Black Rabbit’s Foot Fern: Overview

Black Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) is a unique and rare fern with lacy, airy fronds and fuzzy rhizomes that resemble a rabbit’s paws, which gives the plant its name. This fern is epiphytic, meaning that it can grow on the ground (terrestrially) or trees and in rocky crevices. In its native habitat, the Rabbit Foot Fern uses its rhizomes to get nutrients and moisture from the air or the debris found on tree trunks. When grown as an indoor plant, this fern’s rhizomes tend to spill over the edges of the pot, giving the plant a unique, fuzzy appearance.

Davallia Rabbit’s Foot Fern can reach 3 ft. in height and 4 ft. in width when mature. Note, however, that this charming fern is a slow grower. Despite its delicate appearance, it’s a resilient plant that can thrive as a houseplant for many years. The Rabbit Foot Fern can grow both indoors and outdoors in hardiness zones 10-11.

The Black Rabbit Fern belongs to the Davalliaceae family of ferns that originate from the tropical rainforests of Malaysia and Fiji. This tropical plant enjoys medium indirect sunlight and is relatively easy to care for. It’s also safe for pets.

In Feng Shui, the Rabbit Fern is considered a good-luck plant that promotes balance, growth, and harmony, especially if placed in east-facing locations.

Other beautiful ferns, available on Lively Root, include the unique Hurricane Fern with its spiraling fronds and the lush, woodland Boston Fern.

Davallia Fejeensis: Alternative Names

• Dainty Rabbits-Foot Fern
• Hares' Foot Fern
• Lacy Hare’s Foot
• Lacy Paw

Rabbit Foot Fern: Benefits

• Increases humidity and filters toxins from the air
• Plant with beautiful, lacy foliage and cute, fuzzy rhizomes
• Easy-care and resilient
• Adds an exotic vibe to any space
• Pet-friendly and non-toxic

Black Rabbit Foot: Care Guide

The Black Rabbit Foot Fern requires some care, but it’s a hardy plant that will thrive if provided with the right conditions. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Watering and Humidity

Like most ferns, the Rabbit Fern plant prefers moist but not soggy soil. It needs a stable level of moisture during the growing season especially, while during winter, you can allow the soil’s top level to dry a little.  This fern flourishes in medium humidity but you can place it on a pebble tray if needed in dry conditions.

Light and Temperature

Your Rabbit’s Foot Fern prefers medium indirect light, so an east-facing window is the ideal location for it. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as it can scorch its tender fronds. The ideal temperatures for this plant are 55°F-75°F. If grown outside as a porch plant, remember that it’s not frost-hardy and should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below 55°F.

Soil, Feeding, and Repotting

Use a well-draining and rich potting mix with 50% coconut coir that will help retain moisture. Repot your fern once every 3 years or when you notice roots growing out of the pot’s drainage holes. Proper Rabbit Foot Fern care includes feeding your plant twice a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted at half strength. Let it rest during the winter months.

Propagation

For Rabbit Foot Fern propagation, divide your Rabbit’s Foot Fern in the spring. Separate the plant into several sections using a sterile knife and repot them in a rich, well-draining potting mix. Cover the new plants with a transparent plastic bag and mist them to increase moisture around them.  

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

Prune any dead or browning fronds to the base and clean the fern under the shower to remove accumulated dust.

Lack of humidity and underwatering are two frequent Rabbit Foot Fern problems. Brown frond tips indicate a lack of humidity while wilting leaves show that you’re not watering your fern enough. Also, remember to check your Rabbit Foot Fern for pests regularly and use an organic insecticide if necessary.

Black Rabbit’s Foot Fern: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

One of the many Rabbit Foot Fern benefits is its airy, delicate foliage, which will add a subtle elegance to any living space. Place it in a room that needs a green accent or combine it with other plants to create a vibrant indoor jungle.

Best Locations & Uses

• Ideal bedroom plant because it purifies indoor air and aids relaxation
• Great non-toxic choice for plant lovers with pets
• Perfect rare plant gift
• Great for hanging baskets or terrariums
• Suitable for humid spaces

Companion Plants

No matter whether you place it on its own or in company with other plants, the delightful Rabbit’s Foot Fern instantly draws attention to its lush foliage and cute, furry ‘paws’.

• Philodendron Cordatum (Philodendron cordatum 'Green'): The Philodendron Cordatum boasts heart-shaped, glossy leaves and trailing vines, which make this Philodendron variety an ideal hanging plant.
• Dieffenbachia Camille (Dieffenbachia Camille): The tropical, multicolored Dieffenbachia Camille prefers medium light and soil that dries thoroughly between waterings.
• Sansevieria Moonshine (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Moonshine'): With its dreamy, silver-colored leaves, the Sansevieria Moonshine looks ethereal and delicate, but it’s an amazingly resilient and adaptable snake plant that thrives in a range of growing conditions.

Alternative Plants

If you’re looking for other lovely plants with airy foliage, here are some choices to consider:

• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): The elegant Areca Palm thrives in medium light and needs plenty of space; this palm is also a natural air-purifier.
• Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aethiopicum): Beautiful and easy-to-care-for, the Maidenhair Fern has delicate, light green fronds with great aesthetic appeal.
• Umbrella Tree Plant (Schefflera Gold Capella): Low-maintenance and fast-growing, the Umbrella Tree Plant is known as one of the best beginner plants.

Get the Rare Black Rabbit’s Foot Fern From Lively Root Today

Add some exotic flair to your living space with the vibrant and stylish Black Rabbit Foot Fern!