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Davallia bullata, commonly known as Squirrel’s-Foot Fern or Deer’s-Foot Fern, is an attractive epiphytic fern admired for its finely divided green fronds and distinctive creeping rhizomes. These textured rhizomes gradually spread across the growing surface and may extend over the edge of the pot, creating the unusual “foot-like” appearance for which Davallia ferns are known.
This compact fern is particularly well suited to humid terrariums, paludariums, ripariums, and tropical indoor plant displays. It can be grown in a pot, mounted onto wood or cork, or positioned among rocks where its rhizomes can remain exposed. Its delicate foliage provides a soft, natural texture that works beautifully alongside mosses, small tropical plants, and detailed hardscape.
Davallia bullata is relatively easy to maintain when provided with bright filtered light, good air circulation, high humidity, and a light, well-draining growing medium. Although it appreciates consistently moist conditions, the roots should not remain waterlogged. This is an emersed fern and is not suitable for permanent full submersion in an aquarium.
Plant Type: Epiphytic or Lithophytic Fern
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Placement: Terrarium, Paludarium, Riparium, or Humid Indoor Display
Height: Approximately 20–30 cm
Lighting Requirements: Medium to Bright Filtered Light
Humidity Requirements: High humidity, ideally above 60%
Propagation: Rhizome division
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Davallia bullata |
| Common Name | Squirrel’s-Foot Fern, Deer’s-Foot Fern |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Origin | Himalayas to South-Central China and Northern Myanmar |
| Plant Type | Epiphytic or Lithophytic Fern |
| Recommended Placement | Terrarium, Paludarium, Riparium, or Humid Indoor Display |
| Height | Approximately 20–30 cm |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Lighting | Medium to Bright Filtered Light |
| Humidity | High, ideally above 60% |
| Moisture | Consistently moist but well drained |
| Propagation | Rhizome division |
| Product Form | Potted Plant |
This Horizon plant is supplied as a healthy potted plant and not as a tissue culture plant. Before placing it in its permanent growing area, carefully remove the plastic pot and inspect the growing medium and roots.
If repotting, use a light and airy mixture that drains freely while retaining some moisture. Suitable materials may include fine bark, coco fibre, sphagnum moss, or a loose terrarium substrate. Avoid using dense soil that remains saturated for prolonged periods.
The creeping rhizomes should remain on or above the surface of the growing medium. Do not completely bury the rhizomes, as poor air circulation around them may encourage deterioration or rot. The plant may also be mounted onto wood, cork, or stone with a small amount of moisture-retentive material placed around the roots.
Keep the growing medium slightly moist, but do not allow the pot to stand permanently in deep water. Good drainage and gentle air circulation are important, particularly in enclosed terrariums. Occasional misting can help maintain humidity, but the foliage should not remain constantly wet without airflow.
Provide medium to bright filtered light and protect the plant from harsh direct sunlight, which may scorch the delicate fronds. During acclimation, avoid sudden changes in temperature, humidity, lighting, or watering.
Remove damaged or ageing fronds close to the base using clean scissors. Propagation can be achieved by dividing a healthy section of rhizome that carries roots and at least one or two established fronds.
This fern is not a permanently submerged aquarium plant. It should be grown above the waterline or in an emersed section of a paludarium or riparium. Keeping the entire plant continuously underwater may cause the fronds and rhizomes to deteriorate.
Please note: As this is a living potted plant, its height, number of fronds, rhizome length, colour, and overall appearance may vary slightly from the photographs depending on the season, growing conditions, and stage of development.
