How Do You Take Care Of A Rabbit Foot Fern?
How Do You Take Care Of A Rabbit Foot Fern?
The fuzzy rhizomes that grow on top of the soil and resemble a rabbit’s foot give rise to the plant’s name, rabbit’s foot fern. Rhizomes frequently grow over the side of the container, providing depth to the plant.
Rhizomes collect moisture and nutrients as they crawl through damp soil, making them both functional and attractive. Growing a rabbit’s foot fern houseplant in a hanging container accentuates the fuzzy rhizomes.
The rhizomes may grow fairly long and take on a spider-like look over time. However, never bury the rhizomes in the soil since this promotes decay.
Rabbit’s Foot Fern Maintenance As with any houseplant, caring for rabbit’s foot fern entails giving appropriate light, maintaining optimum hydration and temperature, and fertilizing on a regular basis.
Even with the utmost care, some of the elder fronds may be lost from time to time. This is completely natural and does not indicate that you have done anything wrong.
Rabbit’s foot ferns like intense but indirect sunshine, such as that found near a window facing east.
They like temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius) during the day, and somewhat lower temperatures at night.
Water the plants softly but frequently to keep the soil surface wet.
Misting the surface rhizomes on a daily basis helps to protect them from drying out. Your rabbit’s foot fern care should also involve watering the plant every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted half strength.
Rabbit’s foot ferns require repotting every two years, and the optimum time to do it is in the spring.
To make an excellent medium for rabbit’s foot ferns, use half-and-half potting soil and sand. This is a fantastic time to divide huge plants.
Why is my rabbit foot fern dying?
Although rabbit’s foot fern is an easy to grow houseplant, it is not without its problems. The fuzzy rhizomes can be a tempting place for spider mites to hide.
If they are present, they will leave fine webs behind and the plant will become streaked with brown lines or yellow blotches. You may even see tiny spots of white on the plant’s leaves.
This is definitely cause for concern and immediate action should be taken. Your rabbit’s foot fern might be dying for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is overwatering, which can induce rhizome rot.
However, exposure to temperature extremes (too hot or too cold), a lack of humidity, or too direct sunlight might all be factors.
How much sun does a rabbit foot fern need?
Rabbit’s foot ferns grow best in bright, indirect sunlight. The plant can tolerate partial shade, provided it is not subjected to prolonged or harsh sunlight.
As with all houseplants, the more light that it receives, the quicker it will grow.
Therefore, if you wish to maximize its growth potential, avoid placing your rabbit’s foot fern in direct sunlight. However, if a large amount of sun is required for your rabbit’s foot fern to flower, consider using grow lights.
Place the rabbit foot fern in a spot with indirect light. A north-facing window is a great site for the fern throughout the winter months in the northern hemisphere.
Choose an east-facing window with filtered light throughout the spring and summer months, when the sun is higher on the horizon.
Avoid placing the fern in windows that face south or west, since direct sunlight may cause the leaves to burn.
When should I water my rabbit foot fern?
Rabbit’s foot ferns, as epiphytes, may absorb water from the air, rain, or the surfaces they grow on.
During the spring and summer, strive to keep the soil wet but not drenched at all times.
Because this plant has little roots, it obtains the majority of its water and nutrients from the top soil and stores them inside its rhizomes.
Indoors, the soil is kept damp but never saturated. Because rainfall is a natural supply for them, they will appreciate overhead irrigation as well.
Watering is more hands-on when they’re mounted. Ensure that the feet and fronds do not dry up by spraying them on a regular basis.
If feasible, I recommend using purified water or rainfall. The salts and chemicals found in tap water can make Davallia fejeensis susceptible.
Misting the surface rhizomes on a daily basis helps to protect them from drying out.
Is rabbit foot fern toxic?
If you have pets or young children, a rabbit’s foot fern may be a good fit for your family.
The leaves, rhizomes, and even the roots of rabbit’s foot fern contain no chemicals. Consequently, it is completely nontoxic.
Unlike many houseplants, including some Ficus varieties, rabbit’s foot fern will not cause harmful reactions in people or pets.
So, it is a safe addition to any home and according to the ASPCA, Rabbit foot fern are also non-toxic to dogs, non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to horse
Why is my rabbit foot fern losing leave?
If you notice that your rabbit’s foot fern has already lost its leaves, there may be a number of possible causes.
The most common problem is overwatering, which can induce rhizome rot.
Overwatering can cause more than mere loss of leaves. In addition to the waterlogged soil, this could also result in the death of the plant itself.
If you struggle with keeping your plants watered properly, an inexpensive moisture gauge can help you get it right.
Why is my rabbit foot fern turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves may be caused by a lack of humidity or too much sunlight. This can be easily remedied by placing the planter in an area with adequate air circulation and watering it less often.
Try to keep your rabbit’s foot fern in an area with indirect sunlight and away from windows that receive direct sunlight.
Increase the humidity surrounding the plant and make sure the soil is continually moist.
Does rabbit foot fern go dormant?
Rabbit’s foot ferns will usually grow throughout the year. However, they will enter dormancy during the winter months in the northern hemisphere.
