---
title: "Does anyone have one of these ferns (“Heart leaf fern”) and any tips…"
description: "Does anyone have one of these ferns (“Heart leaf fern”) and any tips on how to care for them? I’m considering getting one. Thanks in advance"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/NiZALrtASBeROEC20lQA3w/xTMU4QBOCw4eZhkkIkkFq8"
community: "Fern Friends"
author: "Amy"
published: "2025-09-28T20:09:38.321007Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lWTjWGwwun1muSeAQxsoBCK67Od3_D1F554RFf3AQ7o/usuDFheORZSBxbNlzTJsVQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# Does anyone have one of these ferns (“Heart leaf fern”) and any tips…

_Posted by Amy on 2025-09-28_

Does anyone have one of these ferns (“Heart leaf fern”) and any tips on how to care for them? I’m considering getting one. Thanks in advance

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lWTjWGwwun1muSeAQxsoBCK67Od3_D1F554RFf3AQ7o/usuDFheORZSBxbNlzTJsVQ.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2025-09-28

Like most ferns, it appreciates shade and high humidity. It's an epiphyte (it'd cling to trees in the wild), so it likes an airy soil mix that will dry out between waterings. It'll want relatively frequent watering, but needs excellent drainage to avoid root rot. For soil, it'd be similar to an orchid: a mix of bark for air and drainage and sphagnum for moisture retention

#### Amy replied on 2025-09-29

I’ve never grown a fern in orchid media before. I’ve just regular indoor potting soil. What kind of orchid bark do you recommend I use? Chunky pieces or smaller pieces? Should I use mixes with perlite or small volcanic rocks ?

#### Waspinator replied on 2025-09-30

Most orchid bark is fir bark. Average sized to small pieces should work well for a fern. Perlite/volcanic rock can also work for improving the aeration and drainage of any soil mix. As long as the soil has enough moisture retention to keep the fern happy and enough drainage to prevent root rot, you can use whatever mix works for you. A lot of times it takes some trial and error to find a good mix for your growing situation. Start with a more airy mix and adjust the proportion of sphagnum or potting soil with each repotting until you find a good ratio; it's much easier to help a dehydrated plant than a rotting one

#### Amy replied on 2025-10-01

I appreciate the insights. Thanks!

### Sarah commented on 2025-10-20

I just got one too! Lady at the plant store said to keep some water below it to keep its humidity up. She's thriving so far. Growing some new leaves. Might move her to a shelf where there isn't so much light, she looks a little crispy.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-LRo2odqgonjHoo-upWLzYuXfS8-Nx2CDOhSAziWS8Q/8-rSKlx_QvOd3oxb06jOmA.webp?size=large)

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