The Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia spp.) is an epiphytic houseplant native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is prized for its delicate, lacy foliage and unique aerial roots. The fern is best known for its fuzzy, creeping rhizomes that spill over the container’s edge, giving it the common name referencing a rabbit’s foot. Unlike many temperamental ferns, the Davallia genus is relatively forgiving, making it a popular choice for indoor growers.
Creating the Ideal Habitat
The Rabbit Foot Fern thrives under conditions that mimic the dappled light of its native forest floor. Bright but indirect light is best for robust growth. Placing the plant near an east-facing window provides gentle morning sun, while a north-facing window offers consistent, filtered light. Direct, intense sunlight, especially from south or west-facing exposures, can easily scorch the fine fronds and dry out the sensitive rhizomes.
Temperature management is equally important, as this fern prefers average household temperatures, ideally remaining above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). Exposure to cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents should be avoided, as they quickly stress the plant. Consistent warmth between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C) is conducive to steady, healthy growth throughout the year.
Atmospheric moisture, or humidity, is the most important environmental factor in keeping a Rabbit Foot Fern healthy. While Davallia species are more tolerant of lower humidity than other ferns, they flourish when moisture levels are elevated. Low humidity environments, particularly during dry indoor winter air, will cause the frond tips to brown and curl.
To increase moisture, consider grouping the fern with other houseplants, as their collective transpiration raises local humidity. A simple solution is to place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the bottom never sits in the water to prevent waterlogging. Regular misting of the fronds and exposed rhizomes provides a temporary boost. However, a small room humidifier offers the most consistent and effective solution for long-term health.
Routine Care: Hydration and Nutrition
Proper hydration involves maintaining a delicate balance, as the fern prefers consistently moist soil but is highly susceptible to root rot if waterlogged. Use the “soak and drain” method, thoroughly watering the plant until excess flows from the drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry slightly, specifically letting the top half-inch to one inch of the potting mix become dry to the touch before watering again.
The type of water used can impact the fern’s health, as these plants are sensitive to the salts and chemicals found in hard tap water. Using distilled water or collected rainwater helps prevent the buildup of mineral deposits in the soil, which can lead to brown tips on the fronds. Watering frequency should be reduced significantly during the cooler winter months when growth naturally slows down.
The ideal soil medium for a Rabbit Foot Fern is airy, well-draining, and rich in organic matter to mimic its epiphytic origins. A peat-based potting mix amended with materials like perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand creates the necessary structure for both aeration and moisture retention. The slightly acidic pH range provided by a peat mix is beneficial for nutrient uptake and plant vigor.
Fertilization should be approached with caution, as ferns are not heavy feeders and can be easily burned by concentrated salts. During the active growing season (spring through early fall), the plant benefits from a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer diluted to half or even quarter strength. This feeding should occur no more frequently than once every two to four weeks. Cease all fertilization during the dormant winter period.
Addressing Unique Features and Problems
The fern’s signature feature is the dense, fuzzy network of rhizomes, which are roots that grow along the soil surface. These structures anchor the plant and absorb atmospheric moisture and nutrients. For this reason, they must never be buried beneath the potting mix. Covering the rhizomes with soil will almost certainly cause them to rot, leading to a rapid decline in health.
Since the rhizomes grow horizontally across the surface and over the pot’s edge, repotting is typically infrequent, necessary only every two to three years. When repotting, select a shallow container. The fern’s root system is naturally shallow, and a deep pot retains too much moisture at the bottom, increasing the risk of root rot. The best time for this process is during the spring active growth cycle.
If the fronds begin to turn brown and crispy, the issue is almost always a lack of sufficient humidity or a lapse in the watering schedule. Increasing the surrounding air moisture or adjusting the watering routine will usually correct this issue. Yellowing fronds, conversely, are often a sign of overwatering, indicating the roots are sitting in soggy soil and struggling to breathe.
Common houseplant pests can occasionally afflict the Rabbit Foot Fern. Spider mites are the most frequent culprit, often thriving in dry indoor air, leaving behind fine webbing and causing tiny yellow or brown stippling on the leaves. Scale insects are another potential pest, appearing as small, immobile bumps on the fronds. Isolating the affected plant and treating it with a gentle insecticidal soap or wiping the fronds and rhizomes can effectively manage these infestations.