Rabbit's foot fern
Davallia spp. (Polypodiaceae)
Also called Hare Fern, Squirrel Foot Fern, Deer Foot Fern, Ball Fern.
Cats and dogs
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.
Source: ASPCA entry "Rabbits Foot Fern", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol Copes
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Give it good bright, indirect light or a bright shady spot; north- or east-facing windows suit it. Avoid direct sun.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Keep the mix moist, letting the top half inch dry between waterings, and water a bit less from fall to late winter.
Tolerates lower humidity than most ferns but looks best in humid air.
More pet-safe plants for similar light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Boston fern bright indirect light
- Cape primrose (Streptocarpus) bright indirect light
- Christmas cactus bright indirect light
- Earth star (Cryptanthus) bright indirect light
- Friendship plant (Pilea involucrata) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Rabbits Foot Fern"
- Light and care: NC State Extension, "Davallia fejeensis | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox"
- Light and care: Missouri Botanical Garden, "Davallia fejeensis - Plant Finder"
- Light and care: Missouri Botanical Garden, "Davallia canariensis - Plant Finder"