Photo: ChhePublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Rabbits Foot Fern Plant Care
Davallia fejeensis Hook.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to Fiji, this plant is known for its unique appearance - its fronds resemble antlers! Davallia fejeensis is highly sought after by plant collectors due to its exotic look and the striking visual impact it brings to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Rabbits Foot Fern?
Water Rabbits Foot Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Rabbits Foot Fern Native To?
What Is the Rabbits Foot Fern?
Rabbits Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Davallia genus. Rabbits Foot Fern is native to Fiji, Polynesia. Rabbits Foot Fern is also known as Rabbit's Foot Fern, Squirrel's Foot Fern, Bear's Paw Fern.
Rabbits Foot Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Rabbits Foot Fern produces non-flowering.
How Often Should You Water a Rabbits Foot Fern?
Davallia fejeensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Rabbits Foot Fern Need?
Rabbits Foot Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Rabbits Foot Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rabbits Foot Fern Prefer?
Davallia fejeensis grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Rabbits Foot Fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rabbits Foot Fern?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Rabbits Foot Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rabbits Foot Fern?
Feed Rabbits Foot Fern every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Rabbits Foot Fern?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Rabbits Foot Fern?
Rabbits Foot Fern can be propagated through division of rhizomes, spores.
Is the Rabbits Foot Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rabbits Foot Fern?
Rabbits Foot Fern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rabbits Foot Fern Need?
Rabbits Foot Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Rabbits Foot Fern is native to Fiji, Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Rabbits Foot Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12
Keep exploring plants
Rabbits Foot Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Davallia genus — compare its care with other Davallia species on PlantoScan.
Davallia is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Rabbits Foot Fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Davallia fejeensis Hook., family Polypodiaceae (first published in Sp. Fil. 1: 166 (1846)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Rabbits Foot Fern as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Chhe, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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