Davallia tyermannii

White Rabbit's Foot Fern, Bear's Paw Fern, Bear's Foot Fern, Silver Hare's Foot Fern

Easy careEpiphyteNon-toxic10–30 cm

An epiphytic fern from southern China, Taiwan, and Myanmar, known for its silvery-white, furry rhizomes — creeping stems that cascade over pot edges like small animal paws. The finely divided, dark-green fronds arch outward on long stems. Unlike most ferns, it can tolerate lower humidity, which makes it adaptable to a range of closed terrariums and vivariums. Non-toxic and easy to maintain.

Build a terrarium with this plant
White Rabbit's Foot Fern image

Photo by Frank Vincentz·CC BY-SA 3.0

Care

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerantBright indirect

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
10°C – 25°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)Loamy

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingClumping

Leaf shape

Compound

Leaf texture

FineFeathery

Distribution

Propagation

Spore propagation is possible but very slow and needs sterile conditions. Rhizome division is a more practical option for home growers.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Davallia tyermanii (T.Moore) H.J.Veitch

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77222150-1
  2. 2

    RHS — Humata tyermanii (bear's foot fern)

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/377822/humata-tyermanii/details
  3. 3

    OurHousePlants — Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia / Humata tyermanii)

    https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/rabbits-foot-fern-davallia-humata-tyermanii
  4. 4

    ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia spp.)

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/rabbits-foot-fern
  5. 5

    Dart Frog Connection — Humata tyermanii

    https://dartfrogconnection.com/humata-tyermanii.html
  6. 6
  7. 7