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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.
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, most situations — 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.
The E.T. Footed Fern earns its name from its thick, furry, finger like rhizomes that crawl visibly across the soil surface, a display feature rather than something to bury or trim away. This cultivar, 'Cristatum,' also produces crested, forked frond tips instead of the plain pointed tips of the straight species, giving each leaf a soft, ruffled end.
Give it bright but indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and let those furry rhizomes crawl over the pot's rim as they grow. It is a compact houseplant, typically 12 to 24 inches tall, that makes a genuine conversation piece on a shelf or windowsill, and it can be grown outdoors in warm, humid, shaded spots within its hardiness range.
Bring home the E.T. Footed Fern for a genuinely unusual, easy care addition to your houseplant collection.
Planting & Care
Light
Bright but indirect light is ideal, such as a north facing window. Avoid direct sun, which burns the fronds.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water again once the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity is preferred, like most ferns. Use a pebble tray or regular misting. Keep temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid cold drafts and temperature swings.
Soil and Feeding
Use an all purpose, well draining potting soil, taking care not to bury the visible, furry rhizomes when potting. Feed monthly at half strength with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth, none in winter.
Growth and Propagation
This creeping fern grows terrestrially or epiphytically, with furry, finger like rhizomes crawling along the soil surface. Propagate by cutting a healthy rhizome section with at least one growing tip and pinning it to moist soil or sphagnum moss until it roots.
Pets
There is no established source confirming whether this species is toxic or non-toxic to pets, so we are not making a claim either way. Keep it out of reach as a general precaution.
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
Under $50
$9.99
$50 - $99.99
$14.99
$100 - $149.99
$16.99
$150 - $198.99
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$199+
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Those are the plant's furry rhizomes, a normal and desirable growth feature, not roots to be buried or trimmed away.
How is it propagated?
By cutting a healthy rhizome section with at least one growing tip and pinning it to moist soil or sphagnum moss until it roots.
Why are the frond tips not crested or forked like they should be?
Crested expression on this cultivar can vary somewhat from frond to frond, and it strengthens with consistent bright indirect light and good care.
How much light does it need?
Bright, indirect light. A north facing window is ideal, and direct sun will scorch the fronds.
Does it need high humidity like other ferns?
Yes, high humidity is preferred, though established rhizomes give it somewhat more resilience to short dry spells than very delicate fern species.
Is it safe around pets?
There is no established source confirming whether this species is toxic or non-toxic to pets, so we are not making a claim either way. Keep it out of reach as a general precaution.
Extend your plant protection to a full year with Growing & Glowing Guarantee Plus.
Every plant already includes our free 45-day guarantee. Adding Plus at checkout gives you extended coverage for properly planted and cared-for plants.
What you get:
Full store credit for the cost of your plant
Free shipping on your replacement order
Coverage for a full year from delivery
To file a claim: Send photos to support@naturehills.com or use our live chat.
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.
