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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.
Tri-Color Fern earns its name honestly: new fronds unfurl a vibrant bronze red or copper, fade to pale yellow green, then mature into deep forest green, so a single healthy plant carries all three color phases at once. The shiny, pinnately compound fronds stay compact and full in a container, generally under 18 to 24 inches, making it a showpiece rather than a background plant.
It is one of the few fern novelties that changes color as it grows, and it is fully safe around curious pets. See our full fern collection for more textured indoor and outdoor growers, and read our guide on growing ferns for general care tips.
Choose your size at checkout, a 4 or 6 inch nursery pot, shipped potted and ready to grow. Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Planting & Care
Light
A north or east facing window with plenty of bright light but no direct rays. Good light is what produces the signature red and bronze new fronds, so a spot that is too dim will mute the color change.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep the soil consistently moist without letting it stay soggy, since this fern dislikes both overwatering and drying out completely.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity is important for this fern, and a humidifier is close to necessary in average home humidity to prevent the frond tips from browning. It is not frost hardy and struggles below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil and Feeding
Plant in a neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil that stays moist but not waterlogged. 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, which also keeps a mature plant from outgrowing its pot.
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 aren't the new fronds coming in bronze or red?
Insufficient light is the likely cause. This fern needs good bright light, though not direct sun, specifically to produce its signature bronze and red new growth.
Why are the frond tips browning and brittle?
Low humidity is the most likely cause. This species needs a humidifier in most home environments to avoid tip browning.
Is the color change from new to mature fronds normal?
Yes, it is the plant's signature trait: new fronds emerge bronze red, fade to pale yellow green, then mature to deep green.
Can it survive outdoors in winter?
No. It is not frost hardy and needs to come indoors or stay in warm zones once temperatures approach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
