Care Sheet - Davallia “White Paw” / “Rabbit’s Foot” Fern

Davallia- “White Paw” or “Rabbit’s Foot” Fern

Light: Rabbit’s foot ferns like bright but indirect sunlight, such as that found near a window with eastern or northern exposure. Too much direct light will burn the plant quickly. If fronds die due to burning or underwatering, prune them at the base and they may be replaced by new growth.

 

Water: Water the plants lightly but often to keep the surface of the soil lightly moist. Daily misting helps keep the surface rhizomes from drying out. 

Environment: They do best in temperatures between 65 and 75 F. (21-24 C.). These ferns like loamy, rich soil with plenty of peat. The soil should feel lightly damp at all times, but never soggy or water-logged.

Toxicity: Reported to be Non-toxic.

Of note: 

• Known botanically as Davallia fejeensis ferns, rabbit’s foot ferns have light, airy foliage compared to their cousins, the deer’s foot ferns (D. canariensis) and the squirrel’s foot ferns (D. trichomanoides).
• It is normal for the fuzzy rhizomes to reach over the edge of the pot. 
• You can propagate this fern easily by trimming a piece of the rhizome with leaves and planting in a new pot.
• When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid over watering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.