Squirrel's-Foot Fern - Davallia bullata (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Squirrel's-Foot Fern

Squirrel's-Foot Fern is generally found in China and Japan. Like its relatives, the squirrel's-Foot Fern grows out of fuzzy rhizomes that resemble animal’s feet, giving the plant its common name. These ferns can be grown indoors as houseplants.

Scientific classification

Species

Squirrel's-Foot Fern (Davallia bullata)

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25 cm

Plant Height

1.5 m

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Squirrel's-Foot Fern

Distribution of Squirrel's-Foot Fern

Distribution Map

Squirrel's-Foot Fern is a plant species originally native to the mountainous regions and subtropics of Eastern Asia. It has now been introduced and cultivated in various temperate and subtropical areas globally, adapting to a wide range of environments outside its native range. This species thrives in a mixture of both natural and managed landscapes.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Trees

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Squirrel's-Foot Fern will thrive even in colder-climate gardens. It's an evergreen plant that can provide decoration or work as an accent in informal or wildflower gardens for much of the year, but it produces summer blooms for additional decoration. You can also grow this fern easily in ornamental pots and place them on patios or in hanging gardens.

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Care Guide for Squirrel's-Foot Fern

Twice per week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Squirrel's-Foot Fern thrives in moist, shaded areas, preferring higher humidity. It is moderately drought-tolerant but flourishes with slightly damp soil, requiring watering twice a week. As an epiphytic plant, it benefits from misting indoors during dry conditions.

Fertilize: Squirrel's-Foot Fern benefits from bi-monthly applications of high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer during spring and summer, using half the recommended dose for potted plants. Reduce feeding in fall and winter, applying during watering to avoid root burn, ensuring optimal health and appearance.

Pruning: Squirrel's-Foot Fern features furry rhizomes and thrives with early spring pruning. Remove dead fronds and control overgrowth for improved air circulation and light penetration. Use sterilized, sharp tools to prevent infections and encourage faster healing, enhancing the plant's overall vitality.

Propagation: Squirrel's-Foot Fern propagates best in Spring and Autumn through division or spores. It has moderate difficulty, with success indicated by new growth on divided parts. Proper spacing and moisture are essential for optimal propagation results.

Repotting: Repot squirrel's-Foot Fern every 2-3 years in spring for optimal growth. Use a shallow, wide pot with well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect light post-repotting. Avoid fertilizing for a month to prevent plant shock.

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