The Vicky Fern (Davallia tyermanii) is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive appearance. Its unique, fuzzy rhizomes resemble animal paws, and its delicate, lacy fronds add to its appeal.
Vicky Fern Characteristics
The Vicky Fern is also known as Rabbit’s Foot Fern, White Rabbit’s Foot Fern, or Squirrel’s Foot Fern. Its most striking feature is its fuzzy, creeping rhizomes, which are typically white and grow along the soil surface, often trailing over the pot’s edge. These rhizomes resemble small, furry animal feet, giving the plant its common names.
The fern’s delicate, lacy fronds are soft and light green. They emerge from the creeping rhizomes. Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, the plant naturally grows as an epiphyte on trees or rocks, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. This epiphytic nature influences its care requirements.
Vicky Fern Care Guide
Light Requirements
The Vicky Fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a north or east-facing window is ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch its fronds. While it tolerates lower light, strong indirect light promotes healthy growth. Signs of too much light include faded or burnt fronds; insufficient light may lead to stunted growth.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture benefits the Vicky Fern, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Water when the top inch or two of the potting medium feels dry, ensuring excess water drains freely. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves or dark brown rhizomes. Underwatering may cause fronds to wilt. The rhizomes can absorb and store some water, making the plant forgiving if it dries out slightly.
Humidity
Vicky Ferns prefer high humidity, ideally 60-80%, which promotes vigorous growth and prevents browning frond tips. While more tolerant of lower humidity than some ferns, providing adequate moisture is beneficial. To increase humidity, place the pot on a pebble tray, use a room humidifier, or group plants. Daily misting can also improve humidity around the foliage and rhizomes.
Soil Mix
An ideal soil mix for the Vicky Fern is well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter, mimicking its natural epiphytic growth. A suitable blend includes components like peat moss, perlite, and pine bark or coco coir. This substrate ensures good aeration and retains adequate moisture. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5) is suitable for plant health.
Temperature
Vicky Ferns prefer warm temperatures, thriving between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (26°C). They are not tolerant of cold; prolonged exposure below 55°F (12°C) can cause fronds to change color or die. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or excessively hot areas like ovens or fireplaces, which can cause stress.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), the Vicky Fern benefits from light fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength to prevent over-fertilization. Fertilize every four to six weeks. No fertilization is required during winter when growth slows.
Repotting Your Vicky Fern
Repotting a Vicky Fern is needed when the plant becomes root-bound or rhizomes extensively cover the pot. This typically occurs every two to three years for mature plants, though younger ferns may need it more frequently. The best time for repotting is during the plant’s dormant period, usually in winter.
Select a pot slightly larger and wider than the current one, ensuring good drainage. Wider, shallower pots are suitable due to their shallow root system and spreading rhizomes. Remove the fern from its old pot, handling rhizomes gently. Position the plant in the new pot, ensuring the fuzzy rhizomes are laid on the soil surface and not buried, as burying them can lead to rot.
Propagating Vicky Fern
The primary method for propagating Vicky Ferns is through rhizome division. This involves separating a portion of the plant’s creeping rhizomes. Select a healthy rhizome section with at least one frond attached. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, cut the rhizome, ensuring the division includes some roots.
Place the separated rhizome section on the surface of a fresh, well-draining potting mix in a new pot. Do not bury the rhizome; ensure it has good contact with the moist substrate. Spore propagation is a more advanced method, where spores are collected from the underside of mature fronds and sown on a moist, sterile medium, requiring high humidity and patience.
Troubleshooting Common Vicky Fern Issues
Vicky Ferns are generally resilient, but can experience common issues related to environmental conditions. Browning frond tips often signal low humidity or insufficient watering. Increase humidity and ensure consistent soil moisture to resolve this.
Yellowing leaves, or dark brown/black rhizomes, often indicate overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root issues. Allow the topsoil to dry between waterings and ensure adequate pot drainage. Common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale can occasionally affect Vicky Ferns. Inspect the plant regularly and treat infestations with appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil.