Houseplant of the Week: Rabbit’s Foot Fern

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Fronds of rabbit's foot fern plant

The rabbit’s foot fern (Davallia fejeensis) is a beautiful and easy-to-grow tropical fern that was originally found in Fiji, but is cultivated all over the world. Like many ferns, it has lacy, graceful fronds, but what makes this fern unique is its rhizomes, which are covered with a fine, fur-like mat of hairs.

Rabbit’s foot ferns are epiphytic, which means they grow on other plants and absorb nutrients and moisture from the air in the wild. They are adaptable enough, however, that they can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, and they make a great addition to any indoor plant collection.

Growing Rabbit’s Foot Ferns

Although rabbit’s foot ferns are relatively easy to grow, they do have some specific requirements.

Light: Your fern will need bright, indirect light.

Soil: Rabbit’s foot ferns like a loamy, rich soil with plenty of peat. Look for a peat-based potting mix, which will also have a slightly acidic pH that these plants like.

Watering: Rabbit’s foot ferns need to be watered regularly, but the soil should not be soggy.

Fertilize: Feed with liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks throughout the growing season (April through September). In the fall and winter, feeding can be reduced.