Davallia Parvula
Plant Profile
Davallia parvula is a miniature epiphytic fern prized by scapers for its micro-divided, lace-like fronds and distinctive hairy rhizomes. Growing across moist rock faces and tree bark in nature, it is a versatile pick for collections of terrarium plants that need fine, moss-like texture without aggressive rambling. Its creeping rhizomes anchor securely across damp wood, cork bark, or background walls while fronds unfurl in airy layers. As one of the most adaptable humidity-loving plants for enclosed glass, it creates a soft, aged aesthetic across humid vivarium layouts and moist paludarium shorelines when given bright indirect light and good air movement.
Key Features & Notes
- Micro-divided fronds and fuzzy creeping rhizomes create a dense, natural moss-like texture.
- Epiphytic habit allows easy mounting onto damp driftwood, background panels, and porous stone.
- Compact growth rate keeps foliage neat without crowding out neighboring slow-growing species.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Affix the creeping rhizome onto damp driftwood, lava rock, or cork bark using thread or plant glue, keeping the main hairy stem exposed rather than buried deep in soil.
- Maintain humidity between 65% and 85%, ensuring the rhizome stays damp while allowing delicate fronds to dry slightly between mistings.
- Snip yellowing or older outer fronds close to the rhizome with sharp shears to encourage fresh fiddleheads and improve airflow.
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Note that each bare-root order includes an established rhizome portion with 2 to 4 healthy fronds ready for mounting.
- Davallia parvula are terrestrial plants, and being submerged will result in the death of the plants.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Davallia parvula |
| Common Name(s) | Mini Rabbit's Foot Fern, Davallia Parvula |
| Family | Davalliaceae |
| Plant Type | Epiphytic / Lithophytic Miniature Fern |
| Care Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Light Requirement | Moderate to Bright (Indirect) |
| Submersion Suitability | Emersed Only (Not for full submersion) |
| Placement / Usage | Epiphytic Mount, Background Walls, Hardscape Crevices |
| Height / Size | 1"–3" (2.5–7.5 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Humidity Requirement | High (> 65% RH) |
| Propagation Method | Rhizome Division |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Davallia parvula survive in a closed terrarium?
Yes. It thrives in high-humidity glass enclosures when mounted on wood or rock, provided foliage is not kept constantly waterlogged.
2. Should the fuzzy rhizome of Davallia parvula be buried under soil?
No. Burying the rhizome causes it to rot. Fasten it directly onto moist wood, rock, or sphagnum moss with the top exposed.
3. How do you propagate Davallia parvula?
Cut a section of healthy creeping rhizome that contains at least two healthy fronds and roots, then pin it to damp moss until established.