PlantFiles: Heart Fern
Hemionitis arifolia

This plant will only thrive outdoors in Zone 10 or higher. It will do well in low light, but needs high humidity in order to survive. I had mine in the kitchen window and it was failing, but it is now in a terrarium with nearly 100% humidity and doing well.

I have had this plant since early spring 2010. It is making small plantlets at the point where the stem joins the leaf. Can I propagate from these? I am borderline zones 8 & 9 so I will keep it potted and sheltered.

I love ferns and can generally grow them well but in past years I have killed two of these cuties.

Still not sure what I did wrong, but next time I see one of these at a nursery, I will try again - not to kill it, but growing one to large size must be quite a sight.

I have tried growing this fern outdoors twice here in zone 9b, and failed both times. Soon after planting the fern wilts and dies, probably because it requires much higher humidity than is available here. (It is sold as a terrarium plant).

Native to Sri Lanka.

When I saw this plant at the nursery, I just HAD to have it. So unusual. Planted outside in shady area. Protect from bright light as it will burn leaves; otherwise, pretty trouble free.

Very unusual tropical fern: the leaves are small heart within a larger heart. They are medium green, leathery, glossy, beautiful. They need to be kept moist; allowing them to dry out will result in a possibly terminal loss of vigor; they also need to be protected from bright sun or the foliage will burn. Otherwise they are a carefree plant of uncommon beauty.