Caring For and Maintaining Your Davallia

 Davallia is a fern native to Africa and Asia that is well-known for a unique characteristic: It grows from a fuzzy rhizome that resembles a rabbit's foot. Hence, the common name "Rabbit's Foot Fern." (Although it is also sometimes referred to as "Deer's Foot Fern" or "Squirrel's Foot Fern.") Davallia looks very good in hanging baskets because both the fronds and the rhizomes will spill over the edge of the basket.

 Sunlight: Davallia is shade-loving and does well in indirect light. Davallia does particularly well in east and north-facing windows. Keep it out of direct sunlight.

 Water: Davallia enjoys moist, but not soggy soil. Allow the top 1/2" of soil to dry out between waterings. Make sure that the rhizomes do not dry out--if they dry out, the plant will become sickly and possibly die.

Humidity: Davallia is tolerant of low humidity but does best living in a high humidity environment. To help create a more humid environment for your Davallia, consider adding a fine mist humidifier to the room(s) in which you have your Davallia. You can also place trays filled with stones and water nearby your Davallia to increase local humidity. Misting your Davallia with a hand sprayer will also help raise the local humidity level. Although the more humidity the better, a constant relative humidity of 50-55% will promote your Davallia’s growth and health.

Temperature: Davallia does well in temperatures above 55 degrees F (13 degrees C), but will do especially well in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees F (16-27 degrees C).

 Soil: Use a loamy, peat-based potting soil mix.