The heart fern, also known as Hemionitis arifolia, is a beautiful and unique houseplant known for its striking heart-shaped fronds. Native to tropical forests in Southeast Asia, this compact evergreen fern can add charm and greenery to any indoor space when cared for properly.
👀 Overview
The heart fern is a small, low-growing evergreen fern that reaches heights of only 6-10 inches tall and wide. It features delicate fronds emerging from black stems, with mature fronds growing in a lovely heart shape that gives this plant its common name.
While slow growing, the heart fern is prized by houseplant enthusiasts for its unique foliage and compact size, allowing it to thrive in terrariums and small indoor pots. It has also been called the tongue fern and is known by the botanical name Hemionitis arifolia.
Native Habitat and Origins
In the wild, heart ferns grow as epiphytes, meaning they attach their roots to other plants and objects like trees and rocks. They are native to the tropical forests and jungles of Southeast Asia.
Heart ferns typically grow in shaded, humid conditions beneath the canopy layer of the forest. Here they receive filtered sunlight and consistent moisture from frequent rains. Temperatures remain warm year-round.
The heart fern was first described scientifically in 1753 as Acrostichum aureum by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. In 1859 it received its current botanical name Hemionitis arifolia from the British botanist Thomas Moore.
| 📖 Common name | Heart Fern, N/A |
| 🔬 Botanical name | Hemionitis arifolia |
| 🫴 Care Difficulty level | Moderate |
| ☠️ Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
| 💨 Air-purifying Qualities | Yes |
| 🌱 Soil Type and pH | Well-draining, acidic to neutral soil |
| ☀️ Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light |
| 🍪 Edibility | Not edible |
| 🌴 Plant type | Fern |
| 🍃 Foliage Type | Evergreen |
| 🌿 Color of leaves | Green |
| 🌸 Flower color | N/A |
| 💥 Bloom time | N/A |
| 🚀 Growth Speed | Slow to Moderate |
| 📏 Mature Size | Up to 12 inches tall |
| 🔄 Life Cycle | Perennial |
| 🌍 Hardiness zones | 10-11 |
| 🗺️ Native area | Southeast Asia |
💚 Heart Fern Care
Caring for a heart fern primarily involves replicating the warm, humid, and shaded conditions of its natural tropical habitat. While not the easiest houseplant, heart ferns can thrive indoors when their preferences are met.
Here are some general care guidelines to keep in mind:
- Provide bright, indirect light and avoid direct sun exposure.
- Maintain consistent soil moisture. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Increase humidity levels through pebble trays, misting, or humidifiers.
- Grow in an indoor terrarium or greenhouse cabinet to increase humidity.
- Use well-draining, porous potting mixes to prevent soggy soil.
- Keep temps between 60-80°F. Avoid drafts.
- Water with distilled or rainwater to prevent leaf burn.
- Feed monthly with diluted liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.
- Repot every 2-3 years in spring, dividing rootbound plants.
- Prune away dead or damaged fronds using sterilized scissors.
- Monitor for common pests like scales, mealybugs, and aphids.
☀️ Light ☀️
One of the keys to growing heart ferns successfully indoors is providing the right amount and type of light. In their native jungle habitat, heart ferns grow underneath the forest canopy where they receive bright but indirect light filtered through the overhead trees.
When grown as houseplants, heart ferns do best in bright, indirect light. Place your heart fern near an east or west-facing window where it will receive gentle morning or afternoon sun. You can also place it several feet back from a bright southern window where light is diffused.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially hot mid-day sun from a south or west window, which will scorch the delicate foliage. Rotate your plant occasionally to prevent uneven growth towards the light source.
If adequate natural light from windows isn’t available, you can supplement with full spectrum grow lights. Position the lights 2-4 inches above the fronds for 12-16 hours per day. Grow lights help mimic the shaded conditions heart ferns prefer.
Insufficient light will cause leggy, weak growth. Check for foliage that turns pale green or yellowish, a sign more light is needed. However, too much light leads to dried fronds, brown leaf edges, and stunted growth.
💧 Water
Heart ferns require consistently moist, but not soggy, soil to thrive. Inadequate watering is one of the most common causes of decline in indoor heart ferns.
Water your heart fern whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Use your finger to test moisture levels and water thoroughly until it drains from the container’s bottom drainage holes.
This frequent watering schedule generally means watering heart ferns every 5-7 days on average. Water less frequently in winter when growth slows. Increase frequency in hot, dry conditions that accelerate soil drying.
Always water in the morning to allow excess moisture time to evaporate from the fronds, preventing possible fungal disease. Avoid watering at night.
Ideally, use distilled or rainwater rather than tap water, which may contain salts and chemicals that can burn the fronds. If using tap water, let it sit out overnight before applying to allow chlorine to dissipate.
