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Common Name: Heart Fern, Heart-Leaf Fern, Heart Leaf Fern, Tongue Fern
Scientific Name: Hemionitis arifolia
This fern has fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves that grow on stiff stems that are sometimes black in color. Despite their somewhat fragile appearance, they can be actually be sturdier and hardier than some other types of ferns.
-Care Recommendations By The Dude-
Best for These Animals: Small, and some medium-sized, reptiles and amphibians from tropical and temperate climates, especially frogs.
Bio Dude Substrates: TerraFlora, TerraFauna, TerraFirma
Soil Depth: All soil depths with proper drainage. Can also be mounted on wood in high humidity environments.
Lighting: Low to medium, or bright indirect light
Humidity & Misting: 40%-100%, with higher humidity levels suggested for optimal growth.
Mature Plant Size & Root System: This fast-growing fern has bluish-green fronds that will become more divided as they mature. It usually grows to about 6 inches tall and wide. With proper conditions, this fern will form a rhizome or "foot" and creep along the growing surface.
Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium: Too high temperatures/low humidity may cause leaves to brown. It prefers temperatures in the 65 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range, but can taken between 60 and 85 degrees. It is best used as a front (low) groundcover, underplanting, or mounted (only in high humidity conditions).
Edible & Side Effects if Ingested: Non-toxic if consumed, though these are typically used for ornamental, not edible, purposes
Pot Size & Packaging: A single 4" potted fern plant is shipped in the pot, wrapped in paper.
