Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)

Overview

Rabbit’s Foot Fern is a unique fern known for its fuzzy, creeping rhizomes that grow over the soil surface. These furry “feet” give it its name and add a striking, unusual texture. The plant itself produces soft, finely divided fronds that create a lush, tropical feel. It is a popular indoor plant and can also thrive outdoors in shaded, humid areas.

Appearance

Rabbit’s Foot Fern has two main features:

1. Soft, bright green fronds that are finely divided and grow in a loose, arching shape.

2. Thick, fuzzy rhizomes that grow along the top of the pot or over the edges. These rhizomes look like a rabbit’s foot or paw and slowly creep and branch as they grow.

The combination of delicate fronds and furry runners makes it stand out from other ferns.

Reptile Safety

Rabbit’s Foot Fern is non-toxic and considered safe to keep around reptiles, including species that may brush against plants or explore their environment. It does not contain substances known to be harmful if a reptile accidentally takes a nibble. It is best used with reptiles that do not intentionally eat leafy plants.

Indoor Use

Rabbit’s Foot Fern is ideal for indoor settings such as offices, bedrooms, and living areas. It likes bright, indirect light and does very well in humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. It can be grown in hanging baskets so the fuzzy rhizomes can drape over the sides, or in decorative pots where the “feet” can be seen clearly.

Outdoor Use

Outdoors, it prefers shade or gentle filtered light. It can grow under trees, on patios, or in protected garden corners with high humidity. It must be protected from strong sun, cold wind, or frost. In warm climates, it can stay outside year-round; in cooler areas, it should be moved indoors during winter.

Terrarium Use (Plant-Only Terrariums)

Rabbit’s Foot Fern works well in open, plant-only terrariums with good airflow. It loves humidity and suits rainforest-style displays with wood, rocks, and moss. The fuzzy rhizomes can creep over branches or decorative hardscape, adding a natural, wild look. Avoid sealed terrariums with stagnant air, as this increases the risk of rot.

Light Requirements

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the fronds. Low light slows growth and can cause fronds to thin out.

Watering

Keep the soil lightly moist, never dry and never waterlogged. Water when the top layer of soil is just starting to feel dry. The fuzzy rhizomes should not be soaked or kept constantly wet, as this can cause rot. Mist lightly if humidity is low.

Humidity

Medium to high humidity is best. Rabbit’s Foot Fern thrives in reptile rooms or humid indoor spaces. Dry air causes browning on the frond edges.

Temperature

Ideal range: 18 to 26°C.Avoid placing the plant in cold drafts or near heaters.

When to Repot

Repot every 1 to 2 years or when the rhizomes have grown over the edges of the pot. Repot in spring for best results. Always allow the rhizomes to sit on top of the soil, not buried.

Soil to Use

Use a loose, airy potting mix such as:

• potting soil

• peat or cocopeat

• perlite

• a little bark for texture and airflow

This keeps the roots moist but never soggy.

Troubleshooting

Brown tips

Cause: dry air or underwatering

Fix: increase humidity and water more consistently

Yellow fronds

Cause: overwatering or poor drainage

Fix: improve drainage and reduce watering frequency

Crispy fronds

Cause: too much direct sun

Fix: move to a spot with filtered light

Slow or weak growth

Cause: low light or lack of humidity

Fix: move to brighter indirect light and increase humidity

Rotting rhizomes

Cause: water sitting on the rhizomes constantly

Fix: water the soil directly and improve airflow