Hemionitis Arifolia | Heart Fern

Name: Hemionitis Arifolia | Heart Fern
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PH0549S
Price: 20.0 CAD
Availability: InStock

Hemionitis Arifolia | Heart Fern

$20

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Size 3.5" Pot - Small

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About This Plant

Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia) is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. It grows in a compact clumping form staying under 15 cm tall and 20 cm wide. It is a charming plant suited for small shelves, and bathrooms in Canadian homes.

The heart-shaped leaves are unlike any other common plant. The Heart Fern has leaves that are precisely heart-shaped with no lobing or asymmetry. Set on fine, dark wiry stems that contrast sharply with the deep green of the leaf.

Safe for cats and dogs. Hemionitis arifolia is confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by multiple veterinary sources. It is pet-safe. The Crocodile Fern is another confirmed pet-safe fern with a very different large textured frond for comparison.

It is ideal for terrariums and thrives where humidity is consistently high. In a standard room without a terrarium it needs a humidifier or pebble tray and shouldn’t be placed near heating vents. A bathroom with a bright window is a practical open-air position for it in a home.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward. The biggest winter risk in homes is the dry forced-air heating dropping humidity below what the Heart Fern can tolerate. The leaves curl and crisp from the edges inward when the air is too dry. A humidifier or a closed terrarium is the best protection.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by multiple veterinary sources. Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pests

Fungus gnats are the most common issue due to the consistently moist soil preference. Allow only the very top surface of the soil to dry slightly between waterings to discourage them. Scale insects can appear on the wiry stems.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Fittonia Nerve Plant. Compact and detailed.

For another small, detailed compact plant that suits humid sheltered positions and is pet-safe, the Fittonia Nerve Plant has vivid pink or white veined leaves and the same high humidity requirement.

Crocodile Fern. Larger textured fern, pet-safe.

For a pet-safe fern that handles moderate indoor humidity and grows to a larger desktop or shelf presence, the Crocodile Fern has boldly textured crocodile-skin fronds and suits the same shaded Canadian positions.

Crispy Wave Fern. Compact and more humidity-tolerant.

For a compact pet-safe fern that handles average Canadian indoor humidity better than the Heart Fern without needing a terrarium, the Crispy Wave Fern has textured ruffled fronds and suits similar bright indirect positions.

Common Questions

Why are the edges of the heart-shaped leaves turning brown and curling?

Brown, curling leaf edges on the Heart Fern are almost always caused by air that is too dry. In Canadian homes from November to March, forced-air heating drops indoor humidity far below what this plant can tolerate in an open room. Move it into a closed or semi-open terrarium, or run a humidifier directly nearby. Moving it away from any heating vent is the immediate first step.

Can I grow Heart Fern in a terrarium?

Yes, and it is one of the best plants for a closed or semi-open terrarium. The consistently high humidity inside a terrarium matches the Heart Fern's native forest floor conditions exactly. It stays small enough to work in terrariums of 20 cm diameter or larger and does not outgrow the space quickly. Pair it with other small, high-humidity plants like Fittonia or small mosses.

Is the Heart Fern safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Hemionitis arifolia is confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by multiple veterinary sources. Safe for homes with pets and small children.

My Heart Fern looks completely dried out. Can it recover?

If the leaves have fully dried and crisped it is very difficult to recover the existing fronds. Cut the dried fronds to the base and keep the soil moist. If the rhizome at the base of the plant is still firm and green, new fronds can emerge. The key is immediately improving humidity and keeping the growing medium consistently moist.

What is the best spot in a Canadian home for this plant?

A bright bathroom with a window is the most practical open-air position. The daily steam from showers provides the elevated humidity the Heart Fern needs without any extra effort. If a bathroom is not available, a bright east-facing spot with a humidifier running nearby or placement inside a terrarium are the next best options. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants for more.

How to take care of Hemionitis Arifolia | Heart Fern

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Bright to medium indirect light. A north- or east-facing window works well. As a forest floor fern it handles genuinely lower light. Direct sun scorches the delicate leaves immediately.

Light: Medium indirect

A bathroom window or a sheltered north-facing shelf works year-round. From October to February in Canada, the humidity challenge is far greater than the light challenge for this plant.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check every two to three days. The leaves curl and brown rapidly when the soil dries out even briefly. In a terrarium the substrate stays naturally moist and checking frequency can be reduced.

Humidity: High , terrarium or humidifier essential

This is the most humidity-demanding plant in this collection. Average Canadian indoor humidity during the heating season is insufficient without a humidifier or terrarium. A pebble tray alone is not enough.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by multiple veterinary sources. Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pro Tip

From November to March, forced-air heating makes the open-air indoor environment genuinely too dry for this plant. A closed or semi-open terrarium solves this completely and makes the Heart Fern one of the easiest plants to keep.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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