Doryopteris cordata - Hand Fern

This fern's leaves grow like pudgy hands or green paws on the end of long, delicate stems. This mid-green foliage is covered in tiny, delicate hairs which help it keep hydrated in its woodland home. New leaves grow from the centre of the plant, and occasionally the plant may throw out a taller, fertile leaf with thinner fronds, above the rest of the foliage; this gives it the common name 'antenna fern!'. These plants love moisture and humidity, and can be fussy when kept as a houseplant. They are best suited to terrarium or self-watering environments, which will help you not have to water every single day! This cute little plant is perfect for adding texture and interest to your terrarium setup.

Scientific Name
Doryopteris pilosa var. gemmifera (stem-winged, hairy plant, bud-bearing variety)

The Genus Doryopteris has now been absorbed by the genus Hemionitis. The correct scientific name is now Hemionitis pilosa var. gemmifera, though you may also see the name Doryopteris cordata, which is incorrect.

Common Name
Antenna Fern, Hand Fern

Origin
This fern is native to Southern Africa

Light
This fern loves dappled shade in the wild, so in your home make sure it's in a spot with bright but indirect light. Especially in a terrarium, direct sun can heat the plant up too much and scorch the leaves.

Water
This fern will love consistently moist soil, so make sure you are watering as soon as the top starts to feel dry. A self-watering pot or keeping this fern in a terrarium will be the most low-maintenance way of keeping this plant.

Humidity
Like many ferns, this one loves humidity and will benefit from an environment with plenty of moisture in the air, such as a frequently-used bathroom or in a closed cabinet or terrarium.

Soil
A soil with plenty of moisture-retentive elements like coco coir, with some sand to help this plant's fine roots, will work well. Look out for blends designed for ferns. Repot every 3-4 years as the plant grows; if in a terrarium, you can separate the plant at the roots to keep it smaller when it starts to outgrow the space.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
These ferns love warm temperatures between 18-26°C; make sure it doesn't drop below 15°C in winter, as this will cause issues with browning foliage and yellow halos.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
Our main advice here is all to do with the moisture! The most low-effort way of keeping this fern happy is keeping it in an enclosed setup like a terrarium. The next best would be a self-watering pot, where it can choose its own moisture level, but this could be challenging especially whilst the plant is so small. And, if it isn't in a closed system, the best spot for it would be a damp bathroom, where the humidity level should be able to keep it relatively happy.