Hemionitis arifolia - Heart Fern

These adorable ferns reciprocate your love and care with cute heart-shaped leaves on the end of wiry stems. Originating in hot, humid climates, the key to success here is keeping them moist, warm and in just the right amount of light. Think about the level of light you'd get on the forest floor - it is bright, but you don't get direct sun because of the tree canopy. Keep this plant happy and it'll reward your care with lush, green foliage to really spread the love. These plants usually reach a height of around 15cm (6"), but can grow larger if they're in ideal conditions.

Scientific Name
Hemionitis arifolia (mule plant with arum-like leaves)

This is listed as a synonym of Acrostichum aureum in the taxonomy database, but looks different to many wild specimens and is still almost exclusively sold under the name Hemionitis arifolia.

Common Name
Heart Fern, Floating Heart Fern, Heart Leaf Fern

Origin
Native to Southeast Asia

Light
This plant needs the Goldilocks amount of light: not too bright and not too dark! Within a couple of metres of a north or east-facing window, or near a brighter window with some shade, should give about the right amount of light. Think about the light in a forest, below the tree canopy - that's where these ferns grow best.

Water
These ferns are used to reliably moist soil, so don't ever let them fully dry out! They will appreciate regular watering; watch for when the top of the soil starts to feel dry.

Humidity
These ferns love high humidity. Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, if you notice browning and crisping leaf tips they are probably not getting enough damp air. You can help them cope in drier spots by introducing a pebble tray to raise local humidity.

Soil
A well-draining but above all moisture-retentive mix will work well here. A mix designed for ferns, or one with added coir, sand and zeolite, will work well to keep your plant hydrated and look after its delicate roots. Repot every three years in spring, making sure to water 24 hours before you repot to protect the roots.

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
Think medium indirect to shady light, high humidity, and frequent watering and that should help you keep this thirsty tropical plant happy. If you can read without turning on the lights, this will be bright enough; this plant can't deal with direct sun which will scorch it (as someone who has to lather on the Factor 50 all summer, I relate). And if you're not sure with the humidity, a tray filled with pebbles, semi-hydro or grit and covered with water, placed under this plant, will help to raise local humidity for your fern.

Did you know?
These plants were once worn by women as charms against pregnancy