{"product_id":"rabbit-foot-fern-davallia-pet-safe","title":"Rabbit Foot Fern | Davallia | Pet Safe Hanging Fern | Easy Care","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRabbit Foot Fern - A Whimsical Wonder\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeet the utterly charming \u003cstrong\u003eRabbit Foot Fern\u003c\/strong\u003e, a delightful plant that's as fun to grow as it is to look at! This unique fern gets its adorable name from the fuzzy, furry rhizomes that creep over the edges of its pot, looking remarkably like soft little rabbit feet. These brown, hairy stems are covered in fine scales and give this plant an almost magical, storybook quality that makes it an instant favourite with plant lovers of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Fiji and the tropical South Pacific islands, the Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) is an epiphyte in its natural habitat. This means it grows on trees, rocks and other surfaces rather than in soil, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air, rain and organic debris. Those charming fuzzy rhizomes aren't just for show; they're actually how the plant absorbs water and nutrients from its environment!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove those whimsical \"feet,\" you'll find cascades of delicate, lacy fronds that give this fern an elegant, airy appearance. The finely divided leaflets create a soft, feathery texture that contrasts beautifully with the rustic, furry rhizomes below. It's a combination of delicate and quirky that makes the Rabbit Foot Fern truly special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest of all? Unlike many ferns that have a reputation for being fussy and demanding, the Rabbit Foot Fern is remarkably forgiving and one of the easiest ferns to grow as a houseplant. If you've struggled with ferns before, this might just be the one that wins you over!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLight Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour Rabbit Foot Fern thrives in bright, indirect light but is adaptable enough to tolerate lower light conditions too. Think of the dappled light filtering through the rainforest canopy where these plants naturally grow. A north or east-facing window is ideal, or position it a few metres back from brighter windows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid direct sunlight at all costs! Those delicate, lacy fronds will scorch quickly in harsh sun, and the beautiful fuzzy rhizomes can turn brown and dry out. If you notice the fronds looking bleached or developing brown patches, move your fern to a shadier spot. This makes the Rabbit Foot Fern perfect for those trickier spots in your home that don't get direct sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an epiphyte, the Rabbit Foot Fern has slightly different watering needs than your typical houseplant. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season but never waterlogged. Allow the top 1-2cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fuzzy rhizomes also appreciate a light misting to keep them from drying out, especially in drier environments. Room temperature water is best, and if you live in an area with hard tap water, consider using filtered water or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup that can damage the fronds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReduce watering in autumn and winter when growth slows naturally. Overwatering during this dormant period is one of the quickest ways to cause problems, so let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings in the cooler months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHumidity and Temperature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Rabbit Foot Fern appreciates humidity (50-70% is ideal), it's far more tolerant of average household conditions than many other ferns. This is one of the reasons it's earned its reputation as the beginner-friendly fern! That said, if you notice brown tips on the fronds, it's a sign the air is too dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoost humidity by grouping plants together to create a humid microclimate, placing your fern in a naturally humid room like a bright bathroom, or running a humidifier nearby. The furry rhizomes will thank you with healthy growth!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature-wise, aim for a comfortable 18-24°C. Avoid cold drafts, heating vents and air conditioning, and never let temperatures drop below 13°C. If it gets too cold, your fern may drop its fronds or go dormant, which can eventually weaken or kill the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePotting Medium\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven its epiphytic nature, the Rabbit Foot Fern prefers a light, airy mix that drains well while retaining moisture. A combination of quality potting mix with added perlite, orchid bark and coco coir works beautifully. Alternatively, you can grow it in pure sphagnum moss or even mount it on a board or piece of bark for a more natural, eye-catching display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhatever medium you choose, ensure the pot has excellent drainage. These ferns hate sitting in water, and soggy conditions will quickly lead to root rot. Importantly, never bury those fuzzy rhizomes under the soil; they need to sit on top or creep over the edges of the pot to stay healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Your Rabbit Foot Fern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the growing season (spring through summer), feed your Rabbit Foot Fern with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at a reduced strength of 2-3ml per litre of water every 2-4 weeks. Ferns are lighter feeders than many houseplants, so a gentle approach works best. Pair with Growth Technology Rootzone at 0.5ml per litre monthly to support healthy rhizome and root development. Pause feeding entirely during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Habits and What to Expect\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rabbit Foot Fern has a spreading, cascading habit that makes it absolutely perfect for hanging baskets or elevated shelves where those charming fuzzy rhizomes can creep over the edges and dangle down for maximum visual impact. The rhizomes grow slowly but steadily, eventually creating a wonderfully full, textured display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lacy fronds emerge from the rhizomes and can reach up to 60cm in length on mature plants. As they age, older fronds will naturally turn brown and can be trimmed away at the base to keep your plant looking tidy and to encourage fresh growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepotting is only needed every 2-3 years or when the rhizomes have completely covered the soil surface and are starting to climb out of the pot. Use a shallow, wide pot rather than a deep one, as the root system is relatively shallow. Remember, those rhizomes should always sit on top of the soil, never buried!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Note on Pet Safety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWonderful news for pet owners!\u003c\/strong\u003e The Rabbit Foot Fern is completely non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, as verified by the ASPCA. This makes it one of the safest fern choices for homes with curious pets. In fact, cats often find the fuzzy rhizomes irresistible to play with, and while you might want to discourage this to protect your plant, at least you won't need to worry about any harm coming to your furry friends!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Owners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Completely safe for cats, dogs and other pets!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFern Beginners:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the most forgiving ferns you can grow!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHanging Basket Displays:\u003c\/strong\u003e Those trailing rhizomes look stunning cascading down!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBathroom Beauties:\u003c\/strong\u003e Loves the humidity!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnique Plant Collectors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Those fuzzy feet are real conversation starters!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow Light Spaces:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates shadier spots where other plants struggle!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are the tips of my fern's fronds turning brown?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrown tips typically indicate low humidity, underwatering, or exposure to direct sunlight. Increase humidity around your plant, ensure consistent watering, and move to a shadier location if needed. Unfortunately, brown tips won't recover, but new growth should be healthy with improved conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMy rhizomes are turning brown and dry - what's wrong?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry, shriveled rhizomes usually mean the air is too dry or the plant isn't getting enough water. Mist the rhizomes regularly and ensure you're watering thoroughly. If they've become very dried out, they may not recover, but the plant can produce new rhizomes if conditions improve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I mount my Rabbit Foot Fern on wood or bark?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely! As an epiphyte, the Rabbit Foot Fern grows naturally on trees and rocks. You can mount it on cork bark, driftwood or a wooden plaque with some sphagnum moss. Just remember mounted plants dry out faster and will need more frequent watering and misting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlease Keep in Mind\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Rabbit Foot Fern is a unique individual with its own character. The photos shown are representative examples of the quality and form you can expect, but natural variations in frond shape, rhizome coverage and overall size make every plant one-of-a-kind. These individual differences are part of what makes growing plants so rewarding!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Growing Grounds Australia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52375134961877,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0720\/5211\/3621\/files\/1A087225-ABB1-4F18-AE67-5849C2059D01.jpg?v=1763791736","url":"https:\/\/growinggroundsaustralia.com\/products\/rabbit-foot-fern-davallia-pet-safe","provider":"Growing Grounds Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}