How to Prune a Rabbit Foot Fern

Davallia fejeensis is commonly known as the rabbit's foot fern. The rhizomes grow until they hang over the edges of the pot, resembling a fuzzy rabbit's foot. The rabbit's foot fern is relatively easy to grow, preferring high humidity and bright filtered light. Unlike many ferns, allow the rabbit's foot fern's soil to dry to the touch before watering. If the ends of the rhizomes turn dark, the culprit is hard water, over-fertilizing or over-watering.

Scissors
Serrated knife

Instructions

- 1
  Place the fern's basket on a large upside-down pan or bowl. This holds the fern above the counter, avoiding damage to the "rabbit feet" rhizomes.
- 2
  Spread the green fronds gently to locate the bottom of the dead fronds. Snip those off with scissors, just above the rhizomes.
- 3
  Examine the fronds for evidence of pests or mildew. Powdery mildew is caused by excessive moisture or humidity. Pests include fungus gnats, mealybugs, red spider mites and whiteflies.
- 4
  Divide rabbit's foot ferns by pruning all the fronds back to the base of the plant. Carefully remove the fern from the basket. Cut into quarters with a serrated knife and re-pot in small baskets using a potting mix for ferns. Do not cover the rhizomes with soil, rabbit's foot fern rhizomes grow on top of the soil. Water sparingly until new fronds appear.

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