Heart fern/ Hemionitis Arifolia (jiffy sized clump)

The Heart Fern is a charming small fern named for its distinctive, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It’s native to tropical Asia, especially India and Southeast Asia, and is loved as a houseplant for its compact, elegant appearance.

🌱 Overview

• Scientific name: Hemionitis arifolia

• Common name: Heart Fern

• Family: Pteridaceae

• Origin: Tropical Asia

• Growth habit: Compact, low-growing fern with leathery, heart-shaped leaves on slender black stems.

🌿 Appearance

• The leaves are shiny, dark green, and heart-shaped (about 2–4 inches across).

• Grows on thin, wiry black stems that contrast beautifully with the foliage.

• Stays relatively small, making it suitable for terrariums, tabletops, or small pots.

🌞 Care Guide

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves. Can tolerate lower light than many houseplants.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid letting it dry out completely. Best watered with filtered or rainwater.

• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity (60%+). Ideal for terrariums or bathrooms. Mist often if air is dry.

• Soil: Well-draining but moisture-retentive mix (peat/coco coir + perlite + orchid bark).

• Temperature: Warm conditions (18–26 °C). Protect from cold drafts.

• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season (diluted balanced fertilizer monthly).

🌸 Special Notes

• Not toxic to pets (unlike many houseplants).

• Excellent for terrariums due to its small size and humidity needs.

• Sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage, which can cause root rot.