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Polynesian Davallia (Tropical Hare's Foot Fern) care

Davallia solida

Also called Polynesian Davallia, Tropical Hare's Foot Fern, Solid Davallia.

RHS H1bUSDA 10–12Pet-safeIndoor 30–45 cm tall

Watering rhythm

5-7days

Every 5–7 days in summer, every 10–14 days in winter

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Light

Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window)

Soil

Epiphytic, coarse, free-draining bark mix

Humidity

45–65%

Temp

15–28 °C

Pet safety

Pet-safe

Mature size

30–45 cm tall

Care at a glance

Light

Polynesian Davallia is what florists mean by "bright spot, no direct sun" — close enough to a south or east window to feel the brightness, with a sheer curtain or a few feet of distance keeping the sun off the leaves. Grows best in bright, indirect light — near a window with filtered sun or a few feet from a south- or west-facing window. More light-tolerant than many ferns due to its leathery fronds, but sustained direct midday sun causes bleaching and crispy frond edges. A phone lux-meter at the leaf surface should read 1,500-3,000 lux at noon.

Watering

Water polynesian davallia every 5–7 days in summer, every 10–14 days in winter. The actual day count varies with pot size, light, and season — the finger test (or lifting the pot to feel its weight) is more reliable than a fixed calendar. Empty any drainage saucer afterwards so the pot isn't sitting in water. Water thoroughly when the top third of the potting medium is dry. As an epiphyte, Davallia solida is more drought-tolerant than terrestrial ferns and dislikes consistently soggy roots. Its rhizomes store some moisture; overwatering causes rhizome rot faster than drought does.

Soil and pot

Polynesian Davallia grows best in epiphytic, coarse, free-draining bark mix. Use coarse orchid bark mixed with perlite (1:1), or a bromeliad/epiphyte mix. Heavy potting composts retain too much moisture and will rot the surface rhizomes. Alternatively, mount the plant on cork bark or tree fern fibre for the most naturalistic growing conditions. A pot with a working drainage hole is non-negotiable for this species — even free-draining mix will turn soggy in a closed planter. If you love the look of a decorative pot without a hole, use it as a cachepot around an inner nursery pot you can lift out to water.

Humidity and temperature

Polynesian Davallia sits happiest at around 45–65% humidity and 15–28 °C (59–82 °F). More tolerant of average indoor humidity than most ferns, making it a better choice for typical home conditions. Humidity above 45% keeps fronds healthy. Avoid prolonged exposure below 40% — use a pebble tray or humidifier in winter when heating is running. Rhizomes should not be misted directly. If you keep the room above 15–28 °C year-round and avoid placing the plant near a cold draught, a hot radiator, or an air-conditioning vent, you have already handled the two biggest indoor stressors.

Fertilising

Feed polynesian davallia sparingly. Feed monthly at half strength with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season (spring to early autumn). Davallia species are light feeders; excess nitrogen causes soft, pest-prone growth. No feeding needed in winter when the plant may partially go dormant. Skip fertiliser entirely on a stressed, recently-repotted, or actively wilting plant — fertiliser salts make damage worse, not better. Wait for a round of healthy new growth before resuming a feeding rhythm.

Common problems

Below are the issues we see most often on polynesian davallia in the Growli community. Each is annotated with the most common cause so you know where to start.

  • Shrivelled or rotting rhizomes — Rhizomes shrivel when the plant is severely under-watered, or rot when constantly wet. Water thoroughly when the medium is partially dry, never leave in standing water, and ensure the coarse growing medium drains freely. Rotted sections should be cut away cleanly.
  • Frond drop in winter — Davallia solida may partially or fully lose its fronds in cool winter conditions — this is semi-dormancy, not death. Keep rhizomes barely moist, maintain temperatures above 15 °C, and new fronds will emerge in spring as light and warmth return.
  • Scale insects — Hard, waxy brown scales cluster on frond undersides and along rhizomes, causing yellowing and sticky residue. Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol and follow up with repeated neem oil applications every 7–10 days.

Propagation

Propagate by cutting rhizome sections 5–8 cm long with at least one frond or frond node attached. Pin rhizome sections onto the surface of a moist, coarse bark mix or moss and keep in a warm, humid location. New fronds emerge within 4–8 weeks. Avoid burying the rhizome below the surface. Propagation is the cheapest, most satisfying way to expand a collection — and it doubles as insurance against losing a mature plant to an accident. Take a backup cutting once the parent is established and healthy.

Toxicity to pets

Polynesian Davallia is pet-safe. Davallia solida belongs to the family Davalliaceae. Davallia ferns are not listed as toxic to cats or dogs by the ASPCA, and no toxic principles have been identified in this genus. The fuzzy rhizomes are safe for curious pets that may investigate them. If you keep cats, dogs, or curious children in the house, weigh placement carefully — a high shelf or a hanging planter is enough for casual safety. For severe ingestion incidents, call your local vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (in the US, 888-426-4435).

Pet-safety status is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, which catalogues the most-asked-about plants for cats, dogs, and horses.

Polynesian Davallia care — frequently asked questions

What is the common name for Davallia solida?

Davallia solida is most commonly called Polynesian Davallia, but it is also known as Polynesian Davallia, Tropical Hare's Foot Fern, Solid Davallia. The names refer to the same species, so care instructions for Polynesian Davallia apply identically to anything sold as Tropical Hare's Foot Fern.

How much light does polynesian davallia need?

Polynesian Davallia grows best in bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Grows best in bright, indirect light — near a window with filtered sun or a few feet from a south- or west-facing window. More light-tolerant than many ferns due to its leathery fronds, but sustained direct midday sun causes bleaching and crispy frond edges.

How often should I water polynesian davallia?

Water polynesian davallia every 5–7 days in summer, every 10–14 days in winter. Water thoroughly when the top third of the potting medium is dry. As an epiphyte, Davallia solida is more drought-tolerant than terrestrial ferns and dislikes consistently soggy roots. Its rhizomes store some moisture; overwatering causes rhizome rot faster than drought does. The finger-test (or lifting the pot to feel its weight) beats a fixed weekly calendar because pot size, light, and season all change how fast the soil dries.

Is polynesian davallia toxic to cats and dogs?

Polynesian Davallia is pet-safe. Davallia solida belongs to the family Davalliaceae. Davallia ferns are not listed as toxic to cats or dogs by the ASPCA, and no toxic principles have been identified in this genus. The fuzzy rhizomes are safe for curious pets that may investigate them.

What USDA hardiness zone does polynesian davallia grow in?

Polynesian Davallia is rated for USDA zone 10–12 and RHS hardiness H1b. Outside that range, grow it as a container plant that overwinters indoors before the first hard frost.

Polynesian Davallia deep-dive guides

Every aspect of polynesian davallia care, each with its own calibrated guide:

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Polynesian Davallia is also known as Polynesian Davallia, Tropical Hare's Foot Fern, and Solid Davallia.