Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.
Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.
Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.
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.
Non-toxic to cats, Non-toxic to dogs, Non-toxic to horses
Suitable Space
Indoors, Container
Botanical Name
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Petticoat'
Species
exaltata
Does Not Ship To
AK,
HI,
ID,
MT,
PR
Description
The Petticoat Fern is a Boston Fern cultivar selected for tightly ruffled, curled foliage that layers and cascades from the crown in tiers, giving it a fuller, more textured look than the straight species. It fills out into a dense, 1 to 2 foot mound and trails beautifully over the edge of a pot or basket.
Give it bright, indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier for the fullest, curliest growth. It thrives on a plant stand, in a hanging basket, or on a bright shelf indoors, and it is hardy outdoors in USDA zones 10 through 12 for gardeners in warm climates.
Add the Petticoat Fern to your indoor collection for a ruffled, tiered take on a classic houseplant.
Planting & Care
Light
Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the delicate ruffled fronds.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist and never let it dry out completely. Reduce watering somewhat in winter.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity is required, as with all Boston Fern types. A pebble tray or humidifier helps prevent frond browning. Keep temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and protect from cold drafts.
Soil and Feeding
Use a loam based, well draining, organic rich potting mix. Feed monthly during spring and summer growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength, and skip feeding in winter.
Growth and Propagation
Its densely layered fronds curl and stack in tiers from the crown, cascading as the plant matures. Propagate by division of the crown or rhizome clump, the standard Boston Fern method. Repot when roots crowd the container, generally every 1 to 2 years in spring.
Pets
Boston Fern and its cultivars are listed non-toxic to dogs, non-toxic to cats, and non-toxic to horses by NC State Extension, with the ASPCA separately listing the parent species non-toxic to dogs and cats. As with any plant, eating a large quantity of foliage can still cause mild digestive upset from fiber, not toxicity.
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
$24.99
$199+
FREE
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Find on Page
Type to search specs, description, care, FAQ, and shipping.
Is the Petticoat Fern the same species as a regular Boston Fern?
Yes, it is a cultivar of Nephrolepis exaltata, the same species as True Boston Fern, selected for its ruffled frond shape.
Is it toxic to cats or dogs?
No. It shares the non-toxic classification of its parent species, Boston Fern, which NC State Extension and the ASPCA both list as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Why do the ruffled fronds look flat or less curly than when I bought it?
Lower humidity or inconsistent watering can relax the characteristic curl. Increasing humidity typically restores fuller texture on new growth.
Can it be propagated?
Yes, by division of the crown or rhizome clump, the standard Boston Fern propagation method.
How much light does it need?
Bright, indirect light, the same as other Boston Fern types. Avoid direct sun.
Is it good for a hanging basket?
Yes, its dense, tiered, draping growth habit is well suited to hanging baskets and shelves.
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.
