Doryopteris pilosa var. gemmifera

Antenna Fern, Hand Fern, Antler Fern, Doryopteris cordata

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic10–30 cm

Native to the subtropical forests of northeastern South Africa, the Antenna Fern is named for its striking dimorphic fronds: broad, heart-shaped sterile leaves carpet the ground while tall, deeply divided fertile fronds rise above them on slender stalks, resembling moth antennae. In the wild it grows in moist, shaded forest understories — conditions it reproduces exactly in a closed terrarium, where its compact size (rarely exceeding 30 cm) and high humidity requirement make it a natural fit. It does best at 16–26 °C with consistent moisture; let the substrate dry out and the fronds will quickly show it. Note: the name 'Doryopteris cordata' used widely in the plant trade is botanically invalid for this plant.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Antenna Fern image

Photo by Augustin Soulard·CC BY 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 14–30 °C, and reaches 30 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
14°C – 30°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)Well drainingPeat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Divide established clumps during repotting in spring, ensuring each section has healthy roots and at least one frond. Pot into fresh, moist, organic substrate and place in a humid enclosure or closed terrarium while the divisions re-establish — new growth is a reliable sign the division has settled.

Native range

Native to Southern Africa.

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingRosette

Leaf shape

HeartLobed

Leaf texture

LeatherySmooth

Frequently asked

Can Antenna Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Antenna Fern prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Antenna Fern need drainage?

Antenna Fern prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Antenna Fern need?

Antenna Fern does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Antenna Fern pet-safe?

Antenna Fern is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Antenna Fern grow?

Antenna Fern typically reaches 10–30 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Antenna Fern?

Antenna Fern can be propagated by division or spores.

References

  1. 1

    Plant Lust — Doryopteris pilosa var. gemmifera (taxonomy, dimensions, zone)

    https://plantlust.com/plants/52549/doryopteris-pilosa-var-gemmifera/
  2. 2

    Highland Moss — Doryopteris cordata Antenna Fern (care, toxicity)

    https://highlandmoss.com/doryopteris-cordata-antenna-fern/
  3. 3

    Pumpkin Beth — Doryopteris cordata (appearance, frond dimorphism)

    https://www.pumpkinbeth.com/plants/doryopteris-cordata/
  4. 4
  5. 5

    Araflora — Doryopteris cordata (temperature, humidity, pH)

    https://www.araflora.com/p2087/antenna_fern_doryopteris_cordata
  6. 6

    GBIF — Doryopteris pilosa var. gemmifera (taxonomy, South Africa distribution)

    https://www.gbif.org/species/3750314
  7. 7

    GBIF — Doryopteris pilosa species (native range: Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, NE South Africa)

    https://www.gbif.org/species/7335799
  8. 8

    World Flora Online — Doryopteris pilosa var. gemmifera (taxonomic acceptance)

    https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0001375245
  9. 9

    POWO — Doryopteris (genus = synonym of Hemionitis)

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:331107-2
  10. 10

    Black Jungle Terrarium Supply — Doryopteris pilosa var. gemmifera (terrarium use, synonym confirmation)

    https://www.blackjungleterrariumsupply.com/Doryopteris-pilosa-var-Gemmifera-fern-aka-Doryopteris-cordata-Antenna-Fern_p_1000.html