The Squirrel Foot Fern (Davallia mariesii) is a unique houseplant prized for its delicate, lacy foliage and distinctive appearance. It earns its common name from the thick, fuzzy, brown-scaled rhizomes that creep across the growing medium or spill over the container edge. These rhizomes are modified stems that facilitate the plant’s spread. The fern is an epiphyte, meaning it naturally grows on the surface of other plants, such as tree trunks, rather than in soil. This adaptation requires excellent air circulation around its roots and means it cannot tolerate heavy, waterlogged conditions.
Establishing the Fern
The fern’s unique growth habit requires a departure from traditional potting methods. As an epiphyte, it needs a loose, airy, and fast-draining substrate that mimics the organic matter found on a tree branch. A suitable mixture includes components like orchid bark, peat moss, perlite, and a small amount of charcoal to ensure rapid drainage and aeration. Standard potting soil retains too much moisture and will quickly cause problems with the rhizomes.
Shallow, wide pots or hanging baskets are ideal containers, reflecting the plant’s shallow root system and creeping nature. The fuzzy rhizomes must be positioned on the surface of the growing medium and should never be buried. Burying these structures traps moisture, causing them to rot and leading to the decline of the entire fern.
Environmental Requirements
Proper placement is necessary for the long-term health of the Squirrel Foot Fern, which is sensitive to incorrect light and temperature. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to the dappled conditions beneath a forest canopy. Placing the fern near an east or north-facing window provides ideal illumination without the intensity of direct sun exposure. Direct sunlight will scorch the fine fronds, causing brown, crispy edges, while overly dark conditions cause the foliage to become sparse and weak.
The fern prefers consistent, warm temperatures between 60 and 75°F (15–24°C) throughout the year. Temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can be damaging, so protect the plant from cold drafts near exterior doors or air conditioning vents. Maintaining a stable temperature supports continuous, healthy growth.
Humidity is the most significant environmental factor, requiring high levels, ideally 50% to 80%, to flourish. In a typical dry indoor environment, the local moisture level must be actively increased to prevent the fronds from drying out. Effective methods include grouping the fern with other houseplants to create a localized microclimate. Another method involves placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot bottom does not touch the water.
Routine Maintenance and Feeding
A consistent watering routine is necessary, keeping the specialized growing medium evenly moist but never saturated. Thoroughly soak the entire pot until water drains freely from the bottom, then allow the top layer of the medium to dry slightly before watering again. Allowing the fern to sit in standing water will suffocate the roots and lead to rot, especially in the surface rhizomes.
During the active growing period of spring and summer, the Squirrel Foot Fern benefits from light feeding. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to quarter strength, as these plants are highly sensitive to concentrated chemical salts. Suspend fertilization completely during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down. Over-fertilizing can easily damage the delicate rhizomes and foliage.
Regular grooming maintains the plant’s appearance and health. Use clean, sharp scissors to remove any fronds that have turned completely brown or yellow at the base. This directs the plant’s energy toward producing new, healthy growth instead of sustaining dying foliage. Gently trimming any dead tips from the creeping rhizomes also keeps the plant tidy.
Addressing Common Issues
Several recognizable symptoms indicate common care issues. Brown, crisp fronds, particularly around the edges, signal low humidity or underwatering. Increasing the frequency of misting or using a room humidifier can quickly mitigate this issue.
Conversely, yellow fronds or mushy rhizomes indicate excessive moisture, usually pointing to overwatering or a poorly draining potting mix. If the medium is perpetually soggy, the plant is at high risk for root rot, which requires immediate attention.
While generally robust, the fern can occasionally be targeted by pests like spider mites or scale insects. Inspecting the undersides of the fronds regularly allows for early detection. A simple solution involves gently wiping the foliage with a cotton swab dipped in a mild solution of horticultural soap to remove the pests without resorting to harsh chemicals.