Footed Ferns

There are thousands of different kinds of ferns in the world, and some even look like they have little feet!

Popular varieties of footed ferns include rabbit's foot fern, deer's foot fern, and squirrel's foot fern. They're usually grown as houseplants, often in hanging baskets. Their furry "feet" are actually the rhizomes of the plant. These specialized stems help the plants cling to trees where they grow in the wild.

Like most ferns, they prefer moderate, indirect light, and a fairly humid environment. Water them lightly but often, and take care not to overwater them. Over time, the feet will grow down the sides of the pot, which can make transplanting a little difficult. The good news is that any feet that break off can be rooted to make new plants.

UF/IFAS Publications