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How to Grow Davallia bullata

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Davallia bullata

Davallia bullata

fern

Davallia bullata, commonly known as the Squirrel's Foot Fern, is a delicate epiphytic fern native to Southeast Asia. It is prized for its finely divided, lacy fronds and distinctive fuzzy, cinnamon-colored rhizomes that resemble a squirrel's paw. This charming fern thrives as a houseplant and is particularly suited to hanging baskets where its creeping rhizomes can cascade elegantly.

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Example Davallia bullata timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Davallia bullata

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Davallia bullata

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Davallia bullata dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; 2-4 hours of dappled light daily; avoid direct sun
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; prefer slightly humid conditions. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Increase humidity via misting or pebble trays.
📏
Spacing: 8-12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: N/A (perennial fern, matures over 12-18 months)
🌱
Planting depth: Rhizomes should rest on soil surface; do not bury

Soil

Type: Well-draining, airy epiphytic mix (orchid bark, sphagnum moss, perlite)
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Orchid bark Sphagnum moss Perlite Charcoal

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10-11; grown indoors year-round in cooler climates

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Young fern with minimal fronds and small, developing rhizomes

Keep humidity high (60%+); avoid direct disturbance; ensure consistent moisture

2

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Fronds expand, rhizomes lengthen and become hairier; plant fills out

Maintain bright indirect light and stable moisture; mist regularly to encourage growth

3

Maturation

Ongoing (perennial)

Full cascade of lacy fronds develops; cinnamon-colored rhizomes prominently visible and fuzzy

Reduce misting slightly to prevent rhizome rot; prune dead fronds; rotate for even growth

4

Sporulation

Variable (typically spring-summer)

Spores develop on underside of fronds (small brown dots); can be used for propagation

Collect spores if propagating; otherwise maintenance continues normally

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera) Platycerium bifurcatum (Staghorn Fern) Aeschynanthus (Lipstick Plant) Peperomia varieties Alocasia varieties

Avoid planting near:

Direct heating vents Cold drafts from windows Sources of ethylene gas (ripening fruit)

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe

  • Remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; isolate plant; spray with insecticidal soap

  • Remove manually with brush; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil

  • Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh soil if rhizomes blacken

Uses

🏠

Indoor Air Purification

Household

Like all ferns, Davallia bullata helps remove air toxins and increases humidity levels indoors, promoting a healthier home environment. [source]

🎨

Ornamental Display & Terrarium Specimen

Craft

Its cascading, delicate fronds and distinctive fuzzy rhizomes make it an elegant choice for hanging baskets, terrariums, and botanical displays. [source]

🦋

Humidity Microhabitat

Wildlife

The fern's moisture-rich growing environment attracts beneficial insects and supports a mini-ecosystem, making it valuable for biodiverse indoor gardening. [source]

💊

Traditional Asian Herbal Use

Medicinal

In Southeast Asian traditional medicine, Davallia species have been used to support respiratory health and general wellness, though modern scientific validation is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Davallia bullata is not harvested for yield. Remove dead or yellowing fronds by cutting at the base near the rhizome. Collect spores from fertile fronds (with brown sori on undersides) in paper bags for propagation if desired.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The fuzzy, cinnamon-colored rhizomes resemble a squirrel's foot, which is the origin of its common name 'Squirrel's Foot Fern.'
  • 🌱 Davallia bullata is an epiphytic fern, meaning it naturally grows on trees in its native habitat rather than in soil, which is why it thrives in loose, airy potting mixes.
  • 🌱 This fern propagates via spores rather than seeds; a single frond can release millions of microscopic spores that will develop into new plants under the right moisture and light conditions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

pH
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