Arum leaf hemionite (Hemionitis arifolia), a terrarium fern

Arum-leaved hemionite (Hemionitis arifolia) is a semi-epiphytic rhizomatous perennial fern native to moist, shady areas of tropical Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Taiwan) where it grows in crevices of rocks or bark. It fears the cold (6 to 8°C minimum) which makes it an indoor plant in our latitudes.

It forms a dense clump, taking on a flared silhouette because of its leaves with long petioles which tend to lean. The heart-shaped or arrow-shaped evergreen leaves are carried by downy brown petioles, they are glossy medium green, measure between 5 and 15cm long, and are pubescent on the reverse.

The heart-shaped leaves are sterile, and tougher, with a shorter petiole, while the arrow-shaped, triangular, long-stalked leaves are fertile. The latter have sori on the reverse drawing a network of lines.

This fern, like most of its cousins, does not flower. Its growth is slow, which makes it an asset for lovers of terrariumin addition to the living conditions that are favorable to it in this container.

  • Family: Pteridaceae
  • Type: evergreen perennial
  • Origin: Southeast Asia
  • Colour: glossy medium green
  • Sowing: yes
  • Cutting: no
  • Planting: spring or fall
  • Flowering: no
  • Height: 15 to 40 cm (20 to 30 cm spread)

Ideal soil and exposure for Arum leaf hemionite

Arum leaf hemionite is grown indoors, out of direct sun, in shade or partial shade, away from drafts, in a substrate rich in leaf soil and coarse sand to facilitate drainage, because it likes soils with an acid tendency, rich in organic matter, humid but soaked with water.

Date of sowing, dividing and planting Arum-leaved hemionite

It is in the spring that you can sow spores in the warm (19-24°C).

The division of large clumps can be undertaken in the spring.

Planting is generally planned in the spring, although in the fall it is still possible.

Repotting, only when the plant is too cramped, is done in the spring.

Council of maintenance and culture of the hemionite with leaves of Arum

The pot should be placed on a bed of gravel or clay pebbles. Watering is done when the substrate has dried well: if possible, soaking the pot for 20 to 30 minutes in water is the best way to proceed. In winter, it is advisable to space out the waterings and to place the hemionite in a poorly heated room (12-14°C), sparing it the excessively dry atmosphere caused by the heating.

It is recommended to remove dried fronds.

Diseases, pests and parasites of Arum-leaved hemionite

Red spider mites can invade Arum leaf hemionite in interiors that are too warm. In winter, it fears excess water which can rot the roots.

Location and favorable association of Arum-leaf hemionite

It is a plant that is grown as an indoor plant but especially in a terrarium or glass carboy where it finds all the conditions it needs in terms of humidity and temperature.

Recommended species and varieties of Hemionitis for planting in the garden

The genus Hemionitis has 7 species according to the classifications. Only Arum leaf hemionite (Hemionitis arifolia) is available from nurseries thanks to its unusual decorative value.

(Photo credit : Ishikawa Shihchuan – CC BY-SA 2.0)

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.