The potting soil needs to dry out moderately between waterings to prevent root rot. But long periods of drought will quickly damage this moisture-loving plant. Consistent soil moisture is key!
🪴 Soil
To grow well, the heart fern requires an organic, porous potting mix that retains moisture but also drains well. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5-7.0.
The ideal potting mix contains:
- Peat or coconut coir to retain moisture.
- Orchid bark or perlite for drainage and aeration.
- Compost, worm castings, or leaf mold to provide nutrients.
- Charcoal to keep soil pH steady.
You can make your own mix by combining equal parts coconut coir or peat moss, orchid bark, compost, and horticultural charcoal. Or use an off-the-shelf organic potting soil blended specifically for ferns and tropical plants, following label directions.
Soil for heart ferns should remain moist but never become waterlogged. Allow the top few inches to dry out slightly between thorough waterings. Add extra perlite or orchid bark to increase drainage in heavy, dense potting mixes if needed.
Re-potting into fresh soil annually in spring will refresh the growing medium and provide new nutrients.
🍼 Fertilizer
Heart ferns are light feeders that only need occasional fertilization during the active growing season. Never fertilize in fall or winter when growth has slowed.
From spring to summer, feed monthly using a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer like 20-20-20 mixed at 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 strength. Or you can use an organic fertilizer diluted to the same ratio.
Alternatively, top dress in spring with a slow-release granular fertilizer or sprinkle worm castings around the base. Follow label directions carefully to avoid fertilizer burn.
Reduce watering before and after feeding to prevent root damage or leaf burn. Only fertilize when the soil is moist, never when dry.
Signs your heart fern needs more nutrients include stunted growth, pale fronds and yellow lower leaves. But excess fertilizer can also cause leaf burn, so start conservatively with lower dosage rates when in doubt.
🌡️ Temperature
As a tropical jungle plant, the heart fern thrives in consistently warm temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C), with a minimum nighttime temperature around 60°F (16°C). Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) for extended periods.
Ideal daytime temperatures are 70-75°F (21-24°C). Growth may slow if the temperature drops below 65°F (18°C).
Position your heart fern away from drafty windows or doors and ducts emitting cold air flow. Maintain indoor temperatures using a portable space heater as needed during cold weather.
The heart fern can tolerate hotter summer temperatures above 80°F (27°C), making it a good choice for rooms without air conditioning. However, temperatures above 90°F (32°C) may impact growth.
Monitor your plant closely if temperatures swing above or below the optimal range and make adjustments to ensure the foliage doesn’t suffer. Stability is key.
💦 Humidity
The humid, steamy conditions of its native jungle habitat have adapted the heart fern to require high humidity levels to thrive as a houseplant. Maintaining humidity around 60-80% is ideal.
Some tips for providing adequate humidity include:
- Use a humidifier to raise humidity levels in the room.
- Place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water and stones to create localized humidity through evaporation.
- Group plants together to take advantage of their collective transpiration.
- Mist fronds occasionally using room temperature purified water.
- Grow the heart fern in an enclosed terrarium or greenhouse cabinet to create a humid microclimate.
- Avoid positioning near heat sources like radiators or heating vents that can dry the air.
Monitor your heart fern for signs of low humidity like leaf curling, tip browning, or frond drying. Increase humidity immediately if these appear.
📃 Types of Heart Fern
While most heart ferns sold as houseplants belong to the species Hemionitis arifolia, there are a few different varieties and cultivars to choose from.
Hemionitis Arifolia
This is the standard heart fern species seen in most nurseries. It features deep green, heart-shaped fronds on wiry black stems. Plants reach 6-10 inches tall at maturity. The compact, mounding form works well in terrariums and small pots.
Hemionitis Arifolia ‘Minor’
‘Minor’ is a dwarf cultivar of the typical heart fern. It forms a dense, low mound of foliage growing just 4-6 inches tall. The fronds emerge with a slight reddish tint before deepening to green. It spreads up to 12 inches wide. ‘Minor’ is well-suited to terrariums and dish gardens.
Hemionitis Palmata
Also called the palm heart fern, this variety has wider, more hand-shaped fronds than the standard H. arifolia. The overall look is less delicate. Plants reach 10-18 inches tall. It requires the same care but appreciates a bit more space. Use it as an accent or backdrop plant.
Hemionitis Subcordata
H. subcordata has smaller, more dramatically heart-shaped leaves on wiry black stems. It is a creeping variety best suited to hanging baskets and containers. This variety tops out under 12 inches tall but spreads horizontally as it trails.
Crested Heart Fern
This odd, fun variety is a genetic mutation that causes the new fronds to emerge folded and twisted instead of flat. The ruffled growth results in bushy rosettes over time. Provide the same care as typical heart ferns. Height ranges from 4-8 inches tall.
