Those Fuzzy “Tails” on Rabbit’s Foot Fern: What They Do—and What They Don’t

The roots of rabbit’s foot fern grow with white, fuzzy tips, while the skin is green.

So when your rabbit’s foot fern is growing well, you’ll see these white, furry, tail-like structures spreading everywhere, almost like little paws reaching out in all directions.

These roots are not meant to be buried in soil.

This leads to three common questions:

1. Should the roots of rabbit’s foot fern be buried, or left exposed?

2. Can the roots absorb moisture from the air?

3. Since the roots look green, can they perform photosynthesis?

Let’s give the answers first, then explain why:

1) Do not bury the roots.

2) Yes, they can absorb moisture from the air.

3) No, they cannot perform photosynthesis.

Now let’s break it down—this is especially important for moss terrariums and mounted plant setups.

The “roots” we are familiar with:

The true roots grow downward from the rhizome and are mainly responsible for:

anchoring the plant

absorbing water and nutrients

While for rabbit’s foot fern, what we usually see is more accurately described as rhizomes plus roots.

Rabbit’s foot fern is an epiphytic fern by nature. It does not rely on deep soil to survive.

The fuzzy mass "roots" you see creeping over rocks or wood is primarily the rhizome, not underground roots.

Characteristics of the rhizome"

1) Grows horizontally

2) Spreads over rocks, wood, and moss surfaces

3) Covered in fine hairs

4) Excellent at absorbing and retaining moisture

Absorbing moisture from the air and surrounding surfaces is one of the rhizome’s core survival strategies.

This works because:

The rhizome surface is hairy and textured

It is highly sensitive to humidity, condensation, and mist

It can directly absorb:

moisture from the air

humidity held by moss

condensation on stone and wood

That’s why, in a moss terrarium with stable humidity but no standing water, rabbit’s foot fern can grow perfectly well.

Even without any soil, it can remain healthy and stable.

Does the rhizome photosynthesize?

No.

The parts that truly perform photosynthesis are the leaves (the fronds).

So why does the rhizome sometimes look green?

This can happen because:

the outer skin is thin and the internal tissues show through.

algae or moss may grow on the surface.

Green appearance does not mean it is photosynthesizing.

Division of labor in rabbit’s foot fern:

Roots and rhizomes: absorb water and anchor the plant

Leaves: produce energy through photosynthesis

The high-humidity environment of a moss terrarium simply makes this growth more visible and dramatic.

How to grow rabbit’s foot fern in a moss terrarium

✅ No need to bury it

✅ Can be attached directly to rock, wood, or red clay

✅ Key requirements:

stable air humidity

rhizomes kept slightly moist but never soaked

bright, indirect light

Avoid at all costs

❌ Completely burying the rhizome

❌ Long-term waterlogging that suffocates the roots

(the following photos shows the "roots" in my moss terrarium. It grows 4cm over a month).

To be updated.