Rabbit's Foot Fern
Product details
| Management number | 250426028 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$16.80 | Model Number | 250426028 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | |||||||||
- Description
- Rabbit's Foot Fern Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
-
![]()
Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis), also called the furry foot fern, is a tropical fern native to Fiji and surrounding Pacific islands. It belongs to the Davallia family and grows naturally on rocky outcrops and tree trunks in humid, shaded forest environments.
The fronds are finely divided and lacy, with a mid-green color and a feathery texture that forms an arching, cascading habit as the plant matures. What sets this fern apart visually are its fuzzy, silver-brown rhizomes that creep over the edges of the pot, resembling small animal feet or paws. These surface-crawling rhizomes are a defining trait of davallia ferns and are never buried in soil. Fronds grow on thin wiry stems from these rhizomes and can reach 12 to 18 inches long.
Rabbit's Foot Fern does not produce flowers. Instead, it reproduces through spores that form in small clusters on the undersides of mature fronds. It also filters indoor air, removing formaldehyde and other airborne toxins, and the moisture it releases through transpiration naturally humidifies the air around it.
Hang it in a basket so the rhizomes can creep freely over the container's edge. It thrives near kitchen moisture and does well near a sink or stove where ambient humidity stays high. Keep it away from AC vents and heater outlets, as dry moving air causes the fronds to brown and crisp. Move it outside for summer in a sheltered spot, and keep it covered from rain to avoid waterlogging the roots. This plant is pet friendly, and it has a history of medicinal use in traditional Pacific island practices.
-
Rabbit's Foot Fern grows best in bright indirect light, away from direct sun exposure, which scorches the fronds. Rotate it every few weeks so all sides receive even light.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every 7 to 10 days. It wilts slightly when dry, and the fronds yellow and soften when overwatered.
Rabbit's Foot Fern does best in a lightweight, well-draining mix such as a peat-based potting mix combined with perlite. Avoid heavy soils that hold moisture around the rhizomes.
It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and suffers below 55°F. Keep it away from cold drafts near windows and doors in winter.
![]()
Rabbit's Foot Fern is a slow to moderate grower, adding new fronds steadily through spring and summer. Feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season.
It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12, tolerating outdoor conditions where temperatures stay above 55°F year-round. It grows outdoors in southern Florida, Hawaii, coastal Southern California, and parts of Texas and Louisiana with mild winters. It overwinters outdoors in Puerto Rico and other warm US territories as well.
-
Q: How often should I water Rabbit's Foot Fern?
A: Check the soil before watering. When the top inch feels dry and the fronds begin to wilt slightly, it is time to water. In most indoor conditions, that works out to once every 7 to 10 days.
Q: Does this fern need high humidity?
A: Rabbit's Foot Fern does best with humidity above 50%. Place it near a kitchen or bathroom, or use a pebble tray with water beneath the pot to keep moisture levels up around the fronds.
Q: Is Rabbit's Foot Fern safe for cats and dogs?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to cats and dogs and safe to keep in homes with pets.
Q: Which window direction works best for this fern?
A: Rabbit's Foot Fern does well in a north or east-facing window, where light is bright but indirect. A west-facing window works if the plant sits a few feet back from the glass to avoid afternoon sun scorch.
Q: Can Rabbit's Foot Fern go outside in summer?
A: Yes, move it outside once temperatures stay consistently above 60°F. Choose a sheltered spot with shade or filtered light, and cover it or move it under an overhang during heavy rain.
Q: How do I propagate this fern?
A: Rabbit's Foot Fern propagates through its rhizomes. Cut a section of rhizome with at least one frond attached, lay it on moist potting mix, and pin it lightly to the surface without burying it. New roots form within a few weeks in warm, humid conditions.
Bestseller ranking
Houseplants
Correction of product information
If you notice any omissions or errors in the product information on this page, please use the correction request form below.
Correction Request Form