Deer Foot Fern - Davallia Canariensis

What Is a Deer Foot Fern?

The Deer Foot Fern—botanically known as Davallia Canariensis—is a unique epiphytic fern native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and parts of North Africa. It gets its name from its furry, creeping rhizomes that look like deer hooves.

What makes this fern stand out is not just the fronds, but the exposed root-like rhizomes that sprawl over pots, rocks, and driftwood. These rhizomes store water and nutrients, which makes it more resilient than many other ferns I’ve dealt with.

How Do I Care for My Deer Foot Fern?

Here’s how I keep mine thriving:

Light: Bright, indirect light is perfect. Avoid direct sun—it scorches the fronds.
Watering: I let the top inch of the soil dry before watering. Overwatering leads to root rot. Underwatering leads to crispy fronds.
Humidity: It loves humidity. I keep mine near a humidifier or mist it every couple of days.
Soil: Well-draining soil is key. I use a mix of peat, orchid bark, and perlite.
Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), I feed it monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer.

In short, treat it like a tropical guest—keep it warm, humid, and gently hydrated.

Why Are the Rhizomes Fuzzy?

The rhizomes of Davallia Canariensis are not only decorative but functional. The fuzz, or trichomes, protect the plant from extreme temperature swings and moisture loss.

When people see my Deer Foot Fern, their first reaction is usually, “What are those hairy things?” They think it’s a pest problem—but it’s actually a sign of a healthy fern. I never cover the rhizomes with soil—they need to breathe.

How Is Deer Foot Fern Different from Rabbit Foot Fern?

Great question. I grow both, so I can speak from direct experience.

Deer Foot Fern (Davallia Canariensis): The rhizomes are lighter in color and thicker. The fronds are broader and a bit coarser.
Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia Fejeensis): The rhizomes are darker, softer, and denser. Its fronds are more delicate and feathery.

If you want a bolder look, go with Deer Foot. If you prefer softness and fluff, Rabbit Foot is your fern.

Can I Mount a Deer Foot Fern on Wood?

Yes—and it looks amazing. I mounted one on a driftwood slab last year. The rhizomes crawl naturally across the surface, and the fronds dangle down elegantly.

Here’s my method:

Wrap the roots and rhizomes in sphagnum moss.
Tie it to the wood using twine or fishing line.
Mist regularly and keep in a humid spot.

This replicates how it grows in the wild—attached to tree trunks in subtropical forests.

Is It Pet Safe?

According to the ASPCA and pet plant safety guides, Davallia Canariensis is non-toxic to cats and dogs. My dog once chewed a rhizome (don’t ask), and he was totally fine. Still, I now keep it on a shelf, just in case.

Why Is My Deer Foot Fern Turning Brown?

If your Deer Foot Fern has brown fronds or crispy rhizomes, here’s what might be going wrong:

Low humidity: It needs at least 50% humidity. Anything less and it starts to suffer.
Overwatering: Rotting rhizomes are a red flag. Check the soil and roots.
Direct sunlight: Burnt fronds mean it’s getting too much sun.

I solved my brown-frond issue by moving the plant to a north-facing window and adding a pebble tray for extra humidity.

How Fast Does Deer Foot Fern Grow?

In my experience, it’s a slow but steady grower. During spring and summer, I see new fronds pop up every few weeks. The rhizomes also extend steadily if conditions are right.

Patience is key. If you give it what it loves—light, moisture, and air—it will reward you in time.

Can I Propagate It?

Absolutely. Here’s how I do it:

Cut a healthy rhizome with 2–3 fronds attached.
Let the cut dry for a day to prevent rot.
Place it on moist sphagnum moss.
Keep it humid and warm until roots form.

I’ve successfully propagated three new plants this way. It takes about a month to see solid root development.

Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend Deer Foot Fern

Out of all the ferns in my indoor jungle, the Deer Foot Fern is one of the most interactive and visually engaging. It’s great for beginners who want something more resilient than a Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) and more striking than a typical Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum).

The texture, the rhizomes, the way it spills over containers—it’s a living sculpture. If you’re looking for a plant that blends tropical aesthetics, hardy behavior, and visual curiosity, I’d say this is the one.