Hemionitis Arifolia is a species of fern within the Pteridaceae family. Typically used as a houseplant for decoration, this fern is also used for medicinal purposes to treat cancer in parts of Asia. Hemionitis is commonly referred to as heart fern due to its uniquely shaped leaves resembling a heart. This plant is typically found to be an epiphyte meaning it grows on top of other plants or trees but not as a parasite.
How to Care for Heart Fern
Heart Fern Light Requirement
Ferns love a shady environment where light is filtered. Could you imagine yourself in a rainforest where trees of large canopies provide shade? That’s how it should be with ferns.
Below are three things to keep in mind when providing the best light condition:
Intensity
They love an environment where there’s no direct contact with sunlight, otherwise, they will easily get scorched under high light intensity. The harsh condition is detrimental to the plant so make sure that it’s protected.
Location
It would be best to place the heart fern in a north-facing window for the perfect light level it needs. If what you have is east or west-facing windows, you can provide additional shade such as curtains to protect your heart fern.
Source
Sun is our natural light source. Once available, you should take advantage of that sunshine.
If not, using an alternative light source is also allowed especially in an indoor setting.
Watering
Your heart fern loves moist soil so you should maintain consistent watering. Beware, though, not to get the pot too wet. Once overwatering happens, root rot will follow.
Underwatering can also be a potential problem if you’re not faithful to provide water to your heart fern. Since they’re accustomed to having moist soil, they can barely tolerate drought conditions. Underwatered heart fern will get wilted.
Here are some factors that you should consider when you water a heart fern:
Temperature
Temperature is one factor you’d have to consider whether you should give water or not. If it’s under 60oF/15°C, you may water the fern only when the soil is moderately dry.
If the temperature rises over 75oF/23°C, water intake of heart fern surely rises so you have to water more frequently.
Drainage
One important thing to ensure when it comes to watering is having good drainage.
Letting the excess water drain out well will save the roots from overwatering. Draining water will also minimize the risk of developing fungal diseases.
Humidity
Heart fern thrives in a highly humid environment. This is the way they live in their natural habitat like most tropical plants do. A moist air is something they enjoy but there are times when it’s really a struggle to maintain such condition.
How to Care for Heart Fern
Heart Fern Light Requirement
Ferns love a shady environment where light is filtered. Could you imagine yourself in a rainforest where trees of large canopies provide shade? That’s how it should be with ferns.
Below are three things to keep in mind when providing the best light condition:
Intensity
They love an environment where there’s no direct contact with sunlight, otherwise, they will easily get scorched under high light intensity. The harsh condition is detrimental to the plant so make sure that it’s protected.
Location
It would be best to place the heart fern in a north-facing window for the perfect light level it needs. If what you have is east or west-facing windows, you can provide additional shade such as curtains to protect your heart fern.
Source
Sun is our natural light source. Once available, you should take advantage of that sunshine.
If not, using an alternative light source is also allowed especially in an indoor setting.
Watering
Your heart fern loves moist soil so you should maintain consistent watering. Beware, though, not to get the pot too wet. Once overwatering happens, root rot will follow.
Underwatering can also be a potential problem if you’re not faithful to provide water to your heart fern. Since they’re accustomed to having moist soil, they can barely tolerate drought conditions. Underwatered heart fern will get wilted.
Here are some factors that you should consider when you water a heart fern:
Temperature
Temperature is one factor you’d have to consider whether you should give water or not. If it’s under 60oF/15°C, you may water the fern only when the soil is moderately dry.
If the temperature rises over 75oF/23°C, water intake of heart fern surely rises so you have to water more frequently.
Drainage
One important thing to ensure when it comes to watering is having good drainage.
Letting the excess water drain out well will save the roots from overwatering. Draining water will also minimize the risk of developing fungal diseases.
Humidity
Heart fern thrives in a highly humid environment. This is the way they live in their natural habitat like most tropical plants do. A moist air is something they enjoy but there are times when it’s really a struggle to maintain such condition.
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