Named Rabbit’s foot ferns for their delightful furry rhizomes that creep over the top of the plant pot.
The growing conditions required are similar to most other ferns including managing moisture levels well….
Description
The Davallia fejeensis belongs to a genus of 40 plants that are epiphytic in nature, which means they grow on trees or within rock crevices taking moisture and nutrients from other sources “not soil” such as air, rain, trees and other debris.
Over the years we have learnt to grow these within our western homes by imitating the plants natural habitat. We’ve learned how to grow a group of ferns for some time now and the Rabbit’s foot is one that will grow well, “if the correct conditions are provided”. Moisture and the right amount of light is the rule of thumb here.
How it looks: The fejeensis is easily recognisable as a fern because of it’s fronds (grow upright) that display gauzy or lace like leaflets. The small leaves are attached to kind of wiry stalks that grow from the visible rhizomes. These furry and yellowish brown rhizomes creep over the pot; they are main feature of this species.
It’s important to keep in mind what pot the plant should be planted in so it can display it’s rhizomes (within a hanging basket is common and a shallow pot).
Care level: Although the Rabbit’s foot fern does seem to be a bit more resilient than many other ferns and less temperamental, I would treat it as a fern in terms of humidity. This means providing enough humidity that your likely to need to increase yourself and keep the soil moist.
Facts
| Origin: | Fiji. |
| Names: | Rabbit’s Foot Fern (common). Davallia Fejeensis (botanical/scientific). |
| Max Growth (approx): | Height 1 – 2ft. |
| Poisonous for pets: | Non toxic for cats, dogs and horses. |
Rabbits Foot Fern Care
| Temperature: | Temperatures from 60-75ºF (15-24ºC) is advised. No lower than 55ºF (13ºC). |
| Light: | Provide indirect bright light – avoiding direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves and turn the rhizomes brown, especially with low humidity levels. A small amount of sun (not midday sun) will not cause too much harm and can encourage plant health, but it’s a bit risky with this fern. |
| Watering: | During spring and summer try and keep the soil moist at all times, without leaving the soil soaked. This species only has small roots so it’s taking most of it’s water and nutrients from the top soil and stroring them within it’s rhizomes. |
| Soil: | A well draining potting soil that is peat based will suffice. |
| Re-Potting: | Re-pot within spring to a slightly larger pot in width – if the rhizomes and roots need more room. This is a good time to cut away rhizomes to propagate new plants. Don’t plant the rhizomes in the soil! |
| Fertilizer: | From the beginning of spring until the end of fall use a diluted liquid feed once every 2 – 3 weeks. |
| Humidity: | I would increase the humidity in a room to keep the plant looking healthy. Misting will help but your likely to need to place the plant on a humidity tray or use a humidifier when the air is dry. |
| Propagation: | o propagate divide 2 inch sections of a rhizome and include at least one stem with a frond. You will have to pin the rhizome within moist potting soil using strong wire or toothpicks. Once you see new growth, new plants are growing. |
Common Problems
- Fronds yellowing and tips brown: Check to see if the air is too dry and the temperature is not too hot then increase humidity levels.
- Pale fronds and plant lacking growth: The likely cause here is the need for fertilizer within the soil. Pale fronds can also relate to the plant being exposed to too much sunlight or even not enough.
- Limp fronds: The most likely cause is over watering. Also check the temperature is not too cold.
Conclusion
This fern-like plant is a resilient and easy-going one to care for. Its furry rhizomes are unique and functional, absorbing moisture and nutrients as they move. The Rabbit Foot’s fern is a popular hanging basket choice, it perfectly displays the intricate lacy looking leaves and provides the best angle to show off the distinctive rhizomes.
Originating from Fiji, the Rabbit Foot’s fern loves moisture and humidity. It’s best to try and imitate these exotic conditions, which can be achieved through regular watering, misting, and maintaining high humidity levels. If you struggle with dry and cold air in your home, a humidifier might be worth a purchase.
These ferns aren’t huge lovers of sunlight, so adequate light is fine to keep these plants healthy and happy. It’s a good idea to position your fern in an area with access to indirect light but make sure to avoid direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves will scorch and the rhizomes will turn brown.
Water these plants lightly but regularly, to make sure the surface of the soil remains moist. Misting can also help keep the rhizomes and leaves moist, which is a great way of topping up the plant’s moisture levels.
Be careful of any chemicals you’re exposing your Rabbit Foot fern to, as they can be sensitive plants. Avoid using insecticides and take care to monitor what chemicals are in the fertlizer you’re using. Any forms of air pollution including smoke from tobacco, candles or fire can also be harmful to your Rabbit Foot fern.
If you are interested in planting house plants, you can check our articles, Poison Primrose, Zebra Howorthia, Jelly Beans, Mexican Fortune or Braided Money Tree, and Flaming Sword Bromeliad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ferns love moisture, so if you’re unsure, the more the better. Although it is possible to overwater your fern, it’s far more likely that your plant will suffer from underwatering. To test this, squeeze some of the topsoil between your fingers. If water seeps out, your fern shouldn’t need watering. If it’s dry, be sure to water your plant as soon as possible.
A diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer should be mixed at half strength and used once every 2-3 weeks. Fertilize this plant from the beginning of spring to the end of fall for maximum growth.
Repot during spring, but only upsize to a slightly bigger pot if you’ve noticed the rhizomes and roots looking squashed. Repotting is a great time for propagation, just remember not to plant rhizomes in the soil – it causes rotting!
Why are the leaves yellowing?
If you notice this, along with brown tips, your plant is most likely not receiving enough humidity or moisture. Up the humidity levels, mist your plant and check the temperature of the area.
Why are the fronds falling off?
This is totally normal, don’t panic. Even with the perfect conditions, older fronds will fall. It’s just to make room for new, fresh ones! Just remove the fronds from the area and keep caring for your fern as normal.
Can to many rhizomes smother the plant an how to transplant without hurting the rhizomes their all around my pot
Hi, Genevieve! What my sister did was like this: she dug a hole where the rhizome would settle into the ground just below ground level. If planting several iris near each other, point the rhizomes away from each other and space them 18 inches (46 cm) apart. Spread the roots out around the rhizome, and then cover the roots and the rhizome with dirt. And you’re done!