Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to navigation

Mickelopteris cordata ("Hemionitis arifolia")

Heart fern

Mickelopteris cordata ("Hemionitis arifolia")

Heart fern

  • Outstanding tropical fern
  • Heart-shaped to spear-shaped leaves
  • Suitable for rainforest terrariums
In stock, only 6 left
Free shipping on orders over € 60,- within Germany
Express delivery possible
1-3 business days - order today and we’ll deliver next week on Tuesday at the earliest
Variation

Description

The Heart fern looks rather atypical for a fern. It has long been known as Hemionitis arifolia, but Mickelopteris cordata, also the older name Hemionitis cordata, are considered valid names. This fern, about 12-25 cm tall, is widespread in tropical Asia, from India to southern China, Indonesia and the Philippines. It grows on the ground of forests and bushes, on moist soil and in crevices of river valleys and on embankments, from lowland to 1000 m altitude. The sterile (non-spore-bearing) leaves have a heart-shaped, rounded, about 3-6 cm long blade, while the fertile (spore-bearing) leaves are usually much longer stalked and more or less spear-shaped.

Mickelopteris cordata grows in loose soil that is kept moist and must not dry out or become waterlogged. When it has grown in well, it can be supplied with a houseplant fertiliser. A moderately bright, semi-shaded spot without sun is recommended, as is higher humidity above 60 %. The temperature is best above 20 °C. Apart from spores, this fern reproduces via a bulbil at the base of the leaf blade. A young plant appears there on older leaves, which can be detached with the leaf and potted up when it has formed roots.

With its heart-shaped leaves, this fern is rather reminiscent of tropical aroids. It makes a pretty accent on the floor of rainforest terrariums, e.g. between stones, or also on damp back walls.

Terrarienpflanzen

Our terrarium plants give every terrarium an individual, natural atmosphere and at the same time provide a healthy environment for all terrarium inhabitants. Our wide range of tropical, subtropical and even arid plants are easy to combine and enhance any terrascape. Whether it's strong succulents, subtle tillandsias, eye-catching neoregelias or wonderful orchids - we offer terrarium plants for different terrascapes from rainforest to desert.

General information

Item no.
EAN
Weight
Shipping weight

Questions and answers about Mickelopteris cordata ("Hemionitis arifolia")

Do you have questions about this product? Ask other customers or our support team!

Could I plant this fern at the very top of an open tank in a gap in a root? The root is already out of the water at that spot, but it will definitely be wet. The fern would get a little light from the lighting.
Translated from German
Mathias L.
Feb. 2026
Lisa Pogodda
Mar. 2026
Support
The roots of Mickelopteris cordata don't tolerate waterlogging, so the plant can't be placed in this position. It grows in loose soil that is kept moist and must neither dry out nor become waterlogged, and a moderately bright, partially shaded spot without direct sun is recommended.
Translated from German

Customer reviews

This item has not been rated
Please sign in if you want to write a review. Sign in
5 Stars(0)
4 Stars(0)
3 Stars(0)
2 Stars(0)
1 Star(0)