Rabbits Foot Fern

Rabbits foot fern (Humata tyermannii) is the fern to buy if other ferns have died on you. It stays small at about 30cm tall and 50cm across, and the silver furred rhizomes creep over the pot rim and hang down like small paws, which is where the name comes from. Those rhizomes store water, so it forgives the missed watering that kills a maidenhair.

Why you'll love it

• The furry rhizomes are the feature. Pale silver brown and as decorative as the fronds.
• Tougher than it looks. Leathery fronds mean it handles a dry week better than most ferns.
• Safe with cats and dogs. Not toxic, so it can sit at floor level.
• It stays small. At 30cm by 50cm it suits a bathroom shelf or a hanging basket.

Where it works best

Indoors. This is the use it suits best. A bright bathroom, a kitchen bench out of direct sun or a shelf near an east facing window all work, and indoors removes the climate limit.

Pots, baskets, balconies and courtyards. A wide shallow pot or a hanging basket beats a deep one, because the rhizomes run across the surface rather than dig down. Outdoors it needs shade and shelter.

Growing rabbits foot fern in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light or dappled shade. Direct sun scorches the fronds within days. Outdoors it suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens only, and it is frost tender.

Soil. A free draining mix with plenty of bark or coir, or an orchid and fern mix. Never bury the rhizomes. They must sit on the surface or they rot.

Water and feed. Keep the mix lightly moist, not wet, watering when the top 2cm feels dry. Half strength liquid fertiliser monthly through spring and summer is plenty. It wants humidity, so group it with other plants or use a pebble tray.

Pruning. Cut browned fronds off at the base. Leave the rhizomes alone; a piece pinned onto fresh mix will start another plant.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold in 125mm pots in packs of ten, which suits a row of baskets or several rooms at once. Each plant is establishing rather than full, with a few fronds and the beginnings of the furry rhizomes at the pot edge. That surface growth builds over the first year.

Ferns feel travel, so some frond browning on arrival is normal rather than a fault. Trim the damaged fronds, keep the plant humid and shaded, and new growth usually appears within three to four weeks. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read our guide to fern positions in the garden.
• Compare the ferns for shady areas collection.
• Browse other indoor plants safe around pets.
• Avoid the usual mistakes with watering and light indoors.

Common questions

Should I bury the furry rhizomes?

No. They sit on top of the mix and creep over the pot rim. Buried rhizomes rot, which is the most common way this fern is lost.

Can I grow it outside?

Yes, in a tropical, subtropical or warm temperate garden, in full shade and out of wind. It will not take frost, so in cooler gardens keep it potted and move it under cover for winter.

How often does it need watering?

Roughly weekly indoors, more in summer, judged by the top 2cm of mix rather than the calendar. Sitting in a full saucer will kill it.