When they are dormant, they will lose their leaves and go into a state of hibernation.
This is perfectly normal and should not be cause for concern. In fact, your rabbit’s foot fern will reward you with new leaves in the spring when it re-enters its growing cycle.
The rabbit foot fern is dormant throughout the winter. While the soil should be kept wet at all times, it will require less water during the winter months.
Temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit should never be allowed to fall below the rabbit foot fern, since this might cause plant failure.
How do you propagate a rabbit foot fern?
The rabbit foot fern’s propagation is straightforward. You can start fresh plants in the summer or spring.
Divide the rhizomes of a mature rabbit foot fern. This is rather simple because they tend to create a large number of them as they grow.
Take extra care during dividing to maintain the stems and roots linked to the new plant.
Put your split rhizome in a new pot of sterile soil. The soil can be any excellent quality organic potting mix or standard houseplant potting mix.
Because rabbit fit fern plant roots can’t store much water, be cautious while watering new plants. Don’t go too deep with the roots.
When planted in fresh, wet, but shallow soil, these rhizomes thrive. It will take a few weeks for the new plants to establish a strong root system in their new containers, but once they do, they will look gorgeous.
Rabbit foot ferns are both ornamental and practical plants. As it spreads over the earth, the roots of this furry-looking rhizome absorb up both moisture and nutrients.
You may put this unique-looking plant in a small pot on your table or in a hanging planter.
What is a rabbit foot fern?
Rabbits Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) is an evergreen perennial fern that is also known as Hares Foot Fern.
It is endemic to Fiji and belongs to the Davalliaceae family. The Rabbit Foots Fern is a tough fern that may grow both inside and outdoors. It grows slowly yet lives a long time.
Rabbits Foot is named from the soft fuzzy rhizomes that crawl over the soil surface.
They feature lacy, finely split foliage that ranges in color from pale to dark green.
They require a bright area away of direct sunlight if cultivated indoors.
Outside in warmer climes, it may be cultivated in a covered spot with lots of shade.
Does rabbit foot fern need soil?
Despite the fact that they do not need to be in a pot, rabbit’s foot ferns can be picky about the type of potting soil they are planted in. If you wish to maintain yours in soil, a neutral pH of 5.0 – 5.5 is required.
Your rabbit foot fern’s soil may be too damp or too dry. It will perish if the soil becomes too damp. When the earth becomes too dry, it turns brown. It will decay if it gets too damp.
The rhizomes cannot withstand resting in wet soil for an extended period of time. So go with a commercial mix that drains effectively yet retains moisture. Alternatively, you might use pine bark or orchid medium instead.
If you prefer not to use soil, consider putting it on a board or wood with sphagnum or peat moss.
How do you bring a rabbit foot fern back to life?
If your rabbit’s foot fern is looking a bit worse for wear, you might be able to revive it.
Remove the soil and soak the plant in lukewarm water for an hour. Then, gently wash away the soil.
Plant your rabbit’s foot fern in a decorative pot with fresh potting soil. Keep it indoors until new growth sprouts from the bottom of the plant. Repot it as needed every year to give it extra space to grow into its full beauty.
Do rabbit foot fern likes misting?
You should mist the fern twice a week for best development. If you’re not sure when to water your fronds, spritz them a couple of times each week.
It is critical to select the proper planter. Because the rhizomes of this kind of foot fern are extremely effective at absorbing moisture.
For best development, a rabbit foot fern should be misted several times each week. It must be moisturized every several days to be healthy.
Because its rhizomes are more permeable than usual weeds, high-frequency misting can readily eradicate it.
Is rabbit foot fern an indoor plant?
It is endemic to Fiji and belongs to the Davalliaceae family. The Rabbit Foots Fern is a tough fern that may grow both inside and outdoors.
It grows slowly yet lives a long time. Rabbits Foot is named from the soft fuzzy rhizomes that crawl over the soil surface.
They feature lacy, finely split foliage that ranges in color from pale to dark green.
Why are the tips of my rabbit foot fern turning brown?
If the soil becomes too dry, you may notice brown tips on garden ferns. Water gently and deeply when it seems dry to the touch. When the water rushes off instead of sinking into the soil, stop watering.
If the earth is compacted, the water will flow off rapidly. In this situation, work in some organic matter to loosen the soil and help it retain more moisture.
A couple of inches of mulch surrounding the plant will also aid in the soil’s ability to retain moisture.
How cold can rabbit foot fern tolerate?
Rabbit’s Foot fern is a one-of-a-kind, low-maintenance plant.
It is more drought resistant than other ferns and is more forgiving if watered seldom.
This fern is also more cold resistant, however it should still be covered from temperatures below 50°F (10°C). The fronds are delicate and require space to flourish.
Can you plant a rabbit foot fern outside?
The rabbit foot fern (Davallia fejeensis), a native of Fiji, derives its name from the rhizomes that grow above ground and resemble the good luck charm.
The plant’s fluffy rhizomes adhere to trees in the wild.
The plant may be grown outside in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, and it can also be grown as a houseplant in lower climates.
With careful care and maintenance, your rabbit foot fern will live for years.
