Rabbit foot fern – Fern plants

Rabbit foot fern (Davallia fejeensis) is normally quite a low maintenance plant and is normally very easy to grow and great for beginner gardeners. It is distinguished by their furry rhizomes, which creep over the surface of the potting mixture and root down into it at regular intervals. The fur is composed of long, light brown hairs on 0.4-0.8 inches thick rhizomes and is the reason why these plants have such common names as Hare’s Foot Fern. Arising from the rhizomes are 9 inches long, grey-green stalks carrying fronds that are roughly triangular, usually around 24 inches long and 18 inches wide and divided into three or four leaflets. It is very decorative featuring fuzzy rhizomes that tend to hang and embrace the planter and if grown in a hanging basket it will eventually cover the whole basket.

Scientific Name: Davallia fejeensis
Common Name: Rabbit foot fern

 

 

 

 

 

How to grow and maintain Davallia fejeensis:

Light:
Davallia fejeensis will do best in the event that they are grown in medium light. It will glow in the good indirect light, on a north or east-facing windowsill.

Soil:
Rabbit foot fern prefers well-drained soil in the pH range of 6.5 to 7.8. A peat based potting mix is suitable for this plant.

Temperature:
It prefers Average temperatures between 60-75ºF (15-24ºC) is advised. No lower than 55ºF (13ºC).

Water:
During spring and summer try and keep the soil moist at consistently, without leaving the soil soaked. This species only has little roots so it’s taking a large portion of its water and nutrients from the topsoil and storing them within its rhizomes.

Fertilizer:
Apply a dilute water-soluble fertilizer to 1/4 strength about once every two weeks to actively growing mature plants.

Re-Potting:
Re-pot in spring to a marginally bigger pot in width – if the rhizomes and roots require more room. This is a good time to cut away rhizomes to propagate new plants. Try not to plant the rhizomes in the soil!

Propagation:
Do this in the developing season, during spring and summer, by dividing the rhizomes with roots attached. Place the rhizomes on the surface of the soil and hold it in place by using wire, hairpins, toothpicks etc. Try not to cover the rhizomes.

Pests and Diseases:
No serious insect or disease problems. Look for aphids, mealybugs, and scale.