Fountain Grass vs Rabbit Foot Fern Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum
Fountain Grass is a perennial grass known for its graceful, arching foliage and bottlebrush-like flower plumes. Typically grown as an ornamental grass, it adds texture and movement to landscapes. It forms dense clumps of slender, linear leaves that can range in color from green to reddish-purple, depending on the cultivar. The feathery flower plumes emerge in summer and persist into fall, adding visual interest. While primarily an outdoor plant, it is sometimes grown in containers. It is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements in suitable climates.
Rabbit Foot Fern
Davallia fejeensis
The Rabbit's Foot Fern is an epiphytic fern characterized by its furry, creeping rhizomes that resemble rabbit's feet. These rhizomes grow over the edge of the pot, adding a unique textural element. The fronds are finely divided and lacy, creating a delicate, airy appearance. While it can be grown indoors, it thrives best in humid environments. People grow it for its unusual rhizomes and attractive foliage, making it a conversation piece.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Fountain Grass | Rabbit Foot Fern |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on weather and soil drainage | Every 7-10 days, depending on humidity and temperature |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 60-80% |
| Temperature | 18-30°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 0.6-1.5 meters (outdoor); significantly smaller in containers indoors (if attempted) | 30-60 cm |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining soil, such as a sandy loam or a general-purpose potting mix amended with perlite. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes monthly | 10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Fountain Grass
| Scientific Name | Pennisetum setaceum |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | Native to tropical Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula; naturalized in many other regions. |
| Also Known As | Fountain Grass, Crimson Fountain Grass, Purple Fountain Grass |
| Leaves | Slender, linear leaves that can range in color from green to reddish-purple, depending on the cultivar. The leaves are typically 30-90 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Flowers are produced in bottlebrush-like plumes that can be pink, purple, or white. The plumes emerge in summer and persist into fall. It is very unlikely to flower indoors. |
Rabbit Foot Fern
| Scientific Name | Davallia fejeensis |
|---|---|
| Family | Davalliaceae |
| Native To | Fiji and surrounding islands in the South Pacific |
| Also Known As | Rabbit's Foot Fern, Deer Foot Fern, Squirrel's Foot Fern |
| Leaves | The leaves (fronds) are finely divided and lacy, giving them a delicate and airy appearance. They are typically a vibrant green color. The fronds are triangular in shape and can grow up to 30-60 cm long. The texture is soft and slightly feathery. |
| Flowers | Rabbit's Foot Ferns rarely flower indoors. They reproduce via spores, which are located on the underside of the fronds. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Fountain Grass
Rabbit Foot Fern
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Fountain Grass
Methods: Seed, Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide established clumps in spring or fall. Sow seeds in spring after the last frost. Ensure good drainage and consistent moisture during germination.
Rabbit Foot Fern
Methods: Rhizome division, spores
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide the rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has healthy fronds and roots. Plant in a well-draining potting mix and keep humid.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Fountain Grass
Fountain Grass is known for its graceful, arching foliage and bottlebrush-like flower plumes. The flower plumes add visual interest and movement to landscapes. Its drought tolerance makes it a popular choice for xeriscaping.
- ✓ Adds visual interest to landscapes
- ✓ Provides habitat for birds and beneficial insects
- ✓ Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- ✓ Erosion control on slopes
- ✓ Can be used in cut flower arrangements
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Rabbit Foot Fern
The Rabbit's Foot Fern is unique due to its furry rhizomes that creep over the edge of the pot, giving it a distinctive and whimsical appearance. Unlike many ferns, its rhizomes are a prominent and attractive feature.
- ✓ Adds unique textural interest to your home decor.
- ✓ Pet-safe, so you don't have to worry about toxicity.
- ✓ Can help increase humidity in a small area.
- ✓ Provides a calming, natural element to your living space.
- ✓ Relatively easy to propagate and share with friends.
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Fountain Grass
Rabbit Foot Fern
🌞 Light Requirements
Fountain Grass
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Rabbit Foot Fern
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
Fountain Grass
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Signs of underwatering include drooping or browning leaves. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and a mushy base.
Rabbit Foot Fern
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering leads to yellowing fronds and mushy rhizomes. Underwatering causes the fronds to become crispy and brown.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Fountain Grass
Temperature: 18-30°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Rabbit Foot Fern
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 60-80%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceumGardeners looking for a low-maintenance, ornamental grass to add texture and movement to their outdoor landscapes.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a drought-tolerant ornamental grass for your garden.
- You appreciate the graceful, arching foliage and feathery flower plumes.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance plant that adds texture and movement to your landscape.
- You live in a warm climate where it can thrive outdoors.
- You want to attract birds to your garden.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a region where it is considered an invasive species.
- You do not have a sunny outdoor space.
- You are looking for a plant that thrives indoors.
Rabbit Foot Fern
Davallia fejeensisPlant enthusiasts who appreciate unique textures and are willing to provide the necessary humidity.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You love the unique look of the furry rhizomes cascading over the pot.
- You can provide the high humidity this plant needs to thrive.
- You want a plant that adds a textural element to your indoor garden.
- You are looking for a pet-safe fern.
- You enjoy a plant that is a conversation starter.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You cannot provide high humidity.
- You tend to overwater plants.
- You prefer low-maintenance plants that tolerate neglect.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Fountain Grass is rated Expert care level, while Rabbit Foot Fern is Moderate.
Fountain Grass has fast growth, while Rabbit Foot Fern grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Fountain Grass Care Tips
Fountain Grass is primarily an outdoor plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its high light requirements and potential size. It requires careful watering and fertilization. It can become invasive in some regions due to its prolific seed production.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Provide full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Cut back foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- Deadhead spent flower plumes to prevent unwanted seed dispersal.
Rabbit Foot Fern Care Tips
Rabbit's Foot Ferns require bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistent moisture. Maintaining high humidity can be challenging indoors, often requiring a humidifier or pebble tray. Regular fertilization during the growing season is beneficial.
- Mist the fronds regularly to increase humidity.
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry.
- Avoid placing the plant near drafts or heating vents.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Inspect regularly for pests.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Fountain Grass
Rabbit Foot Fern
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Fountain Grass
What are the light requirements for Fountain Grass?
Fountain Grass requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive and produce abundant blooms. Insufficient light can lead to weak growth, fewer flowers, and a generally unhealthy appearance. When planting Fountain Grass, choose a location that receives full sun exposure throughout the day.
How do I care for Fountain Grass?
Fountain Grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Prune back dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
How do I propagate Fountain Grass?
Fountain Grass is easily propagated by division. In early spring, carefully dig up the clump and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil and water thoroughly. Stem cuttings are not a reliable method. Keikis do not naturally occur on Fountain Grass.
Rabbit Foot Fern
What are the light requirements for Rabbit Foot Fern?
Rabbit Foot Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate fronds. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning light. A north-facing window can also work, though growth may be slower. If you only have south or west-facing windows, place the fern further away from the window or use a sheer curtain to filter the light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and pale fronds. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Monitor the fronds for signs of sunburn, such as browning or crisping, and adjust the plant’s location accordingly.
How do I care for Rabbit Foot Fern?
Rabbit Foot Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light and require consistently moist soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain high humidity levels by misting regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Repot every 1-2 years in the spring, using a well-draining potting mix. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds. Regularly remove any dead or yellowing fronds to encourage new growth. Provide temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
How do I propagate Rabbit Foot Fern?
Rabbit Foot Ferns can be propagated by division or spores.
Last updated: May 4, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.