Davallia tyermanii

A silver-rhizomed fern from subtropical Asian forests

Davallia tyermanii is native to northern Myanmar, southern and southeastern China, and Taiwan. It is an epiphytic or rock-dwelling fern, with creeping rhizomes densely covered in pale scales.

In subtropical forest the rhizomes travel across bark, mossy rock and other exposed surfaces. They grip small pockets of organic material and send fine roots into cracks, while divided fronds rise into humid, moving air. Rain wets the host surface quickly, and moisture then drains away as the forest canopy filters the strongest sunlight.

Moisture and airflow for healthy fronds

Feeding new fronds and furry rhizomes

Apply a dilute balanced foliage feed while Davallia tyermanii is extending new fronds and furry rhizomes. Stop when central frond production slows.

Humid air around fine blue-green fronds

Average humidity can work with careful watering, but moderate to high humidity helps the fronds unfurl fully and keeps exposed rhizome tips growing. Misting alone cannot hydrate the roots and may keep the rhizome hairs damp only at the surface; use consistent room humidity and water the root ball thoroughly.

Light

Place White Rabbit’s Foot Fern close to an east or north-east window, or a short distance from a brighter south or west exposure. Hot midday rays can scorch the fine leaflets and overheat exposed rhizomes; low light creates long, weak fronds and slows the growth that covers the pot.

A loose fern mix beneath creeping rabbit feet

Use a very airy epiphytic-fern mix of fine bark, coir or a little sphagnum, with perlite or pumice and a modest amount of quality potting substrate. Keep every furry rhizome on top of the mix or attached across the basket surface; never bury it.

Frond and rhizome care

Let the furry rhizomes creep over a pot edge or basket; they are the support structure and must not be trimmed merely for neatness. Divide only a healthy section carrying several fronds, rhizome and roots.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Davallia tyermanii

Pale furry feet creep over the pot edge

These are the fern’s surface rhizomes, not mould, roots that need burying or animal fur. Healthy rhizomes are firm beneath their pale covering and naturally travel across the pot. Leave them exposed on the surface. Investigate only sections that become black, hollow, slimy or foul-smelling.

Rhizomes shrivel and the fine fronds crisp together

The exposed feet and delicate fronds have probably dried too far. Check the mix and the rhizome itself, then rehydrate a dry but still firm plant evenly. Keep future moisture steadier without submerging the furry rhizomes. A wet pot with the same symptoms points to failed roots, not thirst.

A buried furry foot turns dark and soft

Davallia rhizomes need air at the surface and can rot when covered deeply or kept constantly saturated. Uncover the foot, cut the affected section back to firm tissue and refresh stale mix around the remaining roots. Act before softness reaches the next growing point along the creeping rhizome.

Rows of brown marks appear beneath mature fronds

Regular brown sori on the underside are normal spore-producing structures. They stay in organised positions and do not make the upper surface wet or yellow. Leave them alone. Irregular insects, sticky residue or spreading lesions do not match sori and should be examined separately.

New fronds stay small after repotting

Disturbance to the fine roots or creeping rhizome can pause growth. Keep the feet on the surface, the mix evenly moist and the plant in filtered light while it re-establishes. Avoid feeding heavily to force fronds. A shrinking or blackening rhizome indicates damage.

Davallia tyermanii is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Where does the name Davallia tyermanii come from?

Davallia honours the Swiss-English botanist Edmund Davall. Tyermanii honours John Simpson Tyerman, a British horticulturist and fern collector who served as curator of Liverpool Botanic Garden.

James Edward Smith established the genus Davallia in 1793 in Mémoires de l’Académie Royale des Sciences de Turin, volume 5, page 414.

Thomas Moore first described it as Humata tyermanii in 1871 in Gardeners’ Chronicle, volume 1871, page 870. Harry James Veitch later placed it in Davallia as Davallia tyermanii in 1873 in Catalogue of New and Beautiful Plants, volume 1873, page 18.