Plant comparison
Boston fern vs Maidenhair fern
Two indoor ferns at very different difficulty levels — same family, very different reality.
| Boston fern | Maidenhair fern | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Nephrolepis exaltata | Adiantum raddianum |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the top 1 cm of soil is just dry, every 3-5 days | Keep evenly moist — often every 2-3 days |
| Soil | Moisture-retentive houseplant compost | Moisture-retentive but airy mix |
| Humidity | 60-70% | 60-80% |
| Temperature | 15-24°C (60-75°F) | 16-24°C (60-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 9-11 (outdoors in mild climates) | 10-11 (indoor-only in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1c | H1b |
| Mature size | 60-90 cm tall and wide | 30-50 cm tall and wide |
| Growth habit | Arching evergreen fern | Clump-forming fern with arching fronds |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Pet-safe | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Boston fern — Boston fern if you prefer its arching evergreen fern habit at 60-90 cm tall and wide indoors.
- Choose Maidenhair fern — Maidenhair fern if you prefer its clump-forming fern with arching fronds habit at 30-50 cm tall and wide indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Boston fern care and Maidenhair fern care. For pet-safety detail see Boston fern and Maidenhair fern.
Boston fern vs Maidenhair fern — frequently asked questions
Is Boston fern the same as Maidenhair fern?
No — Boston fern is Nephrolepis exaltata and Maidenhair fern is Adiantum raddianum. Two indoor ferns at very different difficulty levels — same family, very different reality. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, boston fern or maidenhair fern?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Boston fern wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered when the top 1 cm of soil is just dry, every 3-5 days. Maidenhair fern wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering keep evenly moist — often every 2-3 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is boston fern or maidenhair fern safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Boston fern is pet-safe and Maidenhair fern is pet-safe. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do boston fern and maidenhair fern get indoors?
Boston fern matures to 60-90 cm tall and wide, with a arching evergreen fern habit. Maidenhair fern reaches 30-50 cm tall and wide, clump-forming fern with arching fronds. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can boston fern and maidenhair fern live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Boston fern needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window); Maidenhair fern needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.