Hare's Foot Fern (Davallia trichomanoides)

Hare's Foot Fern

Davallia trichomanoides

Furry rhizomes trail like soft hare feet, a whimsical fern for hanging displays. Evergreen epiphytic fern; common name: Hare's Foot Fern.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch delicate fronds
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of growing medium is dry; maintain even moisture without waterlogging
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Temperature Prefers warm, humid conditions; avoid temperatures below 10°C to prevent frond browning
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Characteristics

  • Rhizome: Fuzzy, brown, trailing rhizomes that grow over pot edges like hare feet
  • Frond: Delicate, lacy, triangular evergreen fronds with pinnate leaflets
  • Roots: Fine, thread-like roots anchor to growing medium or surfaces
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep medium consistently moist; mist fronds 2–3 times weekly to boost humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows

Composted banana peel tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Trim brown, damaged fronds at the base to encourage new, healthy growth
  • Gently trim overgrown rhizomes to maintain desired plant shape and size
  • Remove dead spore cases from frond undersides to keep the plant looking tidy
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental hanging plant; shaded garden groundcover in tropical regions