Hemionitis arifolia

The heart leaf fern is a delicate dwarf-like evergreen fern that is native to India to Southern China and Western to Central Malesia, Hainan, and Southern Taiwan. It is a geophyte, epiphyte, and lithophyte and grows in wet tropical climates. The heart leaf fern has dimorphic leaves which means some of the leaves are sterile and some are fertile. Due to its small size it is a well liked by houseplant collectors. This plant is a member of the ribbon-fern family (Pteridaceae). The genus name, Hemionitis, is from the Greek word, hemionos, that means "mule." This references the thought that these plants were sterile. The specific epithet, arifolia, references its V-shaped leaf that appears very similar to the Arum family.

This plant prefers bright, indirect light and moist, rich, organic soil mix with a neutral to acidic pH. It is winter hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 11. It thrives in a high humidity environment of 60% or above and warm temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil should always be evenly moist, but avoid wet or soggy soils. The best way to propagate this plant is by division.

This delicate plant will remain relatively small and grows from 6 to 10 inches tall and equally as wide. It has a rhizomatous root system and upright habit. The black stems are thin, stiff, and measure 6 to 8 inches long, and the petioles are fuzzy. The sterile fronds are shiny, leathery, deep green, and heart-shaped. The fertile fronds are arrow-shaped  with thick stalks, and appear above the foliage.  Like other ferns this plant does not flower, but it will reproduce via spores.

The heart leaf fern is perfect as a container planting or for use in a terrarium. This small plant would do well in a kitchen or bathroom window with indirect light.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and aphids. Potential diseases include root rot, leaf-spot, botrytis, rust, powdery mildew, and southern blight.  Overwatering can cause root rot, whereas, low humidity will cause the leaves to curl up and dry out. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching.