Hare's Foot Fern Davallia canariensis
ABOUT
Davallia canariensis, commonly known as the hare's foot fern, is a unique and visually striking plant. Its most distinctive feature is the furry rhizomes that creep over the surface of the potting mix and look remarkably like little animal paws or hairy feet, giving it the common name. These rhizomes are brown and fuzzy, and they extend over the edge of the container in which the fern is planted, adding to its charm and whimsy. The foliage of the hare's foot fern is delicate and feather-like, with multiple fronds that emerge from the furry rhizomes. These fronds are intricately divided and present a soft, lacey appearance that can add a touch of elegance to any environment. The color of the leaves typically ranges from a bright, fresh green to a deeper, more muted green. The contrast between the furry rhizomes and the lush green fronds makes this fern a delightful specimen to observe. The fronds have a delicate texture and emerge in a fountain-like cluster that gracefully arches outward from the center of the plant. The overall impression given by the hare's foot fern is that of a plush, vibrant plant that could serve as a lively point of interest in both indoor and outdoor settings. As a fern, this plant does not bear flowers or seeds, but instead reproduces by the spores located on the undersides of the fronds. These spores are often arranged in patterns and are a normal part of the plant's reproductive process, showing that the fern is mature and healthy. In terms of care, the hare's foot fern enjoys humidity and does not tolerate drying out, making it important to keep its environment moderately moist without becoming waterlogged. This plant thrives in indirect light, making it well-suited for indoor cultivation where direct sunlight is not a concern. Overall, the hare's foot fern adds a whimsical and slightly wild touch to plant collections with its foot-like rhizomes and lush fern foliage, making it a distinctive choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Davalliaceae.
Synonyms
Hare's Foot Fern, Rabbit's Foot Fern, Canary Island Hare's Foot Fern, Delta Fern.
Common names
Davallia plumosa, Davallia stricta, Davallia bullata, Davallia canariensis var. major, Davallia canariensis var. normalis, Davallia canariensis var. pygmaea, Davallia dissecta, Davallia elegans, Davallia laevis, Davallia minor, Davallia reniformis, Davallia solida, Davallia tenera, Davallia trichomanoides, Humata canariensis, Humata plumosa, Trichomanes canariense.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as hare's foot fern (Davallia canariensis) is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant, as it is not known to be poisonous. However, it is generally advisable not to eat ornamental plants due to potential pesticide use and the lack of information on their edibility and potential effects on humans.
To pets
Hare's foot fern (Davallia canariensis) is also generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. This means that if pets were to ingest parts of this plant, they are unlikely to experience poisoning symptoms. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the fiber content or individual sensitivities. If a pet ingests the plant and displays unusual symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Care for: Davallia canariensis, commonly known as hare's foot fern, is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners.
- Unique Aesthetic: With its furry rhizomes that resemble rabbit feet and delicate fronds, it adds a unique texture and interest to indoor spaces.
- Ideal for Hanging Baskets: Its creeping growth pattern makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or draping over shelves.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, hare's foot fern has a tolerance for short periods of drought, which is convenient for those who occasionally forget to water their plants.
- Long-Lived: It is a perennial plant that, with proper care, can thrive and beautify a space for many years.
- Thrive in Low Light: This fern is capable of growing in low-light conditions, making it suitable for rooms with less natural sunlight.
- Non-Toxic to Pets: It is safe for homes with pets as it is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Adaptability: Able to adapt to various indoor environments, this fern is versatile and can be grown in different home or office settings.
- Humidity Lover: It thrives in high humidity, making it a great plant for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels are higher.
- Decorative Cover: Its expansive fronds can be used to artistically cover and soften the edges of furniture or unsightly areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Davallia canariensis, commonly known as Hare's Foot Fern, can be used in miniature gardens or fairy gardens due to its small size and intricate frond patterns, which can mimic larger plants on a tiny scale.
- The unique, fuzzy rhizomes of the Hare's Foot Fern can be trained over rocks or wood to create a natural tapestry in landscaping, as they resemble small animal paws or rabbit feet.
- The fern can also be used in hanging baskets where its foot-like rhizomes can dangle attractively over the edges, providing an unusual visual interest.
- Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the rhizomes of Hare's Foot Fern can be used in arts and crafts to produce natural textures on pottery or in textile impressions.
- The intriguing structure of the plant can serve as a learning tool in schools for educating students about fern reproduction and the diversity of plant forms.
