Hemionitis doryopteris

Digit Fern, Hand Fern, Bird's Foot Fern, Doryopteris pedata

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic15–30 cm

Native to tropical forests across the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, this compact fern is immediately recognisable by its deeply pedate fronds — lobed like an outstretched hand — held on slender, wiry black petioles. In the wild it grows in moist, shaded understorey conditions, which is why it adapts so readily to a closed terrarium. It does best at 18–25 °C with consistently high humidity; allow the substrate to dry even slightly and the fronds will begin to crisp at the tips. As a small, slow-growing terrestrial fern rarely exceeding 30 cm, it fits naturally into mid-sized tropical builds alongside mosses and other shade-adapted species.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Digit Fern image

Photo by John G. Phillips·CC BY 4.0

Care

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerantBright indirect

Humidity

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

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
10°C – 25°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)Well drainingPeat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingRosette

Leaf shape

LobedFan

Leaf texture

GlossyLeathery

Distribution

Propagation

Divide established clumps in spring or early summer during repotting, ensuring each section retains healthy roots and at least one frond. Settle divisions into fresh, well-draining organic substrate and maintain high humidity — a closed container or humidity tent helps — until new fronds emerge, typically within 4–6 weeks. Division is the most reliable method for home growers, with success rates around 80–90%.

References

  1. 1

    POWO — Doryopteris pedata (L.) Fée (synonym page, accepted name = Hemionitis doryopteris)

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17090340-1
  2. 2

    EPPO Global Database — Hemionitis doryopteris (taxonomy, code DPEPE)

    https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/DPEPE
  3. 3

    GrowTropicals — Hemionitis doryopteris (care: light, humidity, temperature, terrarium use)

    https://growtropicals.com/products/doryopteris-pedata
  4. 4

    RHS — Doryopteris pedata / hand fern (hardiness, care notes)

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6041/doryopteris-pedata/details
  5. 5

    Lost and Frond — The Wonderful Digit (Doryopteris) Fern (appearance, care, terrarium suitability)

    https://www.lostandfrond.com/post/the-wonderful-digit-doryopteris-fern
  6. 6

    Healthy Houseplants — Bird's Foot Fern Care Guide (propagation, soil pH, temperature, humidity)

    https://www.healthyhouseplants.com/indoor-houseplants/birds-foot-fern-care-guide-doryopteris-pedata-growing-tips/
  7. 7

    Plant Lust — Doryopteris pedata (USDA zones, height, spread, growth habit)

    https://plantlust.com/plants/52551/doryopteris-pedata/
  8. 8

    TopTropicals — Doryopteris pedata (zones, height, light, soil)

    https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/doryopteris_pedata.htm
  9. 9

    GBIF — Doryopteris pedata (L.) Fée (species occurrence, distribution records)

    https://www.gbif.org/species/2651640
  10. 10

    Hortology — Doryopteris pedata Digit Fern (care: light, temperature, humidity, soil)

    https://hortology.co.uk/products/doryopteris-pedata-digit-fern
  11. 11

    Reptile Centre — Digit Fern Doryopteris pedata (terrarium suitability)

    https://www.reptilecentre.com/products/digit-fern-doryopteris-pedata
  12. 12

    ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (Doryopteris pedata not listed; ferns in Pteridaceae generally non-toxic)

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/search