About Rabbit Foot Fern
A charming epiphytic fern with finely divided, lacy green fronds emerging from furry, creeping rhizomes that spill over the edges of pots like fuzzy animal feet. The brown, furry rhizomes — which look like rabbit or hare feet — are its most distinctive feature and a major talking point. Its cascading habit and unique texture make it an excellent hanging basket plant for shaded Filipino balconies. Rabbit Foot Fern belongs to the Davalliaceae family and originates from Tropical Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands; several species are native to or naturalized in the Philippines..
Rabbit Foot Fern is a delightful conversation-starter plant in Filipino homes, with children especially fascinated by its furry, animal-like rhizomes. It thrives in Manila's humidity and grows beautifully in hanging baskets on shaded balconies and covered patios — a common setup in Filipino townhouses and condos. Available at plant shops in Quezon City, weekend markets, and online sellers for PHP 150-500. Mount it on driftwood from Dapitan Arcade or coconut husk for a natural, tropical display. An excellent alternative for growers who find Maidenhair Ferns too demanding.
Also known as: Hare's Foot Fern, Davallia.
Popular Varieties
- Davallia fejeensis (most common cultivated species — fine, lacy fronds)
- Davallia trichomanoides (Squirrel's Foot Fern — smaller, darker rhizomes)
- Davallia canariensis (Canary Island Hare's Foot — thick, tan rhizomes)
- Davallia tyermannii (Bear's Paw Fern — thicker, broader rhizomes)
How to Plant Rabbit Foot Fern in the Philippines
Rabbit Foot Fern can be propagated through rhizome cuttings, division, spores. The recommended method is rhizome cuttings — the easiest and fastest method.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut a 10-15 cm section of a healthy, furry rhizome with at least 2-3 fronds attached.
- Step 2: Pin the rhizome onto the surface of moist sphagnum moss or a bark-and-perlite mix using bent wire or bobby pins.
- Step 3: Do not bury the rhizome — it must sit on the surface to root properly.
- Step 4: Keep warm and humid with misting twice daily. New roots will anchor into the substrate within 3-4 weeks.
- Step 5: Once established, mount on driftwood, cork, or pot in a shallow container with loose, epiphytic mix.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to partial shade; avoid direct sun which burns the delicate fronds. Position your rabbit foot fern where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water when the top layer of soil or moss feels dry. About 2-3 times per week in warm months. The furry rhizomes store some moisture but the plant prefers even humidity. Never let the rhizomes sit in standing water. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 20-30°C (comfortable in Manila's warmth; protect from extreme heat above 35°C). Moderate to high — 50-70%. Manila's humidity suits it well. Mist the rhizomes in dry weather or air-conditioned rooms. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing rabbit foot fern outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at quarter strength every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizer touching the rhizomes directly.
Pruning
Trim brown or dead fronds at the base. Do not cut or remove the furry rhizomes — they are the plant's most vital structures.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for homes with children and animals.
Common Problems & Solutions
Fronds drying out and browning
Cause: Underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun
Solution: Increase watering frequency and humidity. Move to a shadier spot. Mist the rhizomes and fronds regularly.
Rhizomes shriveling
Cause: Severe dehydration
Solution: Soak the entire pot in water for 15-30 minutes to rehydrate the rhizomes. Resume regular watering.
Scale insects on fronds
Cause: Stagnant air and dry conditions
Solution: Remove scale manually with a soft brush. Spray with diluted neem oil — avoid heavy chemical pesticides on ferns.
Rhizomes growing out of the pot
Cause: Natural growth habit — rhizomes are meant to creep and cascade
Solution: This is normal and desirable. Let them cascade over the pot edges for a natural look, or pin them back onto the substrate to fill gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Rabbit Foot Fern in the Philippines?
Rabbit Foot Fern needs bright indirect light to partial shade; avoid direct sun which burns the delicate fronds. Water when the top layer of soil or moss feels dry. about 2-3 times per week in warm months. the furry rhizomes store some moisture but the plant prefers even humidity. never let the rhizomes sit in standing water.. Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at quarter strength every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. avoid fertilizer touching the rhizomes directly.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 20-30°C (comfortable in Manila's warmth; protect from extreme heat above 35°C) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Rabbit Foot Fern?
The recommended method is rhizome cuttings — the easiest and fastest method. Cut a 10-15 cm section of a healthy, furry rhizome with at least 2-3 fronds attached. Pin the rhizome onto the surface of moist sphagnum moss or a bark-and-perlite mix using bent wire or bobby pins.
Is Rabbit Foot Fern toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for homes with children and animals.
Can Rabbit Foot Fern grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Rabbit Foot Fern grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Rabbit Foot Fern?
Common issues include: Fronds drying out and browning (caused by underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun — increase watering frequency and humidity. move to a shadier spot. mist the rhizomes and fronds regularly); Rhizomes shriveling (caused by severe dehydration — soak the entire pot in water for 15-30 minutes to rehydrate the rhizomes. resume regular watering); Scale insects on fronds (caused by stagnant air and dry conditions — remove scale manually with a soft brush. spray with diluted neem oil — avoid heavy chemical pesticides on ferns).
Growing rabbit foot fern in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!