- In a terrarium, the Hare's Foot Fern can act as a 'spiller' plant, with its fronds and rhizomes overflowing to create a lush, verdant display.
- As a photographer's subject, the intricate fronds and hairy rhizomes offer a unique composition for macro photography enthusiasts.
- The Hare's Foot Fern can be used in theater productions or film sets to recreate an ancient or prehistoric-looking environment due to its primitive plant appearance.
- When dried, the fronds of the Hare's Foot Fern may be used in floral arrangements to give a delicate and feathery contrast to more robust elements.
- Creative food presentation can also utilize the Hare's Foot Fern, where clean and safe fronds serve as a natural bedding or decoration for specialty dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rabbit's Foot Fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rabbit's Foot Fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance and Survival: Commonly known as the Hare's Foot Fern, Davallia canariensis has a unique way of growing, with furry rhizomes creeping over the surface resembling a hare’s feet. This characteristic symbolizes the plant’s ability to endure and survive in various conditions, much like a hare in the wild.
- Resilience: Hare's Foot Fern is recognized for its resilience, as it often grows in rocky terrains and can adapt to less than ideal conditions, inspiring a symbolic meaning of resilience and adaptability in life's challenging situations.
- Growth and Expansion: With its creeping growth habit, the Hare's Foot Fern symbolizes expansion and uninhibited growth, making it a symbol for personal or professional growth.
- Unique Beauty: The Hare's Foot Fern's distinctive appearance, with its feathery leaves and hairy rhizomes, represents the beauty in uniqueness and encourages the celebration of individuality.
WaterThe Rabbit's Foot Fern needs consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Water it thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 7 to 10 days, depending on your indoor environment. Use room-temperature water and aim to moisten the soil evenly, avoiding waterlogging which can cause root rot. On average, you might use up to 16 ounces of water for smaller pots during each watering session, adjusting the amount based on plant size and the pot's drainage. Be cautious during winter months as the plant will require less water.
LightThe Rabbit's Foot Fern thrives best in bright, indirect light. It should be positioned in a location where it can receive gentle morning sunlight but should be shielded from the intense afternoon rays. A north or east-facing window covered with a sheer curtain is often ideal for this plant. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the fronds, while too little light can cause poor growth and yellowing.
TemperatureRabbit's Foot Fern does well in average room temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but exposure to temperatures lower than this can harm the plant. Avoid placing the Rabbit's Foot Fern near drafts, heaters, or air conditioning vents, as extremes in temperature can be detrimental to its health.
PruningPruning the Rabbit's Foot Fern is generally done to remove any brown or dead fronds, which helps maintain its appearance and health. Light pruning can be done at any time of the year as needed. However, any heavy or extensive pruning should be done in the spring before the growing season to allow the plant to recover and regrow vigorously. There's no strict schedule for pruning; monitor the plant and prune selectively to shape or manage growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHare's Foot Fern thrives in a well-draining soil mix, such as equal parts peat, pine bark, and perlite. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingHare's Foot Fern should typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the rhizomes outgrow the pot.
Humidity & MistingHare's Foot Fern prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, maintain high humidity for Hare’s Foot Fern.
Outdoor
Hare’s Foot Fern needs shade, moist soil, and high humidity outside.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Davallia canariensis, commonly known as Hare's Foot Fern, begins with spore production, which occurs on the undersides of mature fronds within specialized structures called sori. When mature, the spores are released and, upon finding suitable moist and shaded conditions, they germinate into a small, heart-shaped gametophyte called a prothallus. This gametophyte is the sexual stage of the plant and houses both male and female reproductive organs; fertilization occurs when sperm swim to eggs in the presence of water. Upon successful fertilization, a new sporophyte emerges, initially dependent on the gametophyte, but soon becomes an independent plant. The young fern then undergoes a growth phase, developing its characteristic rhizomes, which often resemble hairy legs and give the plant its common name. Over time, the rhizomes produce fronds that unfurl through circinate vernation, and the plant reaches maturity, ready to produce its own spores, thus completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Hare's Foot Fern, known botanically as Davallia canariensis, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method. This process is best performed in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully remove the fern from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one frond and some roots attached. These divisions can then be potted individually in a well-draining potting mix, slightly burying the rhizome in the soil. The new pots should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded area until new growth indicates that the division has successfully taken root. It is important not to bury the rhizomes too deeply, as this can cause them to rot.
