Hare's Foot Fern
davallia canariensis
Also known as: ["Rabbit's Foot Fern","Hare's Foot Fern"]
Overview
A delicate, epiphytic fern with distinctive furry rhizomes that resemble animal feet, native to the Canary Islands and other Mediterranean regions.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Family: | Davalliaceae |
| Genus: | Davallia |
| Botanical Name: | Davallia canariensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor hanging basket or mounted on a wooden plank
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, airy mix with peat, perlite, and orchid bark.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than 20% of foliage at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright indirect light, partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; move outdoors in shade during summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a mix designed for ferns; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid drafty areas; maintain stable temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
monthly during growing season (spring–summer), every 2 months otherwise
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with rhizome sections; division of mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings with rhizome sections.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent material; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual fronds at the base; trim back overgrown stems.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or yellowing fronds to maintain appearance and health; shape as needed.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove dead/damaged fronds; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure aeration with orchid bark.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme cold; wilting or brown leaf tips in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback; roots become susceptible to rot in cold, wet soil.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow; soil dries out faster.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDavallia canariensis is not toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause harm to felines upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicDavallia canariensis is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to canines when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicDavallia canariensis, commonly known as the hare's-foot fern, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Davallia canariensis?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the rhizomes remain slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Does this fern require direct sunlight?
A: No, it prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade.
Q: Can I grow this fern outdoors?
A: Yes, in USDA zones 9-11, where it can be grown as a groundcover or in shaded garden beds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Davalliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright indirect light, partial |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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