Davallia tyermannii
Davallia tyermannii (Rabbit's Foot Fern) Care Guide
Featured photodavallia-tyermannii.jpgDavallia tyermannii is the white rabbit's foot fern, an Asian epiphytic fern with finely divided green fronds on creeping rhizomes covered in soft, fuzzy, white-cream hairs that look like rabbit feet. The rhizomes creep visibly over the pot edge, giving the plant much of its decorative interest. It tolerates ordinary indoor humidity better than tropical ferns.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- Temperature
- 15–27 °C
- Soil
- Airy epiphytic mix of bark, perlite, and sphagnum.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic. (humans) · Non-toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA Davallia listing. (pets)
- Origin
- Forests of Fiji and the Pacific.
- Mature size
- 30 to 45 cm tall, similar spread.
Overview
Davallia tyermannii is the white-furred cousin of D. fejeensis (brown rabbit's foot fern). The fuzzy creeping rhizomes are the species's signature decorative feature.
Care Priorities
- Bright filtered light.
- Use an airy mix; do not bury the rhizomes.
- Allow the top of the mix to dry between waterings.
- Mist or water the rhizomes occasionally to keep them plump.
Common Problems
Yellow fronds are overwatering. Crispy edges are dry air. Shrivelled rhizomes are dehydration; mist them and water the pot.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Should I trim the fuzzy rhizomes?
Only if they are dead or rotting. Live rhizomes are essential to the plant's water and nutrient storage and should be left to creep.
Tyermannii vs fejeensis — same plant?
Different species. Tyermannii has white-cream fuzzy rhizomes; fejeensis has brown ones. Care is similar.
Best display?
A wide shallow pot or hanging basket so the rhizomes have room to creep over the edge.
