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Understanding Our Container Sizes
At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.
Quart 6 mo to 1 yr#1 Container 1 to 2 yrs#2 Container 2 to 3 yrs#3 Container 3 to 4 yrs#5 Container 4+ yrs
The same variety, Green Gem Boxwood, in each container size. The measuring stick is marked in inches.
Container Sizes
Quart
Plant age: 6 months to 1 year Best for:Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.
#1 Container
Plant age: 1 to 2 years Best for:Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.
#2 Container
Plant age: 2 to 3 years Best for:Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.
#3 Container
Plant age: 3 to 4 years Best for: Most plants and most situations, including flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.
#5 Container and Larger
Plant age: 4 to 5+ years Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.
Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?
Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.
Root Pouch Containers
Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.
There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:
Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.
Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.
Non-toxic to cats, Non-toxic to dogs, Non-toxic to pets
Botanical Name
Asplenium nidus
Does Not Ship To
AK,
HI,
ID,
MT,
PR,
VI
Description
The Bird's Nest Fern gets its name from the way its smooth, strap shaped fronds arch upward and outward from a central point, funneling water and debris to the roots the way it would on a rainforest tree in the wild. Each bright green leaf is simple and undivided, with a prominent black midrib running down the center, and the whole rosette can reach 18 to 24 inches indoors.
It is an easygoing houseplant for a bright bathroom, kitchen, or any spot with indirect light, and it rewards consistent moisture and higher humidity with lush, full growth. Water at the outer edge of the pot rather than into the center, since standing water in the crown can cause rot. Outdoors it is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, where it can be grown as a shaded landscape plant year round.
Bring home a Bird's Nest Fern and add an easy, architectural houseplant to your collection.
Planting & Care
Light
This fern grows in shade in its native habitat, and indoors it prefers bright, indirect light such as an east or north facing window.
Water
It has poor drought tolerance and needs consistently moist soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and always water at the outer edge of the pot rather than into the central rosette, since standing water in the crown can rot the plant.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity is preferred. A winter humidifier or a pebble tray with the pot elevated above the water line helps in dry indoor air. Keep it in typical warm indoor temperatures away from cold drafts.
Soil and Feeding
Plant in an occasionally wet, acidic, loamy potting mix high in organic matter, such as a tropical plant potting mix. Feed monthly during late spring through summer at half the recommended rate for typical houseplant fertilizer.
Growth and Propagation
Growth is slow, with fronds typically reaching 18 to 24 inches indoors. It is propagated by spores or, in commercial production, by tissue culture.
Pets
A university extension source states that ferns are generally considered non-toxic to pets, and the closest ASPCA documented relative in this genus, Asplenium bulbiferum, is listed non-toxic to both dogs and cats. No ASPCA page names Asplenium nidus by name, but this species is treated the same way.
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
Under $50
$9.99
$50 - $99.99
$14.99
$100 - $149.99
$16.99
$150 - $198.99
$24.99
$199+
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✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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A university extension source states that ferns are generally non-toxic to pets, and the closest ASPCA documented relative in this genus, Asplenium bulbiferum, is listed non-toxic to dogs and cats. No ASPCA page names Asplenium nidus specifically, but this species is treated the same way.
Why should I avoid pouring water into the center of the rosette?
Standing water in the crown can rot the plant. Water at the pot’s outer edge instead.
How is it propagated?
Commercially by spores or tissue culture. Home growers typically buy nursery propagated plants rather than starting from spores, since spore propagation is slow and technical.
What is the black line running down the center of each leaf?
That is a prominent black midrib, a distinguishing visual feature of the species.
How is it different from cultivars like Victoria?
The plain species has smooth, flat, strap shaped fronds. Cultivars like Asplenium antiquum 'Victoria' are selected for modified frond margins, such as a continuously wavy, ruffled edge.
How much light does it need?
Bright, indirect light works best, such as an east or north facing window. It grows in shade in the wild but does best indoors with some bright, indirect light.
Extend your plant protection to a full year with Growing & Glowing Guarantee Plus, the 1-year warranty.
Every plant already includes our free 45-day guarantee, and plants delivered after October 15 are covered through May 1. Add Plus once at checkout and it covers every eligible plant in your order, including plants in containers, when they are properly planted and cared for.
What you get:
Store credit for the cost of your plant
Free shipping on your next order, so the replacement ships free
Coverage through one year from delivery
To file a claim: Email a photo of each plant to support@naturehills.com within 7 days of noticing the issue, or reach us through our contact page.
Not covered: Improper planting, weather extremes, pest or wildlife damage, or plants outside their recommended zone. Annuals, bulbs, grass plugs, and hard goods are not eligible.
