Fern
Heart Fern
Hemionitis arifolia
Varieties We Carry
StandardHemionitis arifolia
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Shade, Full Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size0.5-1 feet × 0.5-1 feet
About Heart Fern
Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia) is a diminutive tropical fern from Southeast Asia, prized for its heart-shaped glossy fronds on slender black stems and compact size under 12 inches. In NE Florida zone 9b it must be grown indoors, in a terrarium, or on a heated, protected lanai — it cannot tolerate temperatures below 60°F and is not outdoor-hardy in this zone. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained, Organic
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F.
Care essentials
Light
Heart Fern requires bright indirect light or filtered shade — never direct sun, which scorches the delicate glossy fronds. A north- or east-facing windowsill, terrarium, or shaded lanai is ideal.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; root rot is the primary killer. Water little and often, ensuring excellent drainage. High humidity (60%+) is essential — use a pebble tray with water or grow in a terrarium.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in a chunky, airy mix of orchid bark, peat, and perlite. Fertilize at one-quarter strength with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the warm growing season only. In NE Florida zone 9b, grow as an indoor or terrarium plant — it is cold-hardy only to zones 10–11.
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Common questions
Is Heart Fern a good plant for St. Augustine?
Heart Fern is a fern for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 0.5-1 feet × 0.5-1 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.