Rabbit's-foot fern (Davallia denticulata)

Rabbit's-foot fern

You will usually only see rabbit's-foot fern on trees because it's an epiphyte, or plant that dwells only on other plants. But whilst this plant prefers large trees, you can sometimes find it in urban environments in the tropics.Davallia denticulata is named for Edmond Davall, an 18th-century Swiss botanist.

Scientific classification

Species

Rabbit's-foot fern (Davallia denticulata)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Fern

Plant Type

Green

Leaf Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Distribution of Rabbit's-foot fern

Distribution Map

Rabbit's-foot fern is a fern species native to tropical and subtropical regions in Southern Asia and Southeast Asia. It has naturally spread to various island groups and mainland areas within these regions. Over time, rabbit's-foot fern has become well-established beyond its original habitat but within the same climatic zones, indicating a wider though still relatively confined introduced range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Primary Rainforest, Inland Cliff, Mountain, Agricultural Land, Secondary Rainforest, Monsoon Forest, Coastal Forest, Freshwater Swamp Forest, Riverine, Disturbed Area

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Rabbit's-foot fern

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Rabbit's-foot fern, native to moist forest floors, thrives in humid environments with consistent soil moisture. It prefers watering twice weekly and tolerates short dry spells. Ideal for indoors, rabbit's-foot fern maintains year-round water needs, supporting its lush evergreen foliage.

Fertilize: For rabbit's-foot fern, use a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer bimonthly in spring and summer, halving the dose to prevent root burn. In winter, reduce to once a month. Dilute and apply to moist soil to protect rhizomes, ensuring robust health and lush foliage.

Pruning: Rabbit's-foot fern thrives with regular pruning, ideally in early spring. Trim dead fronds at the base while retaining some older ones for support. This enhances air circulation and growth. Sterilize tools to prevent disease and avoid over-pruning to maintain health.

Propagation: Rabbit's-foot fern can be propagated by dividing its rhizomes, allowing for easy multiplication and sharing. Ensure each section has fronds and roots, place them on potting mix, and lightly press them in to mimic the plant's natural growth into dense clusters.

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Learn More About Rabbit's-foot fern

Sunlight Requirements

How to Transplant

How to Prune

How to Grow and Care

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