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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.
Silver Ribbon Fern gets its name from the bold white stripe running down the center of each grayish green leaflet, giving the arching fronds a ribbon like look with softly wavy edges. It grows in an upright, clumping habit reaching 18 to 24 inches, slower growing than many other Pteris ferns but reliably full and tidy in the process.
It is a true classic among variegated houseplant ferns and one of the safest choices for a home with pets. See our full fern collection for more indoor and outdoor textures, and read our guide on growing ferns for general care tips.
Arrives in a 6 inch nursery pot, ready to grow. Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Planting & Care
Light
Bright, filtered light with no direct sun. Too much direct sun will scorch the fronds, while deep shade is tolerated but slows growth and dulls the white stripe.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Silver Ribbon Fern prefers stable moisture over a dry and wet cycle, so water before it fully dries out.
Humidity and Temperature
Prefers moderate to high humidity. Keep temperatures between 54 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and bring it indoors well before frost.
Soil and Feeding
Plant in moist, well drained, organic rich soil with an acidic to neutral pH. Feed about once a month during the growing season with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
Propagation
Propagate by dividing the clumping crown, the standard method for Pteris ferns. Because this fern is slower growing, divide it less often than faster growing Pteris cultivars.
Pets
Non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. As with any houseplant, eating a large quantity of foliage can still cause mild digestive upset from fiber alone.
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
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Type to search specs, description, care, FAQ, and shipping.
No. The Pteris genus, which includes this species, is classified as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Why is the white center stripe fading or looking dull?
Insufficient bright, filtered light is a common cause. The variegation shows most clearly with consistent bright indirect light.
Why are the leaflet tips browning?
Usually inconsistent moisture or low humidity. This fern prefers stable soil moisture and moderate to high humidity.
Is Silver Ribbon Fern slow growing compared to other ferns?
Yes. It is slower growing than many other Pteris species and cultivars, which keeps its clumping habit tidy for longer between repottings.
How is Silver Ribbon Fern different from Silver Lace Fern?
Silver Ribbon Fern has broader, flatter leaflets with one bold white center stripe. Silver Lace Fern has finer, narrower, lacier fronds with more diffuse silvery patterning throughout.
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.
