Form
Sterile fronds open like small hearts, while fertile fronds may appear narrower and taller.
7
Hemionitis arifolia 8.5cm
Normal price
€4,50
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Hemionitisarifolia
Heart-shaped leaves, a fern with soul 💚
- Heart-shaped fronds
- Compact form
- Deep green
- Collectable fern
- Tropical presence
Hemionitis arifolia is the fern that rewrites the usual visual rules of its group. Glossy heart-shaped fronds on dark stalks combine a romantic outline, clean geometry and tropical depth in a collectable crown that becomes a small jewel on a close-viewed shelf or low stand.
Its shape rewards close viewing, making it especially effective on a shelf, desk or small plant grouping where every heart remains visible. It adds character without excess and is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a fern with a genuinely different look.
What makes it special
Its appeal comes from a clean heart outline meeting the ancient delicacy of a fern.
Colour
Deep green gains a glossy intensity framed by fine dark stalks.
Texture
The smooth, lightly leathery surface contrasts strongly with the usual lacy appearance of ferns.
Why you’ll love it: It brings heart-shaped tropical foliage in a compact silhouette that rewards a closer look.
In your space Placement & plant pairings Where it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
On a shelf, side table or in a bright bathroom, where the fine texture is visible and safely away from heaters or busy walkways. A cover pot in off-white, soft grey or deep green lets the foliage lead.
Plants that complement it
Choices with compatible light needs and contrasting textures keep the arrangement balanced.
- Ficus pumila — a small-leaved trailing line for a calmer backdrop.
- Pilea involucrata — metallic textured foliage in a low form.
- Begonia bowerae — graphic leaves with warmer tones.
Care at a glance
Light
Bright filtered light or gentle partial shade. Protect it from direct midday sun.
Water
Water as the surface just begins to dry. Keep gentle, even moisture without persistent saturation.
Atmosphere
Moderate to higher humidity, gentle airflow and roughly 16–26°C, away from dry or cold draughts.
Pets
Not known for marked toxicity, but it is not food. Discourage persistent chewing.
Chosen for this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed care Complete care guide Light, watering, humidity, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and position
Provide bright, filtered light without harsh sun. A very dark position thins or dulls the foliage, while direct midday sun leaves dry marks.
Steady moisture
Check the mix regularly and water as the surface begins to lose moisture. Water evenly and allow immediate drainage, because steady moisture does not mean a saturated root zone.
Air humidity
Steady moderate to higher humidity keeps tips cleaner. A humidifier or plant grouping helps more than occasional misting, provided there is gentle airflow.
Clean foliage
Remove only fronds that are fully dry or damaged. Do not cut new growth while it is unfurling and avoid leaf-shine products because fern surfaces are naturally delicate.
Mix and repotting
An airy fern mix holds gentle moisture without compacting. Repot when roots fill the pot, move up one size and keep the crown at the same height.
Measured feeding
Use gentle feed during active growth, always at the label rate and on an already moist mix. Excess can scorch fine roots and frond tips.
Botanical identity Origin of the cultivar The species’ range and the history of the cultivated selection
Natural range
The species ranges naturally from the Indian subcontinent and southern China to western and central Malesia.
Habitat
It is a rhizomatous fern of wet tropical regions and may grow terrestrially or on rocky surfaces.
Botanical identity
Hemionitis arifolia is an accepted botanical name; names such as Parahemionitis arifolia have also appeared in botanical literature.
From natural habitat to care: Its origin on moist tropical surfaces points to gentle consistency, while the rhizome still needs air and quick drainage.
Greenleaf for Plant Nerds Scientific facts nobody asked for Botanical details for anyone curious about the plant behind the foliage
It produces two frond forms
Sterile fronds are usually broad and heart-shaped, while fertile fronds often become narrower to carry spore-bearing structures.
The heart shape is botanical, not engineered
The characteristic frond base is a natural morphological trait of the species and remains as the frond matures.
It reproduces by spores
Like all true ferns, it forms neither flowers nor seeds; its life cycle includes spores and a microscopic independent stage.
The rhizome organises the compact crown
Fronds arise successively from a short rhizome, creating a concentrated crown rather than a long visible stem.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about growth and the plant’s most common signals.
01 Why does it produce different-looking fronds?
The species is dimorphic. Broad heart-shaped fronds are usually sterile, while fertile fronds may be narrower and carry spores beneath.
02 Why are the tips turning brown?
Dry air, irregular watering, mineral salts or harsh sun are common causes. Check the mix and position first, use soft water when practical and trim only tissue that is completely dry.
03 How do I know it needs water?
Check just below the surface with a finger and notice the pot's weight. Most ferns prefer gentle, steady moisture, but never a mix that stays saturated.
04 When does it need repotting?
When roots fill the pot, the mix dries unusually quickly or growth has become constrained. Repot during active growth, move up one size only and do not bury the crown more deeply.
05 Does the foliage need misting?
Misting raises humidity only briefly. Positioning, grouping plants or using a humidifier gives steadier results, always with gentle airflow and foliage that is not kept continually wet.
06 Is it safe for cats and dogs?
These ornamental ferns are not known for marked toxicity, but they are not food. Discourage persistent chewing and seek veterinary advice if any symptom appears.
Shop the look
Lovely apart. Irresistible together.
Choose your pairing
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Your selected lookPlant + pot €13,00 EUR
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Your selected lookPlant + pot €12,50 EUR
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Your selected lookPlant + pot €12,50 EUR
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Your selected lookPlant + pot €12,50 EUR
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.