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Rabits Foot Fern

 SCENTIFIC NAME: Davallia fejeensis

KNOWN AS: Silver Hare's Foot Fern, Bears Paw Fern and Squirrel Fern

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Oceania | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: The Rabbit's Foot Fern is a unique and charming plant that gets its name from its roots, which look like rabbit's feet. It is a famous houseplant that is known for its furry, creeping rhizomes that grow on the top of the soil.

Easy difficulty & pet safe

Rabits Foot Fern Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The best lighting for a rabbit's foot fern is bright, indirect light. This plant prefers to be in a location where it can receive bright light without being exposed to direct sunlight, which can burn its delicate fronds. A north-facing window or an east or west-facing window with sheer curtains can provide the appropriate amount of light for this fern. Avoid placing it in a dimly lit area or in direct sunlight, as this can cause it to wilt or become discolored.

Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Indoor rabbit's foot fern plants need to be watered with some consideration and care. It's crucial to monitor the soil moisture level and water as necessary because these ferns prefer to be kept evenly damp but not saturated. Since they are delicate to the chemicals in tap water, it is preferable to water rabbit's foot ferns with room temperature, non-chlorinated water. While watering, make sure the soil is well saturated until water drains out of the pot's bottom. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, though, as this can cause root rot. Regular misting of the foliage is also beneficial to add more moisture and humidity. When in their dormant stage throughout the winter, rabbit's foot ferns typically require less water. It's crucial to keep an eye on how the plant reacts to the watering schedule and make necessary adjustments based on the environment and the plant's growth stage.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

Rabbit's foot ferns ideal temperature is between 60 and 75 °F (15 and 24 °C) during the day and at least 50 °F (10 °C) at night. They prefer moist but not soggy soil and do well in a humid atmosphere. By periodically spraying the leaves, setting a tray of water next to the plant, or using a humidifier, you may ensure that the environment is sufficiently humid. Although they may survive in low light, rabbit's foot ferns prefer bright, indirect light. It's crucial to keep the plant out of direct sunlight because doing so risks burning the leaves. Also, it's vital to prevent exposing the plant to temperatures below 40°F (4°C), as this might cause damage to the plant.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 60 - 70%; High Humidity

Rabbit's foot fern plants prefers high humidity levels with a preferred range of 60% to 70%. Due to the fact that these plants are native to tropical areas and thrive in damp forests, it is crucial to provide them with adequate moisture. Mist the plant frequently or put a humidifier close by to keep the humidity levels at the right level. Or, to create a humid microclimate, group the plant with other plants. In order to avoid root rot, rabbit's foot fern plants should be kept in bright, indirect sunshine and in a soil mixture that drains well. Overwatering the plant should be avoided as this can harm the delicate fronds and cause root rot.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Rabbit's foot fern can be propagated through division. As the fern reaches the desired size, carefully remove it from the pot and separate the rhizomes (thick, horizontal stems that grow underground). Each division need to have a number of fronds and sound roots. Put the divisions in a mix of soil that drains well, like peat moss and perlite, and water it well. Put the freshly potted divisions in an area with bright but indirect light, and until they are established, keep the soil uniformly moist. Rabbit's foot ferns can also be multiplied through spores, although this process is more difficult and calls for more specialized tools.
Toxicity
The rabbit's foot fern is non-toxic to humans and pets, and does not contain any known toxic compounds that pose a significant risk to humans or animals if ingested or touched. This makes them a suitable choice for homes with pets or small children. However, it's important to note that while the Rabbit's Foot Fern is non-toxic, individual sensitivities or allergies can vary. Some individuals or animals may still experience mild reactions if they come into contact with the plant. While the plant itself is not toxic, ingesting large amounts of any plant material can cause digestive upset in animals. If you notice any unusual reactions or symptoms in yourself or your pet after contact with the Rabbit's Foot Fern, consult a healthcare professional or veterinarian for personalized advice.
Repotting
To encourage healthy development, rabbit's foot ferns should be replanted every two to three years. When it's time to repot a rabbit's foot fern, gently take it out of its current container and untangle any tangled roots. To keep the plant in the appropriate form, cut back any dead or damaged roots and clip the top growth as needed. Choose a new pot with drainage holes at the bottom that is somewhat larger than the old pot. Place the plant in the center of the new pot after adding a layer of fresh potting soil to the bottom. Add more dirt around the sides until the plant is level with the soil surface. Give the plant plenty of water, and let the soil fully drain. After repotting, it's crucial to avoid overwatering the plant to prevent root rot. Wait a few weeks before fertilizing the plant to give it time to become used to its new habitat. Put the plant in a bright, indirect light. Rabbit's foot ferns prefer a well-draining potting mix that is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Pruning
Rabbit's foot ferns don't require much trimming, although it can help to get rid of any yellow or brown fronds to keep the plant looking neat and healthy. With clean, well-maintained scissors or pruning shears, cut off the fronds at their bases. Take care not to harm the plant's rhizome, which grows on top of the soil and generates the fronds, or the remaining leaves. The rhizome can be separated and replanted in new soil if it becomes too big for the pot. Pruning and caring for the plant on a regular basis can encourage healthy growth and prevent potential pest or disease issues.
Fertilizing
Rabbit's foot fern is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require frequent fertilizing. Nonetheless, the plant can gain from sporadic fertilization during the growing season to promote development and preserve its health. Throughout the growing season, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength and apply it to the soil every two to three months. To avoid burning the roots and causing salt buildup in the soil, don't overfertilize the plant. Consider using a fertilizer made for plants that love acid if you want to grow rabbit's foot ferns because they prefer slightly acidic soil. When fertilizing rabbit's foot ferns, it's crucial to carefully follow the instructions on the packaging to prevent injury to the plant or nutritional imbalances. Moreover, refrain from fertilizing the plant when it is dormant and not actively growing. The rabbit's foot fern can benefit from regular fertilizing to maintain its appearance and promote new growth.
Soil
Rabbit's foot ferns flourishes in soil that is suitable for drainage and moisture retention. Peat moss, perlite, and well-draining potting soil are the ideal soil ingredients for rabbit's foot ferns grown inside. The peat moss prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged by retaining moisture while allowing extra water to drain. In order to keep the roots from growing in an excessively damp environment, perlite aids to increase soil aeration and drainage. The plant receives the vital nutrients and support it needs from the potting soil. For rabbit's foot fern to thrive, the soil must be regularly damp but not saturated. By touching the top layer of soil, check the soil moisture level frequently, and water the plant when the soil feels just a little bit dry. You may encourage the healthy growth and vitality of your indoor rabbit's foot fern by offering the ideal soil conditions.

Hanging Heights

Rabits Foot Fern Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Similar Lighting Requirements