Troubleshooting
Squirrel's Foot Fern problems — and how to fix them
Squirrel's Foot Fern (Davallia trichomanoides) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Rhizome rot
Caused by burying or constantly wetting the surface rhizomes. Keep them on top of the medium and water the root zone below.
Frond die-back in winter
This fern can be semi-deciduous; frond loss in low winter light and cool temperatures is normal. Reduce watering and new fronds emerge in spring.
Scale insects
Can colonise the furry rhizomes. Treat with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap spray.
Brown frond tips in dry air
Though more drought-tolerant than many ferns, very dry centrally heated air causes tip browning. Mist rhizomes occasionally.
Pot-bound rhizomes
The creeping rhizomes will cascade over the pot edge — this is normal. Repot when rhizomes cover more than half the exterior of the pot.
Prevent squirrel's foot fern problems before they start
Most squirrel's foot fern issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Squirrel's Foot Fern problems — FAQ
Why is my squirrel's foot fern rhizome rot?
Caused by burying or constantly wetting the surface rhizomes. Keep them on top of the medium and water the root zone below.
Why is my squirrel's foot fern frond die-back in winter?
This fern can be semi-deciduous; frond loss in low winter light and cool temperatures is normal. Reduce watering and new fronds emerge in spring.
Why is my squirrel's foot fern scale insects?
Can colonise the furry rhizomes. Treat with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap spray.
Why is my squirrel's foot fern brown frond tips in dry air?
Though more drought-tolerant than many ferns, very dry centrally heated air causes tip browning. Mist rhizomes occasionally.
Why is my squirrel's foot fern pot-bound rhizomes?
The creeping rhizomes will cascade over the pot edge — this is normal. Repot when rhizomes cover more than half the exterior of the pot.