🪴 Potting and Repotting Heart Fern
Heart ferns like their roots somewhat confined and don’t need frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years in early spring before intense summer growth begins.
Choose a container 1-2 inches wider than the current pot. Avoid overpotting. Drainage holes are mandatory.
Gently loosen the root ball and divide or tease out congested roots before placing into the new container filled with fresh potting mix. Top dress with worm castings.
Trim off any dead or damaged roots. You can also divide especially overgrown plants into smaller sections using a clean sharp knife before repotting.
Water thoroughly after repotting and keep out of direct sun while establishing. Mist leaves to increase humidity. Repotting stimulates dense new growth.
✂️ Pruning Heart Fern
Pruning is needed occasionally to maintain a tidy appearance and healthy growth. Use clean, sterilized scissors or pruners when pruning to prevent disease spread.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased fronds at the base. Also prune away overlong fronds that are unsightly or becoming leggy and weak.
You can trim fronds by up to 1/3 their length if desired to shape the plant. Avoid removing more than this, as it can impact the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and produce energy.
Routine pruning encourages bushier, compact growth and better frond circulation and air movement, reducing pests and diseases. Prune as needed throughout the growing season.
🌱 How to Propagate Heart Fern
You can propagate new heart fern plants easily through division when repotting overgrown specimens. But you can also grow new ferns from spores with patience.
Propagating by Division
Dividing an established clump is the simplest way to propagate more heart ferns. When repotting, gently separate sections with roots while teasing apart the root mass. Replant divisions in small pots using fresh potting mix. Keep evenly moist until new growth emerges. Divide congested plants every 2-3 years to rejuvenate them.
Propagating by Spores
Heart ferns naturally reproduce via microscopic spores housed on the undersides of fronds. While more challenging, new plants can be grown from spores.
Choose a brown, papery frond displaying visible spore cases on its underside. Remove this fertile frond and seal it inside a plastic bag for 1-2 weeks. This drying period causes the spores to release.
Next, sow the spores thinly atop sterile seed starting mix or vermiculite. Enclose the container inside a clear plastic bag to retain humidity. Partial sunlight is needed for germination. Light misting helps maintain moisture levels.
After 2-3 months, tiny gametophyte plants should develop. Allow another 6-9 months for small ferns to form and grow larger before transplanting into pots. Maintain warm, humid, bright conditions at all times.
🐛 Common Pests
Heart ferns face minimal pest threats overall, but can be impacted by common houseplant bugs seeking the moist conditions it requires. Prevention is the best approach.
Inspect plants frequently for early signs of infestation like honeydew residue or moving insects. Quarantine new plants before introducing.
Isolate any infested plants quickly to avoid spread. Remove major infestations by hand or prune away damaged fronds.
Treat minor invaders with insecticidal soaps, neem oil or horticultural oils. Apply directly on and under foliage. Systemic granular insecticides can help control root pests.
Common heart fern pests include:
- Aphids: Green, black or white soft-bodied insects that cluster on fronds and stems, leaving sticky residue. Treat with insecticidal soaps or neem oil sprays.
- Spider mites: Tiny pests that form webs and stipple foliage. Knock off with strong water spray or apply insecticide soap.
- Mealybugs: Soft-bodied insects that cluster in leaf axils and look like white cottony masses. Remove manually and apply neem oil. Isolate plant.
- Scales: Hard-shelled, immobile insects that cling to leaves and stems. Hand removal is difficult. Apply horticultural oil sprays as treatment.
- Snails/slugs: Chew irregular holes in fronds overnight, mostly affecting outdoor plants. Remove by hand. Use barriers of diatomaceous earth/copper tape.
🩺 Common Problems With Heart Fern
Understanding common heart fern problems makes it easier to get your plant back on track when issues arise.
Leaf Browning/Curling
Low humidity, underwatering, or drier winter air can cause frond tip browning and curling. Increase watering frequency and humidity levels. Move away from heating vents or fireplaces.
Stunted Growth
Inadequate light, low temperatures, or insufficient feeding may cause stunted growth. Provide brighter light, maintain warmer temps year-round, and feed monthly in spring/summer.
Root Rot
Overwatering or slow-draining soil can lead to root rot. Repot in fresh mix, space waterings further apart, and use purified water if necessary. Remove rotted roots before repotting.
Leggy Growth
Low light results in weaker, leggier growth as the plant reaches for sunlight. Provide brighter indirect light to encourage fuller, compact plants.
Insect Damage
Chewing damage may indicate pests like slugs, snails, or caterpillars. Remove pests by hand and use barriers around pot edges to prevent reentry. Remove severely damaged fronds.
