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

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 10–25 °C, and reaches 30 cm at maturity.

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)

Propagation

Cut a healthy rhizome section about 5 cm long with at least one frond attached. Lay it on the surface of moist, well-draining compost without burying it — burying can cause rot. Keep humidity high until roots establish. One of the simplest ways to propagate a fern.

Native range

Native to China, Eastern Asia, and Indo-China.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingClumping

Leaf shape

Compound

Leaf texture

FineFeathery

Frequently asked

Can White Rabbit's Foot Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. White Rabbit's Foot Fern prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does White Rabbit's Foot Fern need drainage?

White Rabbit's Foot Fern prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does White Rabbit's Foot Fern need?

White Rabbit's Foot Fern does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is White Rabbit's Foot Fern pet-safe?

White Rabbit's Foot Fern is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does White Rabbit's Foot Fern grow?

White Rabbit's Foot Fern typically reaches 10–30 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate White Rabbit's Foot Fern?

White Rabbit's Foot Fern can be propagated by rhizome division or spores.

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