Learn all about Rabbit's Foot Fern care so you can enjoy this easy and lush plant indoors. It may just become your new plant obsession or a beautiful addition to your indoor jungle.
There's something about the lacey foliage of ferns that I really like. I have a maidenhair fern and it's gorgeous. However, it's finicky and needs to be watered often when it's inside during the winter. I also have a staghorn fern that's not as picky but it doesn't look as good as it could in my dry home environment.
Sections At A Glance
One fern that does seem to be happy indoors is Davallia fejeensis commonly known as Rabbit's Foot Fern. Growing a rabbit's foot fern is pretty easy and not only can you enjoy the beautiful lacey fronds, but you also get the added bonus of their unique furry rhizomes or "feet" that hang over the pot.
Rabbit's Foot Fern Basics
- Botanical Name: Davallia fejeensis
- Common Name: Rabbit's Foot Fern
- Origin: This plant is native to the Fiji Islands
- Hardiness Zone: zones 10 - 11 so if you live in a warm climate then you can grow this fern outdoors all year long. The rest of us can grow it as a houseplant.
- Mature Height and Width: 24-36 inches tall by up to 48 inches wide
Types of Rabbit's Foot Fern
The Genus Davallia has about 40 different species of ferns. There are several "footed" ferns such as hare's foot, white rabbit's foot, deer's foot, and squirrel's foot".
Caring for Rabbit's Foot Ferns
Light Requirements - Give your Rabbit's foot fern bright indirect sunlight near an east or west-facing window. Too much sun (direct sunlight) will scorch the leaves.
Watering Needs - Weekly thorough watering. Make sure the soil drains well. Do not let it sit in the water to prevent root rot.
Temperature & Humidity - This plant grows well in normal room temperatures around 60-70 degrees F. This plant doesn't require the high humidity that most ferns need. However, like many houseplants, it will thrive with some misting now and then.
Feeding Needs - Give your fern a light all-purpose fertilizer diluted with water once every other month. However, if it was potted with a slow-release fertilizer you can wait a few months before adding more.
Repotting - Use a light well-draining potting soil or some homemade potting soil when the Rabbit's Foot Fern appears to be growing out of its current pot. Typically every couple of years as this plant does well in a tight pot.
Propagating - You can propagate this fern by dividing it into clumps or taking cuttings of the rhizomes.
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Here's what my fern looked like when I purchased it. I had it growing in a hand crafted woven planter for a little extra decoration.
Now it's grown four times as large with lots of lovely deep green foliage and has been repotted into a nice clay pot.
You can see from the root ball that the root system still looks good but it was beginning to grow out of the pot. You can see all the many rhizomes (resembling a rabbit's foot) and just how long they are now.
The furry rhizomes actually collect moisture from the air like epiphytes.
New growth on ferns is so fascinating. If you look in the middle you can see a darker new frond growing and one on the left that is just beginning to unfurl.
Here's a recent picture of a Rabbit's Foot Fern growing in my office. As you can see it's doing so well.
So if you like ferns but haven't had luck with maidenhair, button or other ferns give rabbit's foot fern a try. You'll be glad you did.
More Great Houseplants
Alyssa
I have a six inch rabbit's foot fern. I bottom water the plant. As we are transitioning into the fall/winter season, how should the watering be adjusted? I know that overall, it would take less water since it would take longer for it to dry out, but I do I still wait until the same amount of dryness is attained? I usually wait until the top inch is dry. I know it would take longer for that to be achieved, but should I wait longer?
Patti Estep
Alyssa, sometimes it's hard to know as many factors can come into play. But here's what I will say. If your plant seems healthy and happy I would continue what you are doing even though winter is coming. Ferns in general like more water than most plants so I don't think you need to worry here. Plus I have found that this particular fern is very easy to grow.
Patty
Rabbit’s foot fern under grow lights? Do they do well? I don’t have much natural light or windows? Thank you!
Patti Estep
Patty, mine is not under a grow light. It's near a North-East window so it gets light but not a ton, and it's growing very well. If you like them you should definitely try one. It seems to be an easy fern to grow.
Jody
I have a Rabbit's Foot Fern, we are going on a 7 week vacation, can it go that long without water, I don't have anyone to take care of it or any suggestions on how to water it while I'm gone.
Patti Estep
Jody, seven weeks is a long time to go without water. I'd consider looking into creating a wicking watering system. Something like this one here.
Alyssa
I have a rabbit's foot fern. I usually place it right in front of an east window. It is there until the sun goes down. Should I move it during the afternoon?
Patti Estep
Alyssa, if the plant seems happy I wouldn't bother moving it. However, if it seems like some of the leaves/fronds seem to brown or look burned you should probably move it to a different spot.
Sherry Cavitt
I reported my rabbit's foot fern and roots were soaking wet. Do I let plant dry out in New soil before watering again?
Patti Estep
Sherry, It wouldn't hurt to hold off watering, however, it depends on how long it had been watered before you removed the plant from the pot. The roots should look strong and healthy. If they are kind of friable you may have some root rot and should not water it for a few days.
Catt
Do you recommend growing a new rabbit foot fern in a wire basket with soil and moss?
My dad and step mom had a gigantic fern but have both passed so I can’t ask them how to start mine. Do you have any suggestions? I have 3 new plants that I purchased from a store. They are in plastic containers right now and I need to replant soon.
Patti Estep
Catt, do you mean lining a wire basket with moss and then adding soil before planting? I haven't done this with rabbit's foot fern but I do think it could work and would be beautiful.
Gail
I’ve been thinking about a rabbits foot fern for awhile.They are so pretty. Reading your article was a large help. Thank you. Quick question, can they be split/separated easily. The one I’ve been looking at is kinda large maybe 8” pot I know that’s not huge but I’d like 2 smaller ones. It’s that possible or will it really not be good for the plant. Thanks for your help, Gail
Patti Estep
Gail, I have not propagated my fern yet. However, if it's big enough I would guess that you could cut it with a clean sharp knife and separate it into two plants. Not 100% sure though so you may want to do some research.
Angela
Hi there,
I enjoyed reading your article...I have a question about my rabbit foot fern. I live in WA where it's usually very cold at night, around 50F and below. I don't want a plant inside the house because my space isn't convenient for plants, and my cats tend to knock them over, or dig at the soil. How can I keep this plant outside and properly care for it? Thank you!
Patti Estep
Angela, I'm not sure if the fern would survive outdoors in your area. You could keep it outdoors in the summer when it's warm but it is a zone 10 plant. Thats very warm, such as southern Florida, southern California or Hawaii. Maybe you could hang it in a window where the cats can't get to it?
Sandy
Enjoyed reading your post on rabbit foot ferns. I have one given to me that’s looking pretty good. You are right about other ferns being difficult to grow inside and I have problem with Ivy inside also.