- 1. Examine your hare's foot fern closely before you begin snipping. A fern is biologically different from other garden or house plants and that distinction alters what can safely be clipped. ...
- 2. Trim these ferns in late winter before new spring growth begins. Wipe down your clippers with a rag dipped in denatured alcohol. ...
- 3. Gently inspect the rhizomes. ...
How do you care for rabbit’s foot ferns?
Every two weeks your rabbit’s foot fern care should also include watering the plant with a liquid houseplant fertilizer mixed at half strength. Rabbit’s foot ferns need repotting about every two years, and the best time to repot is in spring. Mix regular potting soil half-and-half with sand to create an ideal medium for rabbit’s foot ferns.
What does a rabbit foot fern look like?
The decorative fern's distinctive light brown fuzzy rhizomes resemble rabbit feet, giving the fern its name. By knowing how to plant, water, and care for your rabbit foot fern, you can have a happy and healthy houseplant. Purchase a rabbit foot fern plant.
How do you trim a hare's foot fern?
Examine your hare's foot fern closely before you begin snipping. A fern is biologically different from other garden or house plants and that distinction alters what can safely be clipped. The fern's lacy fronds do double duty as leaves and flowers. Lift one gently.
Can you grow a rabbit foot fern in a hanging basket?
Growing a rabbit’s foot fern houseplant in a hanging basket shows off the furry rhizomes to their best advantage. The rhizomes can grow quite long and over time they take on a spider-like appearance. Never bury the rhizomes under the soil however, as this encourages rot.
Why are the tips of my rabbits foot fern turning brown?
Fronds Yellowing & Tips Brown Yellowing fronds and brown tips on a rabbit's foot fern are often caused by either direct sunlight or too little moisture. Increase the humidity level around the plant, and double check that the soil stays consistently moist.
How do you take care of a rabbit foot fern?
Rabbit's foot ferns like bright but indirect sunlight, such as that found near a window with an eastern exposure. During the day they like temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees F. (21-24 C.), and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Water the plants lightly but often to keep the surface of the soil lightly moist.
How do you divide a rabbit's foot fern?
Use a potting mix with little to no soil such as 2 parts peat, 1 part soil, and 1 part sand or perlite. You may decide to divide the fern if it has gotten too large. Cut it into up to 4 sections with a sharp, clean knife. Plant in the new soil with the rhizomes balanced around the edge of the pot.
Will a rabbits foot fern grow back?
In the winter the rabbit foot fern will shed leaflets, but they will grow again in the spring. Increasing humidity around the plant will prevent excessive leaf loss in the winter. The furry rhizomes that tend to sit on the surface of the soil should never be buried.
Should I cut the dead leaves off my fern?
Clip away any brown leaves or fronds with a pair of sharp garden clippers. Removing the dead, brown leaves makes the plant grow more quickly as it encourages new growth. Do this in late winter to early spring, before new growth begins.
What does Epsom salt do for ferns?
They help in chlorophyll production, healthy plant growth, and resistance against diseases and pest. Both of them are required if you want to grow Lush and Green Ferns.
Can I cut the rhizomes on a rabbit foot fern?
Propagating Rabbit Foot Fern The easiest way to propagate the rabbit's foot fern is simply to snip off 2- to 3-inch pieces of its rhizomes or "feet." If you prefer to start an entirely new plant, cut sections that contain no foliage. To give the plant a head start, harvest those which already have fronds attached.
How long do rabbit foot ferns live?
10 yearsIf you establish a good pattern for watering and feeding, it is common to see rabbit's foot ferns live for 10 years or even much longer, but occasional division will be necessary.
How big will a rabbit's foot fern get?
12-18″ tallRabbit's Foot Fern is sometimes called the “Good Luck” plant because of its charming silvery-brown, fur-like rhizomes. It grows 12-18″ tall, and does well in direct sunlight or under lights.
Does rabbit foot fern go dormant?
Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer! It's common for Rabbit's Foot Fern to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down.
When should you repot a rabbit's foot fern?
Repot in spring only when it gets crowded in its pot. Rabbit's foot fern has a shallow root system, so move it to a shallow pot only 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) wider. Keep the furry rhizomes on the soil surface because if you bury them, they'll easily rot. This is a good time to divide the plant, if you want.
Can rabbit foot ferns live outside?
They have lacy, finely divided foliage which is light to dark green in colour. If grown inside they need a bight spot that is out of direct sunlight. It can be grown outside in warmer climates in a sheltered area that gets plenty of shade.
Are rabbit foot ferns easy to care for?
The Black Rabbit's Foot Fern may be a commoner in the indoor plant community but it has worked hard to earn it's place. As a resilient and easy care fern no plant collection is complete without this quirky little critter.
How long do rabbit foot ferns live?
10 yearsIf you establish a good pattern for watering and feeding, it is common to see rabbit's foot ferns live for 10 years or even much longer, but occasional division will be necessary.
What do you feed a rabbit foot fern?
