Artificial Squirrel Foot Fern ~80cm

Artificial Squirrel’s Foot Fern — 80cm

The Squirrel’s Foot Fern (Davallia mariesii) is a fern genus native to Japan and eastern Asia, deciduous, with finely dissected, flat, triangular fronds that give it a delicate, lacy texture unlike broader-leaved ferns. At 80cm, this artificial version reproduces both the fine frond detail and the plant’s other defining feature.

Where the Name Comes From

This fern is named for its rhizomes — thick, furry, brown creeping stems that grow along the soil surface and, on a mature specimen, trail visibly over the rim of the pot. Covered in fine brown hairs, they genuinely resemble small furry paws or feet reaching over the edge. It’s this detail, as much as the foliage itself, that makes the plant instantly recognisable and gives it its common name.

Our version reproduces this rhizome detail alongside the fronds, which is what separates a convincing squirrel’s foot fern from a generic artificial fern with the wrong name attached.

Why Real Ferns Struggle Indoors in Singapore

Ferns in general are unforgiving of Singapore’s typical indoor conditions. Most want consistently high humidity and struggle in air-conditioned rooms, where dry air quickly browns and crisps frond tips. Davallia specifically is also sensitive to how it’s potted — the rhizomes need to sit partly exposed on the surface rather than buried, and they rot readily if kept too wet, which makes overwatering (the instinctive response to a struggling houseplant) actively counterproductive.

The result is a plant that looks striking in a nursery photo and declines quickly in a typical home or office. This artificial version holds the same lacy fronds and furry rhizome detail indefinitely, in any humidity level, with no risk of rot.

Construction & Detail

• Finely dissected fronds reproducing the flat, triangular, lacy texture characteristic of Davallia
• Textured rhizome detail at the base, trailing naturally over the pot rim
• Matte foliage finish — gloss is an immediate giveaway on fine-textured fern foliage
• Round pot base for stability

Where It Works

• Console tables and sideboards — the trailing rhizomes read well at eye level
• Desks and shelves — a more delicate texture than broadleaf plants, good for softening a hard-edged interior
• Bathrooms and low-light corners — no humidity or light requirement, unlike the real plant
• Clinics and childcare — no soil, no pollen, no watering rounds for staff
• Small floor positions — at 80cm it works as a modest floor accent as well as a tabletop feature

Styling Notes

Let the rhizomes trail. Position the plant so the furry rhizome detail is visible over the pot edge rather than tucked behind the fronds — this is the feature that makes the plant recognisable.

Open the fronds fully on arrival; foliage ships compressed and needs separating to show its lacy texture properly.

Pot it up in a shallow, wide container rather than a tall narrow one — real Davallia is typically grown shallow, and a wide pot suits the trailing rhizomes better. Browse our planter range.

Care & Longevity

Wipe or dust gently every few weeks — fine fronds are easiest cleaned with a soft brush or a cool-setting hairdryer rather than wiping directly. Kept indoors, expect years of service with no colour change.

Outdoor Use

Suitable for sheltered outdoor positions such as covered balconies and shaded verandas. Prolonged direct sun and heavy rain shorten the life of any artificial foliage.

Corporate & Bulk Supply

Craftway Floral has supplied artificial greenery to Singapore businesses since 1990. We handle multi-unit orders, planter matching and on-site installation. Volume pricing applies from small quantities upward.

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Browse more medium artificial plants 2.5–4ft or the full artificial plant collection.