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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, Non-toxic to horses
Plant Characteristics
Evergreen, Container Friendly
Botanical Name
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Compacta'
Does Not Ship To
AK,
HI,
ID,
MT,
PR,
VI
Description
The Compact Boston Fern gives you the full, lacy look of a classic Boston Fern in a shorter, tidier plant. Its fronds grow more upright and stay closer to the pot, so it fits a tabletop, shelf or windowsill where a full size Boston Fern would sprawl, and it still fills out fast.
Keep it in bright, indirect light with evenly moist soil that never dries out, and give it the humidity of a kitchen, a bathroom or a pebble tray. Ideal indoor temperatures run between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, and it can grow outdoors year round in USDA zones 10 and warmer.
Add the Compact Boston Fern to your indoor plant collection for classic Boston Fern texture in a size that fits anywhere.
Planting & Care
Light
Give your Compact Boston Fern bright, indirect light. Direct sun burns the fronds, and too little light makes them thin and pale.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist and never let it dry out completely. Water less in winter while growth slows, and always let the pot drain, since soggy soil leads to root rot.
Humidity and Temperature
Boston ferns need high humidity. A bright kitchen or bathroom suits them, or set the pot on a tray of wet pebbles. Keep it between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and away from heat vents.
Soil and Feeding
Plant in a loamy, well drained potting mix that holds moisture. Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
Care
Dark brown dots in neat rows under the fronds are spores, not pests. Scale and spider mites can show up when the air is too dry, so keep the humidity up. Trim old or brown fronds at the base to keep the plant full.
Pets
Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
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+
FREE
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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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.
