What is a Rabbits Foot Fern?
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern, also known as the Hares Foot Fern or the Polypodium aureum, is a species of fern native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. This is a small, slow-growing fern, often used as a houseplant. The plant has long, thick, furry rhizomes (underground stems) that resemble the foot of a rabbit, which is where the plant gets its common name. The leaves are green and glossy, and they grow in a rosette pattern. The fern prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. They should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and it should be fertilized regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
How to Tend:
To care for a Rabbit’s Foot Fern, follow these guidelines:
- Light: The fern prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause the leaves to yellow or burn.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The fern likes high humidity, so you can place a tray of water near the plant, or mist the leaves regularly.
- Temperature: The fern prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing it in a drafty area or near a heat source.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize the fern regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate amount and frequency.
- Repotting: The fern should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
- Pest and Disease: Watch out for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Keep an eye out for brown, crispy leaves, which can be a sign of underwatering, or yellow leaves, which can be a sign of overwatering.
- Trim: Trim off any brown or yellow leaves as they appear.
By following these care guidelines, your Rabbit’s Foot Fern should be healthy and thriving.
Where to Purchase?
You can buy this eccentric fern at our Esty Shop. Happy Shopping!