Thesefernsare usually epiphytic (growing on other plants and absorbing nutrients and moisture through the air).
Read on for our care guide.
Indoors, a north-facing or east-facing window is ideal.
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Never expose them to direct sunlight unless they’ve been carefully acclimated.
They also grow well under artificial lights.
Soil
Rabbit’s foot ferns like a loamy, rich soil with plenty of peat.
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Drainage is not a paramount concern (although they dislike being waterlogged).
A peat-based potting mix will naturally have a slightly acidic pH, which these plants enjoy.
It’s important not to let the rhizomes dry out, which will weaken and possibly kill the plants.
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Fertilizer
Feed with a weak liquidfertilizerevery two to three weeks throughout the growing season.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
In late fall through spring (October to March), feeding can be reduced.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
The more delicate varieties require more water than their thicker cousins.
Pruning
Dead fronds can be removed as they appear, but no other pruning is necessary.
Propagating
As with other clumping ferns, rabbit’s foot ferns are relatively easy to propagate.
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It’s best to perform this operation on older plants so you might get the most viable rhizome possible.
The plants do not need frequent repotting and should be encouraged to overgrow their pots a little bit.
For best growth,repotevery other year and only when the plant is dormant,usually in the winter.
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Use a shallow, well-draining pot for rabbit’s foot fern.
Remember that these plants do not draw moisture from the soil, but rather from the air.
Common Problems With Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Growing these plants well requires a somewhat careful touch.
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Also avoid spraying chemical insecticides on the plant, relying instead on natural pesticides, such as horticultural oil.
Rabbit’s foot fern can also be easily scorched by direct sunlight.
Discolored or Limp Fronds
Limp fronds usually indicate too much water.
If the fronds are yellowed, with brown tips, the plant probably needs more humidity.
Outdoor cultivation in garden soil isn’t very practical.
The other species have coarser fronds and rhizomes that are notably rough and scaly.
Occasional division will be necessary.
North Carolina State Extension.
