Rabbit's foot fern (Davallia fejeensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Rabbit's foot fern on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Davalliaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Rabbit's foot fern
Davallia fejeensis, commonly known as the Lacy Hare's-Foot Fern, is an epiphytic or lithophytic fern prized for its furry rhizomes that trail over the pot's edge, resembling a hare's foot. Its finely divided, bright green fronds give it an ethereal appearance and make it ideal for hanging baskets or terrariums. It adds a delicate, jungle-like touch to any indoor space.
Native range
Fiji Islands
Care tips
It prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun which can scorch its fronds. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, and mist the fronds and rhizomes regularly to increase ambient humidity. Use a well-draining substrate, such as an orchid or fern mix, and avoid burying the rhizomes too deeply as they are sensitive to excessive moisture.
How to save a dying Rabbit's foot fern
- Warning signs
- Dry, brittle fronds; curled or wilting leaves; dry aerial rhizomes.
- First aid
- Increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray. Check substrate: if dry, water thoroughly. If waterlogged, repot into fresh, aerated soil.
- What kills it
- Dry air, lack of consistent humidity, direct sun exposure, or waterlogged soil. Does not tolerate dry environments.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's resilient. Act quickly with humidity and watering. It can regrow if the rhizome is alive.