Why are the rhizomes fuzzy?

The fuzz helps the plant retain moisture and protects it from drying out.

Can I bury the rhizomes?

No, the rhizomes should sit on top of the soil to prevent rot.

Plant guide

Rabbit's Foot Fern.

Davallia fejeensis

Pronounced da-VAL-ee-uh fay-jee-EN-sis

Also known as Lacy hare's-foot fern

The Rabbit's Foot Fern is a charming epiphyte known for its fuzzy, creeping rhizomes that spill over the edges of pots. It thrives in humid environments and makes a fantastic hanging basket specimen. Keep it away from drafts to prevent the delicate fronds from drying out.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Fern
Light: Bright indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 30 to 60 cm
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to avoid root rot. Watch for brown, crispy frond tips, which often indicate the air is too dry or the plant needs more water. Ensure the rhizomes are not buried deep in the soil, as they prefer to creep along the surface.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any yellow or brown fronds at the base to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the rhizomes have completely filled the container.
Soil: Peat based, well draining potting mix.
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Rhizomes have completely covered the surface of the soil.
The plant dries out much faster than usual.
Growth has noticeably slowed during the active season.

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The fuzzy rhizomes may be tempting to touch but are not inherently dangerous to children.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

Fuzzy brown rhizomes resembling rabbit feet
Finely divided, lacy green fronds
Creeping growth habit
Delicate, arching foliage

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: 0cm

Problems to watch for

Scale InsectsCommon
Tip BurnCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, spores
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents. Ensure it stays in a room with stable, warm temperatures.
In containers: It is excellent for hanging baskets, which allow the rhizomes to trail naturally over the sides.

Division

Gently remove the plant from its pot.
Cut a section of the rhizome that has at least one healthy frond attached.
Place the rhizome section on top of moist, well-draining potting mix.
Secure it with a pin or wire until it roots.

Group this fern with other moisture-loving plants to create a microclimate that boosts ambient humidity.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar requirements for high humidity and indirect light.
Pothos · Both plants thrive in warm, indoor environments with consistent moisture.

Similar species

White Rabbit's Foot Fern · It features similar fuzzy rhizomes but has a slightly different growth habit.

Science

Family: Davalliaceae
Genus: Davallia
Order: Polypodiales
Class: Polypodiopsida
Native range: Fiji and surrounding Pacific islands.
Conservation: This species is not currently listed as threatened in the wild.

It grows as an epiphyte on trees or rocks in humid tropical forests.

Uses: hanging basket specimen, indoor foliage plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 3/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 4/9
Temperature: 8/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the rhizomes fuzzy?: The fuzz helps the plant retain moisture and protects it from drying out.
Can I bury the rhizomes?: No, the rhizomes should sit on top of the soil to prevent rot.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors the Swiss botanist Edmond Davall, while the species name refers to its native Fiji.

Good to know

It is commonly called the Rabbit's Foot Fern.
The rhizomes creep over the edge of pots.
It thrives in bright, indirect light.
The fronds are finely divided and lacy.

Keep your rabbit's foot fern growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.