Rabbits Foot Fern Growing Guide
What is Rabbits Foot Fern?
Rabbits Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) also known as Hares Foot Fern is an evergreen perennial fern. It is part of the Davalliaceae family and is native to Fiji. The Rabbit Foots Fern is a hardy fern that can survive indoors or out. It is slow growing but long lived. It’s known as Rabbits Foot due to the soft fuzzy rhizomes that creepy along the soil surface. They have lacy, finely divided foliage which is light to dark green in colour. If grown inside they need a bight spot that is out of direct sunlight. It can be grown outside in warmer climates in a sheltered area that gets plenty of shade.
Benefits of Growing Rabbits Foot Fern
Rabbits Foot Fern is easy to grow and are ideal for hanging baskets or shallow pots. They make a great house plant, patio plant or garden shade plant.
How to Grow Rabbits Foot Fern
Rabbits Foot Fern
Climatic Zones
Cool to mild tropical.
Plant Size
Height: 40-60cm, Width: 40-60cm
When To Plant Rabbits Foot Fern
Plant anytime.
Soil Preparation
Rabbits Foot Fern needs well draining soil. If planting in pots use a good potting mix that is suitable for ferns.
How To Plant Rabbits Foot Fern
Plant in part shade to full shade, with the plant potted at the same level it came in the pot. If growing inside have the plant placed in a brightly lit area that has indirect sunlight. Rabbit’s Foot Ferns have very shallow root systems and like to be planted in a shallow pot.
Rabbits Foot Fern Plant Care
Water moderately, enough to make the soil moist. Allow the soil in the container to dry out slightly between waterings. When the soil is dry or almost dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Over-watering will cause the leaves to yellow and may result in root rot. If growing inside give them a spray with some mist from time to time to keep the humidity up. Spray both the foliage and the rhizomes.
If growing outside mulch to retain moisture.
Add slow release fertiliser in Spring.
Re-pot every 2 – 3 years to keep soil fresh and full of nutrients. The best time to pot is in the cooler months.
Mealy bug and scale. Brush them off with a wet cotton bud. If highly infested cut off the entire frond.
Dust the leaves regularly using a soft brush. Dust can clog up the pores of the leaves and make it difficult for the leaves to function properly.