Leaf Spots/Discoloration
Bacterial or fungal diseases often cause spots, lesions, or blackened areas on fronds. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Remove infected fronds and treat with fungicides if severe.
🖼️ Display Ideas
The compact heart fern lends itself well to various creative display options that highlight its unique foliage and keep its humidity needs met.
Terrariums
Heart ferns are excellent choices for closed terrariums and bottle gardens. Plant in the tropical terrarium substrate. The contained environment provides stable humidity levels. Go for an open, bowl-shaped terrarium or hang a clear orb style to showcase suspended fronds.
Mounted Displays
Create a mounted wall display to show off heart ferns. Attach dried driftwood, cork bark, tree fern plaques, or other natural wood pieces to a damp moss-covered backdrop. Use fishing line to tie plants in place. Mist the backdrop to maintain humidity.
Mix with Other Plants
Incorporate heart ferns into group plantings like dish gardens, kokedama moss balls, or pottedpalm gardens. Choose shade and humidity loving companions like mosses, pilea, creeping figs, or orchids. The heart fern’s unique texture complements many tropicals.
Accent Shady Spots
Use heart ferns in natural wood baskets or ceramic pots to accent shady garden areas on patios or beneath trees. Their compact size makes them great filler plants. Move into a bright, humid greenhouse or undercover area in winter.
Highlight Textural Contrasts
Plant shiny-leaved heart ferns near large-leaved statement foliage like elephant ears, monstera or anthurium for bold textural and color contrasts. Or showcase next to trailing plants, like philodendron, in hanging displays.
👍 Pro Tips for Healthy Growth
Maximizing growth potential and keeping your heart fern looking its best involves paying attention to optimal care, troubleshooting issues promptly, and providing ideal conditions.
- Acclimate new plants gradually to your home over 2-3 weeks before fully transitioning.
- Use distilled or rainwater to prevent leaf burn and tip damage from tap water.
- Wipe dusty leaves periodically with a damp cloth to improve light absorption.
- Mist plants in the morning only to avoid keeping leaves wet overnight.
- Keep potting mix consistently evenly moist but not constantly soggy.
- Prune back overlong fronds at their base to encourage full, fresh growth.
- Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure all sides receive adequate light exposure.
- Keep humidity tray reservoirs filled to promote evaporation.
- Apply worm castings as a gentle fertilizer that won’t burn delicate roots.
- Repot before plants become severely root bound to stimulate growth.
- Propagate by division every few years to rejuvenate congested specimens.
❓ FAQ
How long do heart ferns live?
With proper care, heart ferns typically live for 3-5 years or longer indoors. They are relatively slow growing. Outdoors in optimal climates they can potentially live for many decades and spread by runners.
Should I mist my heart fern?
Light misting can help boost humidity levels around the foliage. But avoid keeping the leaves consistently wet, which encourages diseases. Only mist in the morning so moisture evaporates. Misting is supplemental and cannot replace a humidifier for adequate humidity.
What does a dying heart fern look like?
A dying heart fern will show signs like severe wilting, shriveled fronds, widespread leaf browning/yellowing, drooping stems, stunted growth, and frond loss. There is often no coming back once decline is severe. Discard dead plants and start over with a new specimen.
Can heart ferns be planted outside?
Heart ferns are tropical jungle plants adapted to warm, steamy environments. They require temps above 60°F and high humidity to survive, making them poor choices for outdoor planting in most climates beyond tropical zones 10-11. They can be grown outdoors during summer in humid climates if brought back indoors before cold winter temps arrive.
Why are the fronds on my heart fern turning yellow?
Yellowing fronds usually indicate overwatering and potential root rot. But yellowing can also be caused by low humidity, insufficient light, or old age. Increase light exposure and humidity while allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to improve yellowing plants. Remove dead fronds promptly.
📝 Final Thoughts
With its unique heart-shaped fronds and compact size, the heart fern can make a fun and unusual addition to indoor plant collections when provided with warm, humid conditions and bright, filtered light. Monitor soil moisture carefully and don’t allow this moisture-loving fern to dry out. Provide high humidity through a humidifier, misting, or terrarium growing. Grow in an organic-rich potting mix with excellent drainage and feed occasionally. While not the easiest houseplant, the heart fern is a good option for experienced indoor gardeners looking to add something new and different to their plant shelves!
📚 Further Reading
📗 Heart Fern Hub – Lear more about this plant
📚 References
📘 Hemionitis arifolia – University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Environmental Horticulture Database.
📘 Hemionitis arifolia – Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.
📘 Hemionitis – Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Department of Botany.
📘 Heartleaf fern: Hemionitis arifolia – University of Florida Extension.
📘 Hemionitis arifolia – United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Plants Database.
