Davallia: The Charming Rabbit’s Foot Fern That’s Hopping Into Gardens
Meet Davallia, a delightfully quirky fern that’s sure to make you do a double-take! While its scientific name might not ring a bell, you’ve probably seen this charming plant gracing hanging baskets and terrariums with its distinctive furry feet creeping along the edges. Let’s dive into what makes this fascinating fern such a garden favorite.
What Exactly Is Davallia?
Davallia, commonly known as rabbit’s foot fern or hare’s foot fern, is a genus of epiphytic ferns that belong to the family Davalliaceae. Don’t let the technical terms scare you – these are simply ferns that naturally grow on other plants (like trees) rather than in soil, and they’re absolutely captivating to observe.
What sets Davallia apart from your typical fern is its distinctive rhizomes – those fuzzy, creeping stems that look remarkably like a rabbit’s foot (hence the name!). These furry appendages aren’t just for show; they’re actually modified stems that help the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
Where Does Davallia Call Home?
This perennial fern has quite the worldly background! Davallia species are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the globe, with some species naturally occurring in the Pacific Basin. In the United States, you’ll find them growing naturally in Palau and other Pacific territories.
Why Your Garden Will Love Davallia
If you’re looking for a conversation starter that’s also incredibly beneficial to your garden ecosystem, Davallia fits the bill perfectly:
- Air purification: Like many ferns, Davallia helps clean the air by removing toxins and adding humidity
- Low maintenance: Once established, these ferns are surprisingly drought-tolerant
- Unique texture: The combination of delicate, lacy fronds and fuzzy rhizomes adds incredible visual interest
- Versatile placement: Perfect for hanging baskets, mounted displays, or creeping over rocks
Growing Conditions That Make Davallia Happy
Creating the right environment for your rabbit’s foot fern isn’t complicated, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Light: Bright, indirect light works best – think of dappled sunlight filtering through tree canopy
- Humidity: These tropical natives appreciate humidity levels around 40-60%
- Temperature: Comfortable in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 outdoors, but makes an excellent houseplant in cooler climates
- Drainage: Well-draining, loose potting mix or mounting medium is essential
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your Davallia established is refreshingly straightforward:
- Potting: Use a well-draining orchid mix or create your own with bark, perlite, and peat moss
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings – those furry rhizomes store moisture!
- Feeding: A diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season is plenty
- Propagation: Simply divide those creeping rhizomes in spring for new plants
Perfect Garden Settings for Davallia
This adaptable fern shines in several garden scenarios:
- Tropical and subtropical gardens: Natural companions for palms, bromeliads, and orchids
- Rock gardens: Let those rhizomes creep dramatically over stones and boulders
- Indoor gardens: Exceptional houseplant for bright bathrooms or humid spaces
- Hanging displays: Show off those trailing rhizomes in elevated planters
Identifying Your Davallia
Wondering if you’ve spotted a Davallia in the wild or at the garden center? Look for these telltale signs:
- Distinctive furry, creeping rhizomes that resemble animal feet
- Delicate, finely divided fronds that create a lacy appearance
- Rhizomes that grow along the surface rather than underground
- Small, round sori (spore clusters) on the undersides of mature fronds
The Bottom Line on Davallia
Whether you’re a seasoned fern enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of interesting plants, Davallia offers a perfect blend of unique aesthetics and easy care. Its fascinating growth habit and adaptability make it a wonderful addition to both indoor and outdoor garden spaces in appropriate climates.
While this fern may not be native to most areas in the continental United States, it’s not considered invasive and can be grown responsibly as a contained garden plant or houseplant. Just remember to source your plants from reputable nurseries and never release them into wild spaces where they don’t naturally belong.
Ready to add some whimsy to your plant collection? Davallia might just be the perfect furry-footed friend your garden has been waiting for!
