Heart leaf Fern
Heart leaf Fern
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Description
Heart-leaf fern is a small fern with shiny, heart-shaped sterile fronds. Like other Ferns, they are sold in our Ferns collection. Most are true ferns, in families such as the polypody family (Polypodiaceae) or the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). A few listings, sold as asparagus ferns, are not true ferns at all; NC State Extension places those in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).
What it is: This listing is a heart-leaf fern (Hemionitis arifolia). NC State Extension describes shiny, leathery, heart-shaped sterile fronds on thin black stems, and arrow-shaped fertile fronds that stand above the foliage.
Light: Give it bright, indirect light and a moist, rich, organic mix; avoid direct sun, which can scorch the fronds (NC State Extension). A grow bulb helps in our dark winters if the light is gentle.
Watering & care: Keep the mix evenly moist, but avoid wet or soggy soil (NC State Extension). Empty any saucer so the pot does not sit in water.
Humidity: It thrives in high humidity, about 60% or above (NC State Extension). Low humidity will cause the leaves to curl and dry. A humidifier helps in our dry indoor winter air. Kitchens and bathrooms can also work if the light is indirect.
Temperature: NC State Extension lists USDA zones 10a to 11b and recommends about 16–29 °C (60–85 °F). Keep it off cold glass.
Winter indoors: In winter, keep it in your brightest frost-free window or under a grow bulb, and be careful not to overwater.
Expected indoor size: NC State Extension describes this as a relatively small plant, 6 to 10 inches tall and equally as wide (the dimensions table is the same). The cultivar 'Minor' is listed at 4 to 6 inches tall.
Feeding: Feed lightly during the growing season with our Schultz All Purpose Plant Food, and ease off in winter.
Pets & pests: NC State Extension tags heart-leaf fern as non-toxic for cats and dogs. It is still a plant, not a snack. Watch for spider mites, scale, mealybugs and aphids; overwatering can cause root rot (NC State Extension).
About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness and leaf count vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular frond length, fullness or colour. The options listed (2", 4") refer to the pot or container size. They do not guarantee an exact frond length, fullness or colour. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Ferns as inspiration.
