Davallia Repens

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Rabbit's Foot Fern; Hare's Foot Fern; Squirrel's Foot Fern

Synonyms

Davallia pyxidata var. repens

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

Southeast Asia, Polynesia, Australia

Habitat

Epiphytic on tree bark and mossy rocks in humid tropical and subtropical forests

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

2 – 8 in (5.1 – 20 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Epiphyte, Midground

Water

Temperature

64 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C)

Humidity

60 – 85%

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Fronds reach roughly 2 to 8 inches, spreading up to a foot from a slow-creeping, fuzzy rhizome that runs across bark or rock rather than rooting into soil. Suited to paludariums or open terrariums with high humidity and indirect light, it should be mounted above the waterline with the rhizome left uncovered. Growth is gradual, making it a low-demand epiphyte for humid setups.

Care

This creeping fern grows a fuzzy, scale-covered rhizome that spreads across bark, rock, or driftwood rather than rooting into soil. It needs consistently high humidity and indirect light, and does best mounted above the waterline in a paludarium or open terrarium where air can circulate around the exposed rhizome. Keep it out of direct sun, which scorches the fine, lacy fronds, and avoid letting water pool on the foliage.

Planting & trimming

Attach the bare-root rhizome to driftwood, cork bark, or rock with thread, fishing line, or a small dab of glue, positioning it above the waterline with the rhizome fully exposed to air. Never bury the rhizome in substrate, as this causes rot; only the fine root hairs need contact with a moist surface. Trim only dead or damaged fronds, leaving healthy growth points on the rhizome undisturbed.

Fertilizing

Because it takes up little from the growing medium itself, a diluted liquid fertilizer applied occasionally during misting or watering is usually enough to support new frond growth. Avoid heavy root tabs or high-dose fertilizing, since the rhizome sits on the surface rather than embedded in nutrient-rich substrate. Pale or stunted new fronds usually point to insufficient humidity or light rather than a nutrient shortage.

Propagation

Propagate by cutting a healthy section of rhizome that carries at least one frond and pinning it against damp bark, cork, or substrate until it roots and produces new growth. Keep the cut section humid but not submerged during establishment, and avoid burying the rhizome itself.

Problems

The most common failure is rot at the rhizome from being buried or kept constantly wet, so it should always sit exposed on top of the substrate or hardscape. Fronds that brown and drop off are typically a response to low humidity, cold drafts, or a sudden dry spell rather than disease. Good airflow around the fuzzy rhizome helps prevent fungal issues in closed, stagnant terrariums.

Sources

1. Davallia Repens
2. Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis): Terrarium Care Guide | Terrarium Creations
3. Davallia repens: Cultivation, care and facts
4. How to Grow & Care for Rabbit's Foot Fern

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