Plants
Rabbit's Foot Fern
Davallia · Davalliaceae
The rabbit's foot fern is a small curiosity among indoor ferns: furry, silvery-haired rhizomes creep over the rim of the pot, genuinely resembling rabbit's feet. Above them sits a fine, almost lacy canopy of fronds. Unlike many ferns, Davallia forgives the occasional short dry spell — the rhizomes store water. We source our plants in well-rooted hanging quality via the Veiling Rhein-Maas.
- Light
- Bright to semi-shaded without direct sun; tolerates darker corners better than many ferns.
- Watering
- Keep lightly moist, letting the top layer dry; thanks to water-storing rhizomes, short dry spells are forgiven.
- Care level
- Medium
- Botanical
- Davallia
The striking feet are not roots but above-ground creeping rhizomes with which the fern feels its way across bark and rock in the wild. They must never be buried in soil — they rot underneath. When repotting, always set the rhizomes on top of the substrate.
Several species are traded under the name rabbit's foot fern, above all Davallia fejeensis with particularly finely feathered fronds and the slightly sturdier Davallia canariensis, cultivated as a houseplant for centuries. In practice, care hardly differs between the species.
As an epiphyte, Davallia needs a loose, airy substrate — a mix of fern compost, orchid bark and a little sphagnum is ideal. In heavy, compacted potting soil the fern sulks and drops leaflets. It develops most beautifully in a hanging basket or a shallow bowl where the feet can roam freely over the rim.
Typical mistakes are spots that are too dark and dry heating air: the fine leaflets then trickle down like needles. A bright place without direct sun and occasional misting keep the canopy dense. Unlike maidenhair fern, however, Davallia does not immediately resent a forgotten watering.
In our floristry work we like using the rabbit's foot fern as a hanging plant near a window or as a lively contrast to large-leaved plants. Its fine foliage brings lightness to plant groupings without claiming space — ideal for smaller flats.
Is Rabbit's Foot Fern toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
The rabbit's foot fern is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children, making it a good choice for households with pets. As with any plant, larger nibbled amounts can upset the stomach.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Place bright to semi-shaded, avoiding direct midday sun — east or north windows are perfect.
- 02Keep evenly, lightly moist; the top layer of substrate may dry, but the root ball should never dry out completely.
- 03Water with soft, room-temperature water and avoid waterlogging.
- 04Never cover the furry rhizomes with soil — they always sit on top.
- 05Mist regularly in dry heating air, or hang the basket in a bright bathroom.
- 06Feed lightly once a month from spring to autumn (half-strength foliage feed).
Frequently asked
- Is the rabbit's foot fern toxic to cats?
- No, Davallia is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Since the furry rhizomes can look like toys to cats, it is still best hung out of reach — for the plant's sake.
- Can I cut off or bury the furry feet?
- Neither. The rhizomes are the fern's vital storage and growth organs. Buried they rot, cut off they cost the plant substance. You can, however, deliberately detach individual rhizome pieces with a frond attached and root them on moist substrate — that is how Davallia is propagated.
- Why is my rabbit's foot fern dropping leaflets?
- Trickling leaflets are almost always a reaction to dry heating air, a spot that is too dark or a root ball that has dried out completely. Move it somewhere brighter, mist regularly and water evenly — the fern will reliably push new fronds from its rhizomes.
- What substrate does the rabbit's foot fern need?
- A loose, airy mix, such as fern compost with orchid bark and a little sphagnum moss. Regular potting soil is too heavy and dense for this epiphyte. When repotting, always lay the rhizomes on top of the substrate, never work them in.