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Fijian Hares' Foot Fern Davallia solida var. fejeensis

Previously known as:

  • Davallia fejeensis
Phonetic Spelling
dav-VAL-ee-uh SOL-id-uh fee-jee-EN-sis
Description

Rabbit's foot fern is a tropical, epiphytic, herbaceous perennial fern in the polypody family (Polypodiaceae). Its origin is Fiji and the Caroline Islands. The species epithet means “solid, dense,” referring perhaps to the dense covering of fuzzy hairs on the rhizome that give this fern its common name. The varietal epithet means “of Fiji.”

This fern is more tolerant of low humidity than other ferns but looks better when grown in high humidity. Water enough to keep the potting mixture moist but allow the top 1/2 inch to dry out between waterings. Plant in a peat-based potting mixture and give it good indirect lighting with temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows well in containers or hanging baskets. 

The fuzzy rhizomes creep over the potting medium and spill over the pot developing fronds at intervals. That is a normal trait and the rhizomes that hang over a pot look like rabbits' feet. To propagate, take rhizome tip cuttings of 2 to 3 inches with one or two fronds still attached. Place cuttings on a potting medium and pin down with a small wire loop. Moisten the potting medium and place the container in a plastic bag in a location with bright light. When you see additional fronds forming you will know it is well-rooted.

This fern is intolerant of cold weather; therefore, it is grown as a houseplant in hardiness zones below 10. 

Quick ID Hints:

  • Densely soft hairs covering long creeping rhizomes
  • Multi-pinnate fronds
  • Pinnae ovate to deltoid

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems, but monitor for common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Dwarf Ripple'
    miniature Rabbit's Foot Fern, fronds are cut finely, grow 6 to 18 inches tall
'Dwarf Ripple'
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#epiphytic#fern#rabbit resistant#hanging baskets#tropical herbaceous perennial#deer resistant#fantz#evergreen ferns#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Dwarf Ripple'
    miniature Rabbit's Foot Fern, fronds are cut finely, grow 6 to 18 inches tall
'Dwarf Ripple'
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#epiphytic#fern#rabbit resistant#hanging baskets#tropical herbaceous perennial#deer resistant#fantz#evergreen ferns#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Davallia
    Species:
    solida
    Family:
    Polypodiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Root Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Fiji & Caroline Islands
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Rabbits and deer
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Fern
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruits. This plants reproduces via spores.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The 18- to 24-inch-long firm, leathery fronds are multi-pinnate and erect to horizontal. The shape is ovate to deltoid, acute apically. Pinnules (leaflets) are lanceolate and narrowly acute. The fertile segments are narrower that infertile segments and occasionally bifid (toothed) at the apex. Sori submarginal to marginal, terminating veinlets.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Rhizomes long creeping, freely branching, clothed densely with chaffy scales. Petioles elongate to 10", glabrous.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heat
    Humidity