The rabbit's foot fern (rabbit foot fern or Davallia fejeensis) is native to Fiji. Rabbit's foot fern can be grown outdoors in warm climates, but is more commonly grown as an indoor houseplant. The light brown hairy rhizome of this ornamental fern resembles a rabbit's foot, which is why this plant is named so. By knowing how to plant, water, and care for a rabbit's foot fern, you can have a beautiful and healthy houseplant.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Growing a Rabbit's Foot Fern
Step 1. Purchase a rabbit's foot fern plant
Since this plant doesn't grow from seed, it's propagated by dividing rhizomes or collecting spores, you'll need to buy a ready-made plant. The plant may still be quite young when you buy it. Rabbit's foot ferns are available in plant stores as well as at distributors on the internet.
Choose plants that look bright, green, and healthy. If you notice brown or wilted leaves, choose another plant
Step 2. Plant the rabbit's foot fern in a hanging basket
Because the rhizome hangs to the side of the container and can grow to a length of 60 cm, the rabbit's foot fern is suitable for growing in hanging baskets. You can use a pot made of plastic or clay with a diameter of 15-25 cm.
Plastic containers tend to make the water distribution in them more even than clay pots. However, clay pots are stronger and more durable
Step 3. Plant the fern in loose, well-drained soil
You can find loose soil mix at your local garden supply store. A good soil mix should contain 2 parts peat moss, 1 part loam, and 1 part sand or pearlite, which is volcanic glass with a high water content. Soil should have a neutral pH between 6.6 and 7.5.
- Fill the container with soil about 8 cm from the surface of the pot.
- Poorly drained soil will retain too much moisture and cause the plant to rot.
Step 4. Plant the fern rhizome on top of the soil
The rabbit's foot fern has a shallow root network. When you plant it in a container, make sure the plant is not buried too deep. Let the rhizome remain above the soil surface so that it does not rot.
Step 5. Place the rabbit's foot fern in a place that is exposed to indirect sunlight
During the winter months for those of you living in the northern hemisphere, a north-facing window is an ideal location for this fern. During the spring and summer months-when the sun is higher on the horizon-choose an east-facing window with light filters such as white curtains.
Avoid windows facing south and west that are exposed to direct sunlight as fern leaves can burn
Part 2 of 3: Caring for a Rabbit Foot Fern
Step 1. Water the fern infrequently
Allow the soil in the container to dry slightly before watering again. Once the soil is dry or almost dry to the touch, then water it again. Excessive watering will cause the fern leaves to turn yellow and the roots to rot. Don't let the plants get waterlogged.
Spray the hairy rhizome regularly. Water every few days or as needed to prevent it from drying out
Step 2. Plant the rabbit's foot fern in a moderately moist environment
If the heating in your home is on during the winter months, consider using a humidifier in the room where the ferns are.
If you don't have a humidifier, place the fern container on a tray lined with wet gravel to increase the humidity around the plant. Refill the tray when the water has evaporated
Step 3. Keep the ambient temperature between 16–24 °C
Rabbit's foot fern will thrive in a comfortable room temperature. If the temperature drops below 16°C, check the plant before watering it and water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
If the temperature rises above 24 °C, the plant should be watered more often
Step 4. Fertilize the rabbit's foot fern monthly
You can use any liquid fertilizer for houseplants, but only use of the recommended dose. Too much fertilizer will scorch the leaves.
Do not fertilize a newly transplanted plant in a new pot for at least 6 months or until the plant shows signs of active growth
Step 5. Check the fern regularly for pests
Trips, mites, and fungal gnats are often found on the foliage of ornamental plants such as the rabbit's foot fern. This pest likes wet soil. So, avoid pests by not watering the plants excessively.
- To get rid of pests, wipe with a damp towel or cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Most houseplant pesticides are not safe for ferns.
Part 3 of 3: Breeding Rabbit Feet Ferns
Step 1. Divide the rhizomes to propagate new plants
Carefully separate the rhizome with a sharp knife and keep the roots and stems together. Plant the rhizomes in a moist ready-to-plant soil mixture and water as needed. Keep the humidity high and the temperature between 16–24 °C.
Keep the soil moist and out of direct sunlight
Step 2. Check the underside of the leaves for spores
Cut the leaves that have black spores and put them in a paper bag. After the leaves dry, the spores will fall.
Step 3. Plant the spores in a peat-based planting medium mix
Water, cover with plastic, and place in a temperature between 16–21 °C.
- The process of growing ferns from spores is more difficult than propagation by dividing the rhizomes.
- Once the leaves have grown to a height of about 2.5 cm, remove the plastic and transfer the fern into small containers.
- Place the saplings in a humid environment as these plants dry out easily.
Step 4. Water the new plant carefully
The rabbit's foot fern rhizome holds a lot of water. So, don't over-water the newly transplanted plant, as the ferns can rot. Do the same when watering plants bred from spores.
Tips
- Remember, you may need to reverse suggestions on which windows are suitable for hanging ferns, depending on whether you live in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
- Rabbit's foot ferns usually shed some of their leaves in the winter and will regrow them in the spring. To reduce shedding, reduce watering during the winter months and increase humidity in the room where the fern is located. Also, keep the plant away from drafty windows and hot vents.
- Because the rabbit's foot fern rhizome is close to the ground, the plant rarely needs a new pot. If you choose to move it, prepare a container that is about 2.5-5 cm larger than the current container.
