry rhizomes, as they absorb ambient moisture. During colder months, reduce watering frequency as growth slows, letting the soil dry out more between applications.
Humidity and Temperature
Squirrel’s Foot Ferns require high humidity, ideally 60-70%, as they are native to moist, subtropical regions. Increase indoor humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray, grouping it with other plants, or using a humidifier. These ferns prefer warm temperatures, 65-75°F (18-24°C). They are sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, which can cause wilting or browning.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential for Squirrel’s Foot Ferns, as they often grow on other surfaces in nature. A suitable blend includes peat moss, perlite, and pine bark, or an epiphytic plant mix, ensuring good aeration and drainage. Rhizomes should rest on or just above the soil surface, not buried deeply, to allow them to crawl. Repot every two to three years or when root-bound, ideally in spring. A wider pot accommodates their spreading rhizomes.
Fertilizing
Light fertilization benefits Squirrel’s Foot Ferns during their active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or a quarter strength, every four to six weeks. Over-fertilizing harms delicate roots and can lead to salt buildup. Reduce or cease fertilization in fall and winter as growth slows.
Propagating Squirrel’s Foot Fern
Propagate Squirrel’s Foot Ferns by dividing their rhizomes, ideally in spring or autumn. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and locate rhizome sections with at least one frond and roots. Use a clean, sharp knife to separate viable sections. Plant divided rhizomes shallowly on the surface of a well-draining potting mix; deep burial can cause rot. Maintain high humidity around new sections, perhaps with a mini-greenhouse or clear plastic bag, to encourage establishment.
Common Issues and Solutions
Squirrel’s Foot Ferns can experience issues, but recognizing symptoms allows for timely solutions.
Crispy or brown fronds often indicate insufficient humidity or underwatering. Increase ambient humidity with misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier, and adjust watering to keep soil consistently moist.
Yellowing leaves signal overwatering or, less commonly, a nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings; if overwatering is ruled out, consider light, diluted fertilization.
Pale fronds or lack of vigorous growth suggest insufficient light or nutrients. Move the plant to brighter, indirect light and ensure appropriate fertilization during the growing season for healthier foliage.
Though generally resistant, common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs can affect these ferns. Regular inspection of fronds and rhizomes allows for early detection and treatment with organic pest control methods.