Davallia mariesii
Squirrel’s-foot fern · Ball fern · Fern squirrelfoot
Description
Source: leafsnapDavallia mariesii, the squirrel's foot fern, is a species of epiphytic fern native to Japan and eastern Asia. It is deciduous, growing to 15 cm (6 in), with rhizomes covered in brown scales and finely-dissected, flat, triangular fronds. If provided with winter protection, it is hardy down to −7 °C (19 °F). In cultivation it is used as groundcover in moist, shady areas.This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full shade
Squirrel's-Foot Fern performs best with moderate sunlight and can tolerate both abundant and scarce light conditions. It was originally found in habitats characterized by varying light intensity and adapts well to different light environments. Excessive or insufficient light exposure can affect its growth, though the impact is not severe.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
The Squirrel's-Foot Fern needs warm conditions to thrive; its native growing environment ranges from 68 to 86℉ (20 to 30℃). Generally, it prefers temperatures between 68 and 100℉ (20 to 38℃). In colder months, it is recommended to move the plant to a warmer location or use a heating pad to keep it within its preferred temperature range.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-6
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting a Squirrel's-Foot Fern, select a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits just below the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the fern in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Fern
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Davallia
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 25 cm
- Mature Spread
- 1.52 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Native Area
- Nepal, India, Myanmar, Bhutan, China