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

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 10–25 °C, and reaches 30 cm at maturity.

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

Propagation

Mature plants naturally produce small plantlets (bulbils) at the junction where frond meets petiole. Pin an arching frond so the bulbil-bearing node rests against moist substrate in an adjacent pot; once the plantlet has established its own roots and produced a new frond, sever the connection to the mother plant. This is a low-effort method that works well in a closed terrarium environment.

Native range

Native to Northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and Brazil.

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingRosette

Leaf shape

LobedFan

Leaf texture

GlossyLeathery

Frequently asked

Can Digit Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

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

Does Digit Fern need drainage?

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

What humidity does Digit Fern need?

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

Is Digit Fern pet-safe?

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

How tall does Digit Fern grow?

Digit Fern typically reaches 15–30 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Digit Fern?

Digit Fern can be propagated by offsets or division or spores.

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