White Rabbit Foot Fern
White Rabbit Foot Fern
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Description
Rabbit's-foot fern is a tropical epiphyte with fuzzy, creeping rhizomes. Like other Ferns, they are sold in our Ferns collection. Most are true ferns, in families such as the polypody family (Polypodiaceae) or the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). A few listings, sold as asparagus ferns, are not true ferns at all; NC State Extension places those in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).
What it is: This listing is a rabbit's-foot fern (Davallia fejeensis). NC State Extension describes long, creeping rhizomes densely covered in soft hairs that can spill over the pot like a rabbit's foot. This listing is sold as a white-footed form; rhizome colour can vary.
Light: Give it good indirect light (NC State Extension). A grow bulb helps in our dark winters. Use a peat-based potting mix, and let the fuzzy rhizomes creep over the rim; that is a normal trait (NC State Extension).
Watering & care: Keep the mix moist, but allow the top 1/2 inch to dry out between waterings (NC State Extension). Empty any saucer so the pot does not sit in water.
Humidity: This fern is more tolerant of low humidity than many other ferns, but it looks better when grown in high humidity (NC State Extension). A humidifier helps in our dry indoor winter air.
Temperature: Keep temperatures above about 13 °C (55 °F) (NC State Extension). NC State Extension lists USDA zones 10a to 12b and says it is grown as a houseplant in colder zones. Keep it off cold glass.
Winter indoors: In winter, keep it in your brightest frost-free window or under a grow bulb, and be careful not to overwater.
Expected indoor size: NC State Extension describes 18- to 24-inch fronds. We do not have a published overall plant-height table for this species, so we are not guessing beyond that frond length. The cultivar 'Dwarf Ripple' is listed at 6 to 18 inches tall; a typical plant may be larger.
Feeding: Feed lightly during the growing season with our Schultz All Purpose Plant Food, and ease off in winter.
Pets & pests: NC State Extension tags rabbit's-foot fern as non-toxic for cats, dogs and horses. It is still a plant, not a snack. Watch for spider mites, mealybugs and scale (NC State Extension).
About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness and leaf count vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular frond length, fullness or colour. The options listed (4", 6") refer to the pot or container size. They do not guarantee an exact frond length, fullness or colour. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Ferns as inspiration.
