Heart Fern
Hemionitis arifolia
Heart Fern grows thick, leathery, heart-shaped fronds on dark wiry stems. Native to Southeast Asia, it looks less feathery than typical ferns and stays compact in a humid planter or terrarium. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
High
Difficulty
Difficult
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
Hemionitis arifolia is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it an excellent choice for pet-friendly households.
Care Notes
Light
Bright, indirect light is best. Direct sun scorches the heart-shaped leaves. Medium light is possible, but growth slows.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist. This fern does not bounce back well from a full dry-out; water when the surface just starts to feel less moist.
Soil
Use a moisture-retentive peat mix with perlite, vermiculite, or pine bark in a planter with drainage holes.
Humidity & Temperature
Humidity of 60% or higher is required. A terrarium, cloche, or strong humidifier helps. Keep temperatures between 60°F and 85°F, away from drafts, AC vents, and heaters.
Common Issues
Brittle brown edges usually mean low humidity. Yellow leaves may mean overwatering or waterlogged soil.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength
Soil
Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite for drainage.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
6 to 10 inches tall and wide
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Division of the rhizome or cultivation of spores found on the underside of fertile fronds.
Common Varieties
While there are few commercial cultivars
Thick leathery deep green fronds in a clear heart shape grow from contrasting wiry black stems.
variations in frond size exist depending on the specific Southeast Asian region of origin.
Across its Southeast Asian range, plants show leathery deep green heart-shaped sterile fronds and taller, more elongated fertile stems.