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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.
Non-toxic to cats, Non-toxic to dogs, Non-toxic to horses
Suitable Space
Indoors, Container
Botanical Name
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Tiger Fern'
Species
exaltata
Does Not Ship To
AK,
HI,
ID,
MT,
PR
Description
The Tiger Stripe Fern is a variegated Boston Fern cultivar, its typical lacy, pinnately compound fronds streaked with chartreuse to yellow striping that resembles tiger stripes against the green. It is a vigorous, upright grower that arches outward as fronds mature, patented as PP15315 for its distinctive coloring.
Give it medium to bright, indirect light, since a bit more light than a plain Boston Fern needs helps hold the variegation, along with consistently moist soil and high humidity. It looks striking on a plant stand or in a hanging basket, and it is hardy outdoors in USDA zones 10 through 12.
Bring home the Tiger Stripe Fern for a striking splash of variegated color on a classic houseplant.
Planting & Care
Light
Medium to bright, indirect light is best. Light shade helps the plant hold its variegated color, and direct sun can bleach or scorch the fronds.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and make sure the pot drains well to prevent root rot.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity is preferred, the same as other Boston Fern types. 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
This cultivar is a vigorous, dense grower with an upright habit that arches outward as fronds mature. Propagate by division of the crown or rhizome clump. Because it is patented as PP15315, unauthorized commercial propagation is legally restricted.
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 Tiger Fern the same species as a regular Boston Fern?
Yes, it is a variegated cultivar of Nephrolepis exaltata, the same species as True Boston Fern.
Is it toxic to cats or dogs?
No. It shares the non-toxic classification of its parent species, Boston Fern, listed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA and NC State Extension.
Why is the variegation fading to plain green?
Insufficient light is the most common cause. Variegated cultivars need more light than solid green ferns to maintain their yellow striping, though still no direct sun.
Can it be propagated?
Yes, by division of the crown or rhizome clump. Because it is a patented cultivar, PP15315, unauthorized commercial propagation is legally restricted.
How much light does it need?
Medium to bright, indirect light, more than a plain Boston Fern needs, to preserve the tiger stripe coloring.
Why are the fronds browning at the tips?
Usually low humidity or a watering lapse. Consistent moisture and higher ambient humidity typically resolve tip browning.
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.
