Rabbit's Foot Fern Care
Davallia (rabbit's foot fern)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Medium to bright indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 2β3 cm is dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Airy: Tropical mix with bark. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 15β27Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average to high. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Easy Pet safe |
| π Grows to | 30β45 cm, rhizomes trail over the pot. |
The rabbit's foot fern is named for its fuzzy, furry rhizomes that creep over the edge of the pot like little paws. It has lacy fronds, is safe for pets, and is far more forgiving than most ferns.
Light + placement
Medium to bright, indirect light. It handles a bit more light than most ferns, but direct sun scorches the fronds.
Watering
Water when the top 2β3 cm of soil is dry. It tolerates a little more drying than other ferns. Water the soil, not the furry rhizomes, which can rot if kept wet.
Soil + repotting
An airy mix: our Tropical Potting Mix with some bark, in a shallow, wide pot or basket. Don't bury the rhizomes; they should sit on top of the soil. Repot every 2 years.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Trim dead fronds at the base.
Propagation
Cut a section of rhizome with a few fronds attached and pin it onto moist soil until it roots. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy fronds | Dry air or soil dried out | Water a bit sooner; raise humidity. |
| Mushy, dark rhizomes | Kept wet or buried | Keep rhizomes on top of the soil; water the soil only. |
| Pale, yellow fronds | Too much sun | Move to indirect light. |
| Sparse growth | Low light | Move to brighter indirect light. |
| Dropping fronds in winter | Dry heat | Raise humidity; move away from vents. |
Varieties we carry
We carry rabbit's foot ferns in pots and hanging baskets. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rabbit's foot fern safe for pets?
Yes. It's non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Should I bury the furry feet?
No. The rhizomes should sit on top of the soil.
Is it easier than other ferns?
Yes. It's more drought-tolerant than most. See Fern Care for other types.
Can it grow in a hanging basket?
Yes, and the rhizomes look great trailing over the edge.
Rabbit's Foot Fern care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Bark: Mix in for extra drainage and air around the roots.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
String of Turtles Β· Maidenhair Fern Β· Philodendron Birkin Β· Bird's Nest Fern Β· String of Hearts Β· Spider Plant Β· Jade Plant Β· Lucky Bamboo Β· All plant care β