Feeding Your Rabbit Foot Fern Plant Use a half-strength or diluted liquid fertilizer about once every 2-3 weeks from the beginning of spring to the end of fall for best results. You don't need to feed the plant during the winter since plants are usually dormant and don't grow in the cold seasons.
When should you repot a rabbit's foot fern?
Repot in spring only when it gets crowded in its pot. Rabbit's foot fern has a shallow root system, so move it to a shallow pot only 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) wider. Keep the furry rhizomes on the soil surface because if you bury them, they'll easily rot. This is a good time to divide the plant, if you want.
When to Repot Rabbit’S Foot Ferns
Timing is everything, and this is the case when to repot rabbit’s foot ferns. As with most plants, the best time to disturb it in any way is when t...
How to Repot A Rabbit’S Foot Fern
Choose a lightweight pot if you are creating a hanging planter. The size of the pot should be just slightly larger than the base of the plant. Thes...
Rabbit’S Foot Fern Repotting of Rhizomes
Root any of the fuzzy little rhizomes that may have broken off during repotting. Use a flat tray or small pots filled with perlite that is just sli...
How do I remove ferns from a pot?
Removing the fern from the existing pot is the trick. If it is a cheap nursery pot, you can cut the plant out to liberate it. Otherwise, use a hori hori or slender planting tool to gently pry around the inside of the pot and loosen the soil. The bottom of the pot may also have roots growing outside. Loosen these and, if necessary, cut ...
How to repot a fuzzy rhizome?
Root any of the fuzzy little rhizomes that may have broken off during repotting. Use a flat tray or small pots filled with perlite that is just slightly moistened. Bury the rhizome completely in this medium and cover the container with plastic wrap to create greenhouse conditions. Place the container in a warm location and keep evenly moist.
Can you divide a fern?
Use a potting mix with little to no soil such as 2 parts peat, 1 part soil and 1 part sand or perlite. You may decide to divide the fern if it has gotten too large.
Can rabbit foot ferns be repotted?
These are generally grown as indoor plants. Rabbit’s foot fern doesn’t mind being pot bound but you should give it fresh soil every couple years. Repotting can be a challenge with all the little feet hanging around the original pot so read here for a step-by-step tutorial on how to repot a rabbit’s foot fern.
How to propagate rabbit foot fern?
Propagate the Rabbit’s Foot Fern through spores, division or rhizome cutting. Expect faster results with division, whereas the spore method requires a degree of patience.
What is a rabbit foot fern?
The Davallia Fejeensis – more often referred to as the Rabbit’s Foot Fern – is a fern with interesting foliage whose rhizomes look a little a furry rabbit’s foot.
How much humidity does a rabbit foot fern need?
Humidity should be on the higher side of average if possible – ideally over 50%. Temperatures should be maintained around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Water as required to keep soil moist.
Why is my rabbit foot fern sensitive to water?
This is because tap water often contains chemicals such as fluoride, to which the Rabbit Foot Fern can be sensitive. Water until the soil is damp and the liquid is running through the drainage holes at the bottom, then stop.
How to get rid of brown leaves on ferns?
Increase the humidity levels for your fern with a humidity tray or by placing it amongst other plants. Look out too for signs of root rot which in its later stages results also in brown leaves.
What does it mean when the humidity is low in a rabbit's foot fern?
This can be a sign that the humidity levels are too low. Whilst the Rabbit’s Foot Fern tolerates lower humidity environments than other ferns, if the levels drop consistently below 50% you may notice this.
Why is my fern smelling like water?
Often this is a symptom of too little water combined with low humidity. Increase humidity levels in the home or mist your fern, and make sure the soil is kept consistently moist but not over saturated .
What is a Rabbit Foot Fern?
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern ( Davallia fejeensis) is an epiphytic fern that originates from the tropical forests of the Fiji islands. As an epiphytic plant, it typically grows on the surfaces of trees or rocks, taking its nutrients from moisture in the air, surfaces, and any debris that falls from the forests above. As a result, Rabbit Foot Ferns are hardy and adaptable plants that grow well in many environments.
How big does a rabbit foot fern grow?
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern can grow up to about 2-3 feet long and about 6 inches wide. This fern is well-suited to a floor planter or a hanging pot. Because the foliage and rhizomes are long enough to hang over the side of the pot, many people recommend displaying the Rabbit’s Foot Fern as a hanging plant. Additionally, hanging the Rabbit Foot Fern in the air adds a distinct pop of color in any room!
What Are the Benefits of a Rabbit Foot Fern Plant?
There are many benefits and advantages for your health that come with owning an indoor plant!
Why is my rabbit foot fern drooping?
Drooping – Rabbit Foot Ferns are supposed to hang over the sides of the pot, but if you notice drooping or weak growth, you may be overwatering the plant. Scale back the watering periods, and your Rabbit Foot Fern should return to normal.
What is squirrel foot fern?
The rhizomes are covered with hairs that are reminiscient of furry rabbit feet, although sometimes this plant is also referred to as a “Squirrel’s Foot Fern.” They can often grow out and over the side of the pot, giving it an alluring, one-of-a-kind appearance.
