Fern 'Heart'

$17.00

Description
Heart Leaf Fern Care Guide
FAQ/Common Issues

Fern 'Heart' (Hemionitis arifolia), also called tongue fern, is a compact tropical fern native to Southeast Asia, where it grows in humid forest floors and rocky crevices. It belongs to a small genus of epiphytic ferns and is considered a rare find among indoor plant collectors.

The leaves are small and heart-shaped, growing on slender dark stems that give the plant a two-toned, graphic appearance. Mature fronds are deep green and slightly leathery on top, with a fine texture underneath. Heart Leaf Fern stays compact, typically reaching around 6 to 8 inches tall, and grows in a low, spreading rosette form.

As a fern, it does not flower. It reproduces via spores that appear on the underside of mature fronds in neat, dark sori lines along the veins. Heart Leaf Fern is non-toxic and this plant is pet friendly.

Keep it away from air conditioning and heating vents, as moving air dries the fronds quickly. Heart Leaf Fern thrives in high humidity and does well inside a terrarium or glass enclosure where moisture stays consistent. The kitchen is a natural fit, since ambient moisture from cooking keeps humidity elevated. It purifies indoor air and filters formaldehyde and other toxins. Avoid moving it frequently once settled, and place it away from any exposed rain if kept near an open window or outdoors. Heart Leaf Fern naturally humidifies the surrounding air as it transpires.
Fern 'Heart' grows best in medium to bright indirect light, away from south-facing windows where leaves can scorch.

It needs watering when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every 5 to 7 days depending on humidity.

Heart Leaf Fern does best in a moisture-retentive mix of peat or coco coir, perlite, and a small amount of fine bark.

It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and does not tolerate cold drafts or sudden temperature swings.

Heart Leaf Fern is a slow grower, and a balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly during spring and summer supports steady growth.

It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12, tolerating minimum temperatures around 35°F to 40°F. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, Hawaii, southern California, southern Texas, and coastal areas of Louisiana and Georgia. It can also move outside in summer or autumn in warmer regions, returning indoors before overnight temperatures drop below 50°F.
Q: Is Fern 'Heart' safe to keep around cats and dogs?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to cats and dogs and poses no harm if nibbled.

Q: How do I know when it needs water?
A: Fern 'Heart' wilts slightly when the soil has dried out too long. Check the top inch of soil and water when it feels dry to the touch.

Q: Is Heart Leaf Fern a good choice for a terrarium?
A: Yes, enclosed terrariums suit it well because the glass walls hold in moisture and keep humidity consistently high around the fronds.

Q: What happens if I place it in a south-facing window?
A: Heart Leaf Fern can scorch in a south window, developing brown or crispy patches on the leaf surface. An east or north-facing window, or a spot set back from a bright west window, works better.

Q: Why does Heart Leaf Fern drop or crisp after I bring it home?
A: It is sensitive to being moved and may drop fronds or show stress when relocated. Keep it in a stable spot with consistent humidity and avoid shifting it between rooms.

Q: Does it need to be rotated for even growth?
A: Heart Leaf Fern benefits from a quarter turn every few weeks if light comes from one direction, which encourages the rosette to develop evenly on all sides.

Shipping
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When your package arrives, you may notice a bit of loose soil in the box. This is completely normal during shipping.
Please remove your plants from their packaging as soon as possible and review the care instructions included with your order. Water based on your plant’s needs, making sure not to overwater.
Houseplants may need a short adjustment period after arrival. Give your plant time to acclimate to its new space before placing it with other plants. You can gently clean the leaves if needed, and wait to fertilize until it has settled in. Always check soil moisture instead of watering on a fixed schedule.
*** We pack carefully to protect each plant during transit, so larger orders may arrive in multiple packages.
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