Plant comparison
Boston fern vs Spider plant
The two classic hanging-basket houseplants — picked side by side because one is genuinely easier than its reputation suggests.
| Boston fern | Spider plant | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Nephrolepis exaltata | Chlorophytum comosum |
| 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 | When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Moisture-retentive houseplant compost | Standard potting compost |
| Humidity | 60-70% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 15-24°C (60-75°F) | 15-24°C (60-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 9-11 (outdoors in mild climates) | 9-11 (outdoors in mild climates, indoors elsewhere) |
| RHS hardiness | H1c | H2 (tender, indoor or summer outdoors) |
| Mature size | 60-90 cm tall and wide | 30-45 cm tall, plantlets trailing up to 60 cm |
| Growth habit | Arching evergreen fern | Clumping evergreen that produces dangling plantlets |
| 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 Spider plant — Spider plant if you prefer its clumping evergreen that produces dangling plantlets habit at 30-45 cm tall, plantlets trailing up to 60 cm indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Boston fern care and Spider plant care. For pet-safety detail see Boston fern and Spider plant.
Boston fern vs Spider plant — frequently asked questions
Is Boston fern the same as Spider plant?
No — Boston fern is Nephrolepis exaltata and Spider plant is Chlorophytum comosum. The two classic hanging-basket houseplants — picked side by side because one is genuinely easier than its reputation suggests. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, boston fern or spider plant?
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. Spider plant wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 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 spider plant safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Boston fern is pet-safe and Spider plant is pet-safe. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do boston fern and spider plant get indoors?
Boston fern matures to 60-90 cm tall and wide, with a arching evergreen fern habit. Spider plant reaches 30-45 cm tall, plantlets trailing up to 60 cm, clumping evergreen that produces dangling plantlets. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can boston fern and spider plant 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); Spider plant 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.