Davallia Parvula

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Rabbit's foot fern

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Habitat

Lowland forest, growing epiphytically on tree bark and branches in humid conditions

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

0.5 – 1.5 in (1.3 – 3.8 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Epiphyte

Water

Temperature

68 – 80 °F (20 – 27 °C)

Humidity

65 – 85%

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Davallia parvula is a dwarf epiphytic fern grown for its finely cut fronds and wiry, fuzz-covered rhizomes that creep across cork bark or fern poles rather than rooting in soil. Fronds stay under two inches, spreading slowly into a compact mat over months. Best suited to a humid vivarium with steady moisture at the rhizome and airflow to keep foliage dry between mistings.

Care

Davallia parvula is a miniature epiphytic fern that spreads by way of fine, hair-covered creeping rhizomes rather than growing upright from a single crown. It prefers moderate to high humidity paired with medium to bright indirect light, and does best mounted on a vertical surface such as cork bark or a fern pole rather than planted in substrate. Growth is slow to moderate, and it can be somewhat particular about finding the right balance of light and moisture before it settles in and starts spreading.

Planting & trimming

Best results come from mounting a rhizome cutting onto cork bark, tree-fern fiber, or another rough vertical surface using thread, glue, or by simply wedging it into a crevice until it attaches on its own. Avoid burying the rhizome in substrate since it is an epiphyte and needs surface contact with airflow. Trim only to remove dead or blackened fronds, since the plant otherwise stays compact on its own.

Fertilizing

This fern derives most of its nutrition from organic matter breaking down on its mounting surface and from ambient humidity rather than from fertilized soil. Occasional very dilute misting with a liquid fern or foliar fertilizer can support growth, but heavy fertilizing is unnecessary and unlikely to be well tolerated. Yellowing or stunted new fronds usually point to insufficient humidity rather than a nutrient deficiency.

Propagation

New plants are produced by cutting sections of the creeping rhizome, each with a few attached leaves, and mounting them separately onto a humid surface until they root and spread. Division is slow compared to many terrarium plants, so patience is needed for cuttings to establish and begin producing new fronds.

Problems

Rot at the rhizome is the most common problem, typically caused by constant direct wetting of the fronds or a mounting medium that never dries between waterings. Low humidity slows growth and can cause browning frond tips, while stagnant, overly wet conditions invite fungal issues. Keeping the rhizome itself consistently moist while allowing the foliage to dry between mistings avoids most issues.

Sources

1. Davallia parvula - Glass Box Tropicals
2. Davallia parvula - IN SEARCH OF SMALL THINGS
3. Davallia parvula | Terrarium Plants Singapore | Black Toe Tropicals
4. Davallia parvula vivarium fern | oneillscrossing.com

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