Davallia canariensis (Hare's Foot Fern) Indoor Care; Water, Light, Propagation, Problems

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Davallia canariensis (Hare's Foot Fern) prefers bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.

Davallia canariensis is among popular Fern varieties and is grown for its thick, scaly rhizomes which grow over the edge of the pot and resemble a hare's foot hence giving the fern its common name.

The rhizomes absorb moisture and nutients as they crawl. The fronds are broad, finely divided and look like carrot tops.

Hare's Foot Fern is one of the favored plants for a hanging basket where the rhizomes can hang freely for maximum display. The rhizomes should not be buried under the soil as it can lead to rotting.

On account of its love for warm and humid conditions, Hare's Foot Fern is among the best plants for the bathroom as the atmosphere remains warm and moist.

Botanical name: Davallia canariensis
Family: Davalliaceae
Common name: Hare's Foot Fern

Origin

Davallia canariensis is found from west Mediterranean to the Atlantic Islands where it grows in a sunny atmosphere and amongst the rocks. The species name, 'canariensis', suggests that this fern has its origins in the Canary Islands.

Size

Hare's Foot Fern grows to a height of about 1.5 feet and about 2 feet wide.

Is Davallia canariensis safe for pets?

No. Davallia canariensis are non-toxic to humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. Hare's Foot Fern are safe for cats, dog and other pets.

Related Species

Davallia canariensis is related to the larger but less hardy Davallia fejeensis (Rabbit's Foot Fern), Davallia bullata (Squirrel's Foot Fern) and Davallia trichomanoides (Black Rabbit's Foot Fern).

Where to Buy

Hare's Foot Fern are a great addition to any plant collection, you may acquire these ferns from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

Davallia canariensis Care Indoors

To care for Davallia canariensis indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 21-25⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.

Hare's Foot Fern requires timely repotting as overcrowding can result in wilting and eventual death of the fern. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water Davallia canariensis liberally in spring and summer until the water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid overwatering as it can result in rotting, yellowing and leaf drop.

Cut down on watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not let the soil dry out completely to avoid crispy leaves, yellowing, wilting and drooping fronds.

Maintain the rhizomes moist by daily misting. Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to rotting and eventual plant deth.

Use room temperature water as consistently watering with cold water can cause stunted growth and leaf loss. Ensure the water is free of chlorine and other dissolved chemicals to prevent browning of leaf edges.

Light Requirements

Davallia canariensis grows best in bright indirect light (dappled light); position near a bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it may scorching resulting in crispy or pale fronds.

Hare's Foot Fern can tolerate some shade, but growth will slow and it may begin to yellow. If the natural light is not adequate use grow lights to increase it.

Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the fern receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent lopsided growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Davallia canariensis prospers in a warmth of 21-25⁰C. Temperatures outside this range will affect the growth negatively. Therefore, keep it away from sources of drafts to avoid sudden temperature changes which can result in stunted growth, wilting, yellowing, browning and excessive leaf drop.

Hare's Foot Fern thrives in a humidity of 60-70%. This fern is ideal for humid areas like a well-lit bathroom, kitchen, laundry are and other moist areas.

Too low humidity can cause browning of leaf tips and edges. To increase humidity mist the rhizomes more frequent to keep them moist, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Ensure free air circulation to discourage fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed your Hare's Foot Fern with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period for a lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is reduced at this time.

Potting Soil

The best soil for Davallia canariensis should be well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter to prevent sogginess while providing the required nutrients. A blend of 2 parts potting mix and 1 part perlite (for drainage) is ideal for this plant.

Pruning

Pruning Hare's Foot Fern involes removal of dead and damaged fronds. As the fern ages, the older fronds turn brown. Cut them off at the base to maintain the fern neat and tidy.

If the rhizomes get too long and scraggly, gently trim them back. But never remove them entirely as they actually store nutrients.

Repotting

Repot Davallia canariensis every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season. Use a pot that is 1 size larger than the current one.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting and eventual death of the fern.

The large fern can also be divided into several sections and potted individually to propagate new ferns. Take a look at these ceramic pots with a saucer on Amazon.

Davallia canariensis Propagation

Hare's Foot Fern propagation is done by division of the rhizomes, at the beginning of the growing season, when in active growth for faster establishment.

Propagating Hare's Foot Fern by plant division

1. Carefully take the Hare's Foot Fern out of its pot.


2. Locate natural separations between rhizomes.


3. Use sterile scissors to cut a section with both fronds and roots.


4. Pot these sections in individual pots while ensuring that you do not bury the rhizomes under the soil to avoid rotting.


5. Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


6. Maintain the soil moist through out until the new ferns are well established after which you can begin routine care.

Hare's Foot Fern Problems & Solutions

Davallia canariensis common problems are yellowing, leaf drop, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Yellow leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Davallia canariensis are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, too little light, drafts or aging.

How to fix it

Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry but do not allow the soil to dry out completely for a long period.

Soggy soil: Use fast-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.

Too little light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or use a grow light if you do not have adequate light in your home.

Drafts: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like radiators, hot air vents, AC units, hot surfaces, windy doors and others.

Aging: This is a natural process. As the lower leaves mature, they turn yellow, brown and eventually drop.

Leaf drop

Leaf drop on Davallia canariensis is caused by too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, temperature stress, pest infestations or aging.

How to fix it

Too little light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or use a grow light if you do not have enough light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use fast-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like windy doors, drafty windows, radiators, AC units, hot air vents among others. Use water that is at room temperature to prevent cold shock.

Pest infestations: Regularly inspect the plant for pests and carry out timely control measures.

Aging: This is a natural process. As the lower leaves mature, they turn yellow, brown and eventually drop off.

Pests

Common pests of Hare's Foot Fern are scale insects and mealy bugs which are common in dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the infested plant to minimize spread to other plants.


2. Treat the plant with a horticultural oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.


3. Regularly inspect the plant for these pests and take timely control measures.


4. Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pest infestations.


5. Group the plants together or set the pot on a wet pebble tray to elevate humidity.

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