Davallia
( dah - VAL - ee - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Squirrel's Foot Fern or Rabbit's Foot Fern, this genus includes species which need partial shade or bright indirect light and moderate to regular water to perform well. Fronds are very finely divided, and originate in reddish furry rhizomes that resemble the feet of a rodent (hence the common name). This fern can be a great small-scale groundcover in partly shaded areas in mild-winter zones. They are also wonderful in hanging baskets, where their interesting foliage dangles over the side.
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Davallia Species and Varietals
The genus Davallia is the type genus of the plant family Davalliaceae and includes between 40 and 65 species. Grow these ferns in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 or Sunset growing zones 17, 23, 24, H1 or H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Davallia bullata (Squirrel's Foot Fern, Ball Fern, Japanese Ball Fern, Rabbit's Foot Fern) This species is native to China and Japan, and grows well in shady areas of the garden. Mature plants can reach up to between 8 and 14 inches tall when mature, and feature delicate, bright green fronds. It is a good plant for containers and hanging baskets. |
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Davallia canariensis (Hare's Foot Fern, Canary Island Hare's Foot Fern, Deer's Foot Fern, Rabbit's Foot Fern) This species is endemic to Macaronesia and the Iberian Peninsula. It likes sun and rocky soils, and forms a deciduous fern with a spreading habit. Individual plants reach up to 20 inches tall and 40 inches wide. Hardy to 41 degrees Fahrenheit and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. |
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Davallia mariesii (Squirrel's Foot Fern. Rabbit's Foot Fern, Ball Fern, Shinobu Fern) This species is best suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 7b-10b. It prefers to be grown in full shade, and can serve as a low-traffic to no-traffic groundcover. Individual ferns can reach up to between 6 and 12 inches tall and just as wide. |
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Davallia trichomanoides (Black Rabbit's Fern, Squirrel Foot Fern) Native to tropical Asia, this species of Davallia can be grown in partial or full shade. These epiphytic ferns is known for its fuzzy, brown-red rhizomes that creep over soil and hang from containers. Fronds are finely divided and grey-green, reaching 12 inches long and 6 inches wide. |
Caring for Davallia
Davallia, or Squirrel's Foot Fern, is best planted in spring or fall; avoid planting during warm weather. These ferns do well in partial to full shade, though the amount of sun they can handle depends on the species grown. Check specific growing requirements before choosing a planting site. Space plants between 12 to 18 inches apart for best coverage and airflow. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients and humus, and has a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 (acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing season. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, these ferns will need to be divided (especially if they are being grown in a cramped border or container). For instructions on how to successfully divide Davallia ferns, see the Propagation section below. Under ideal conditions, these ferns can survive for 5-10 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Davallia in Containers
Davallia ferns do well in the ground, but they can also be grown in containers. They are popular indoor plants, and can also be grown in pots or hanging baskets outdoors. Choose a container that is at least 6 to 8 inches wide and as deep, and ensure that it has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow excess water to drain away from the root zone. Fill with a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, these ferns prefer to receive regular water, though this varies somewhat depending on the species grown. Davallia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Growing Davallia Indoors
Choose a container for your fern that is about 6 to 8 inches wide and just as deep. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes before planting. These ferns do well in a well-draining, organically rich soil. After planting, set the container in a space that is sheltered from dry, cool drafts. They prefer a humidity of between 50% and 80%, which can be imitated by misting twice daily. Provide these ferns with bright to medium, indirect light. A spot inside of an east or north-facing window is ideal. Avoid placing in direct sun, even indoors, as this can sunburn foliage. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Withhold feedings and lessen waterings in fall and winter when these ferns are dormant. Every few years, these ferns will need to be divided. For instructions on how to successfully divide Davallias, see the Propagation section below.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing season. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, these ferns will need to be divided (especially if they are being grown in a cramped border or container). For instructions on how to successfully divide Davallia ferns, see the Propagation section below. Under ideal conditions, these ferns can survive for 5-10 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.
Caring for Davallia in Containers
Davallia ferns do well in the ground, but they can also be grown in containers. They are popular indoor plants, and can also be grown in pots or hanging baskets outdoors. Choose a container that is at least 6 to 8 inches wide and as deep, and ensure that it has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow excess water to drain away from the root zone. Fill with a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, these ferns prefer to receive regular water, though this varies somewhat depending on the species grown. Davallia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Growing Davallia Indoors
Choose a container for your fern that is about 6 to 8 inches wide and just as deep. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes before planting. These ferns do well in a well-draining, organically rich soil. After planting, set the container in a space that is sheltered from dry, cool drafts. They prefer a humidity of between 50% and 80%, which can be imitated by misting twice daily. Provide these ferns with bright to medium, indirect light. A spot inside of an east or north-facing window is ideal. Avoid placing in direct sun, even indoors, as this can sunburn foliage. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Withhold feedings and lessen waterings in fall and winter when these ferns are dormant. Every few years, these ferns will need to be divided. For instructions on how to successfully divide Davallias, see the Propagation section below.
Propagation
Davallia, or Squirrel's Foot Fers, are best propagated through division of existing plants or root cuttings. Spores can be used to propagate as well, though doing so requires more specialized knowledge, previous experience, and a suitable medium. To learn more about propagating ferns via spores, see the Propagation module. To propagate your fern, follow the directions below:
Propagating Davallia by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Davallia by Root Cutting
To complete this method, you will need a clean trowel, clean pruning saw, extra pots, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. To propagate your fern by root cutting, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Davallia by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.
Propagating Davallia by Root Cutting
To complete this method, you will need a clean trowel, clean pruning saw, extra pots, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. To propagate your fern by root cutting, follow the instructions below:
- Identify the fern you're going to take your root cutting from. Ensure that the plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will increase the odds that your root cutting will take. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, lay it out on its side.
- Identify a root (or a few roots, if the plant is a large size) that you'd like to use. Ensure that each root segment has a frond attached, and trim the root section to fit into its new pot.
- Fill your pot(s) with sand-amended soil about 3-4 of the way up, and then place your cutting on top. Cover with about a half inch of soil. Water generously and ensure that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the pot in an area that receives bright, indirect light and stays at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Your root should begin to grow a new plant in about 3-5 weeks.
Problems and Pests
Davallia ferns can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases:
- Spider Mites
- Mealybugs
- Scale
- Aphids
- Root Rot
Gallery
Davallia ferns are multipurpose; they can be added to mixed beds, borders, containers, or even be used as groundcover.
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These ferns do well in containers.
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Davallia ferns produce fuzzy brown to reddish roots that can be propagated into new plants.
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Videos
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How to propagate Davallia ferns.
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All about Davallia ferns.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 282, Davallia trichomanoides