What are the furry rhizomes on a sage plant?
The most distinguishable feature of this plant is its furry rhizomes that peek over the top of the soil. These yellowish-brown rhizomes are the plant’s fleshy roots that sprout upwards, absorbing all the moisture and nutrients from the soil or surface.
Can rabbit foot ferns be grown in direct sunlight?
Exposure to direct sunlight may cause damage to the plant, so place it near a window where it can receive plenty of indirect light.
How to keep rabbit foot ferns looking fresh?
A rabbit’s foot fern plant is very sensitive to chemicals. Avoid using leaf shine products and insecticides on the plant. A gentle shower keeps the fronds looking clean and fresh and also removes many of the insects that feed on the foliage.
What is a rabbit's foot fern?
Special Needs for Rabbit’s Foot Fern Plant. Known botanically as Davallia fejeensis ferns, rabbit’s foot ferns have light, airy foliage compared to their cousins, the deer’s foot ferns ( D. canariensis) and the squirrel’s foot ferns ( D. trichomanoides ). Light foliage doesn’t hold moisture as well as thick foliage, ...
How much sunlight does a rabbit's foot fern need?
During the day they like temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees F. (21-24 C.), and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Water the plants lightly but often to keep the surface of the soil lightly moist.
Can rabbit foot ferns be grown in baskets?
Growing a rabbit’s foot fern houseplant in a hanging basket shows off the furry rhizomes to their best advantage. The rhizomes can grow quite long and over time they take on a spider-like appearance.
How to propagate rabbit foot fern?
Propagating Rabbit Foot Fern. The easiest way to propagate the rabbit's foot fern is simply to snip off 2- to 3-inch pieces of its rhizomes or "feet.". If you prefer to start an entirely new plant, cut sections that contain no foliage. To give the plant a head start, harvest those which already have fronds attached.
How to get rid of rabbit foot fern spores?
In late summer or early fall, cut a frond from a rabbit's foot fern and place it between two pieces of white paper in a location protected from drafts. After two weeks, remove the wilted frond and check the paper beneath it for signs of a reddish dust-like substance, the fern's spores.
What is a rabbit foot fern?
With furry brown rhizomes peeking out from under airy foliage, the rabbit's foot fern (Davallia fejeensis) looks as if it does, indeed, crouch over a bunny's paws. Native to Fiji, it can produce fronds as long as 3 feet under optimum conditions. Often potted in hanging baskets where its furry legs clamber over the sides, the fern is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 but is most often grown as a houseplant. Propagate Davallia species with pieces of rhizome, through division or by planting spores.
How long does it take for ferns to sprout?
Close the lid on the container, and place it on a north-facing windowsill, making sure its soil remains damp. In six to eight weeks , small green scales should appear. When they measure about 3/8 of an inch in diameter, mist them with water from a spray bottle to ensure their fertilization. In another six to eight weeks, tiny fronds – only about 1/2 inch tall – will sprout. At that point, you can transplant the little ferns to stand 3 inches apart.
How to pin rhizomes in place?
Place the rhizome pieces horizontally across the surface of that mix, with any fronds they may possess pointing up. Press the pieces only lightly into the mix so their upper half remains above it, and pin them in place with old-fashioned hairpins, garden staples or pieces of bent wire.
How to keep rabbit foot ferns moist?
If you don't have a room humidifier, place the fern's container on a tray of wet pebbles to increase the humidity around the plant. Refill the tray as the water evaporates.
How to grow rabbit foot fern?
Plant the rabbit foot fern in a hanging basket. Since the rhizomes hang over the sides of the container and can grow up to 2 feet (0.61 m) long, the rabbit foot fern is ideal for a hanging basket. The container should be either plastic or clay, and 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) in diameter.
What does a rabbit foot fern look like?
The decorative fern's distinctive light brown fuzzy rhizomes resemble rabbit feet, giving the fern its name. By knowing how to plant, water, and care for your rabbit foot fern, you can have a happy and healthy houseplant. Steps.
What are the pests on rabbit foot ferns?
Thrips, mites and fungus gnats are often found on the foliage of houseplants like the rabbit foot fern. These pests like wet soil, so keep pests away by not over-watering. To remove pests, brush them off with a wet towel or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Most houseplant pesticides are not safe for use on ferns.
How cold can ferns grow?
The temperature can drop to about 50 F once in a while but your fern cannot grow in temperatures that low. Keep the temperature between 60-75 F.
How to grow ferns in a garden?
Grow the fern in porous soil that drains well. You can find a porous soil mix at your local gardening store. A great soil mix should contain 2 parts peat moss, 1 part loam, and 1 part sand or perlite, which is a volcanic glass with a high water content. The soil should have a neutral pH of 6.6 to 7.5.
What to do if your plant leaves are brown?
Choose a plant that looks vibrant, green, and healthy. If you notice any brown or wilting leaves, pick out a different plant.