Rabbit Foot Fern

Rabbit’s Foot Fern Care Guide

About Rabbit’s Foot Fern

Rabbit Foot Fern is the kind of plant people notice twice. First for its soft green fronds, then for the fuzzy rhizomes that crawl over the pot like little paws. That unusual feature is where the Rabbit’s Foot Fern gets its name.

Its Latin name is Davallia fejeensis. You may also see it listed as Davallia Fejeensis Rabbit’s Foot Fern, Rabbits Foot Fern, or Fern Rabbit Foot. This tropical houseplant comes from Fiji and nearby Pacific islands, where warmth and humidity are part of everyday life. Outdoors, it suits USDA Zones 10 to 12, but it’s usually grown indoors. 

Care is fairly simple once you know not to bury the fuzzy rhizomes. It likes bright filtered light, light moisture, and humid air. It is pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs. Ferns are often associated with sincerity, protection, and a calm home environment. 

If you like this style of plant for your home or as a gift, then Bird’s Nest Fern and Blue Star Fern are also worth browsing. 

Rabbit Foot Fern: Benefits

• A stunning air-purifying houseplant
• Fine fronds soften shelves and corners
• Good for hanging pots and high shelves
• Brings a light, woodland look indoors
• A fun choice if you want a fern with personality

Rabbit Foot Fern Care: Growing Tips 

Rabbit Foot Fern care is not difficult, but the fuzzy rhizomes need a little respect. Let them sit on top of the soil, give the plant gentle light, and avoid keeping the pot wet for too long. 

Rabbit Foot Fern: Light Requirements & Temperature

• Light: Place this fern somewhere bright, but out of direct sun. A dim room can slow it down, while hot sun may crisp the fronds. 
• Temperature: The sweet spot for your fern will be between 65°F and 80°F, and keep it away from drafts, cold, and sudden temperature changes. 

Rabbit’s Foot Fern: Watering & Humidity

• Watering: Water your fern plant when the top of the soil begins to dry, but don’t let the soil stay wet for too long.
• Humidity: Ferns prefer a humid environment. If you notice the fronds getting crispy, try a humidifier, pebble tray, or place it with other plants. 

Rabbit Foot Fern: Soil, Fertilizer, and Repotting

• Soil: A light, well-draining potting mix that holds a little moisture is best, typically potting soil with perlite and orchid bark. 
• Fertilizer: Feed lightly once a month in spring and summer. 
• Repotting: Don’t move your Rabbit Foot Fern too often. Repot when roots are crowded, and keep the furry rhizomes above the soil. 

Rabbit Foot Fern: Propagation

Division is the easiest method for propagating Rabbit Foot Fern. Cut a healthy rhizome section with roots and fronds attached, set it on fresh soil, and keep it warm, lightly moist, and humid while it settles. 

Rabbit Foot Fern: Problems and Pruning

Rabbit's Foot Fern problems usually show up as crispy fronds, yellowing, limp growth, or pests. Dry air, irregular watering, soggy soil, harsh sun, or poor drainage are often to blame. Remove damaged fronds with clean scissors. 

Rabbit’s Foot Fern: Companion Plants & Placement Options

Rabbit’s Foot Fern works well with plants that bring color, height, or glossy foliage. Its soft fronds and furry rhizomes offer a nice contrast beside bolder tropical plants. 

Great to Place on

Place your Rabbit Foot Fern plant on a shelf, plant stand, bathroom counter, desk, or in a hanging planter. It looks best where the rhizomes can trail over the pot's edge.

Rabbit’s Foot Fern Plant Grows Well With

Pair your Rabbit’s Foot Fern plant with companions that enjoy warm rooms and filtered light. 

• Bonnie Spider Plant: The Bonnie Spider Plant has curly leaves that bring playful movement beside the fern’s softer fronds.
• Red Anthurium: The glossy red blooms of the Red Anthurium add strong color next to the airy green fern. 
• Philodendron Prince of Orange: Philodendron Prince of Orange’s new growth adds warmth beside the fern’s cooler green texture. 

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