About
Davallia canariensis, the deer's foot fern, is a spreading, deciduous fern with thick, scaly rhizomes and broad, finely divided fronds 20�50 cm long. A charming and ornamental fern for a shaded, sheltered position or as a houseplant.
About the genus
Davallia are evergreen or deciduous ferns with creeping, conspicuously scaly rhizomes and finely divided, ovate or triangular fronds. Known as hare's foot or squirrel's foot ferns from their fur-like rhizomes, they are popular as houseplants and conservatory plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toW Mediterranean to Atlantic Islands
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass, or as a houseplant, in equal parts coarse leaf mould or peat substitute, moss, bark, sharp sand, charcoal and pine needles. Requires bright, indirect light and high humidity. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationDivide rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has roots
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free