Overview

Davallia mariesii is a fern in the genus Davallia, part of the Davalliaceae family. It typically grows around 0.15 metres tall. Davallia mariesii grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include indoor plant, terrariums and shaded rock gardens. It is native to East Asia.

About

Davallia mariesii is a small fern reaching about 0.15 metres that prefers shaded, moist conditions. It performs best in partial shade to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH. Suitable for pots, terrariums and shaded rock gardens, it retains presence through winter. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Davallia mariesii

About the genus

Davallia is a genus of about 40 species of fern. In the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016, it is the only genus in the family Davalliaceae, which is placed in the suborder Polypodiineae, order Polypodiales. Alternatively, the family may be placed in a very broadly defined family Polypodiaceae sensu lato as the subfamily Davallioideae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Davallia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Davallia

In the garden

A small fern native to East Asia, Davallia mariesii grows to roughly 0.15 metres and suits low, shaded positions. Its scale of growth and preference for shade make it particularly useful where a modest, ground-hugging plant is required rather than a tall specimen. Place it in partial shade or full shade and provide a compost or soil rich in humus that drains freely while retaining moisture; avoid dry, exposed sites. Aim for an acidic to neutral soil reaction and keep the root-run evenly moist. Its UK hardiness is H4 (average), so it will grow outdoors in many gardens where winters are not extreme but also adapts well to container culture indoors or in sheltered outdoor corners. Use Davallia mariesii in terrariums, as a small indoor fern or at the front of shaded rock gardens where its low height is an advantage. In pots select a free-draining, loam-rich mix and monitor moisture closely; in closed displays maintain steady humidity and low light levels. At just 0.15 metres tall it sits well on a low shelf in a terrarium or at the edge of a shaded bed, where its scale remains in proportion to surrounding plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Davallia

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

well-drained, humus-rich

Soil pH

acidic to neutral

Soil moisture

moist

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Davallia mariesii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Height

0.15 metres

Suggested uses

indoor plant, terrariums, shaded rock gardens

Native to

East Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Davallia mariesii

Cultivation

Keep in moist, well-drained soil with high humidity; avoid direct sunlight; suitable for indoor cultivation

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance

Propagation

Division of rhizomes

Frequently asked questions