Ladder fern (Nephrolepis flexuosa) and Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), also known as indoor fern, are both beautiful ferns that can add a touch of elegance to any garden or indoor space. However, there are some key differences between these two fern varieties.
1. Appearance:
– Ladder fern: The fronds of ladder fern grow to a maximum length of around 65 cm. These fronds are narrow and have a slightly drooping appearance. The overall structure of the plant is relatively compact.
– Boston fern: On the other hand, Boston fern has wider and softer fronds compared to ladder fern. The fronds of Boston fern also tend to be longer, often reaching lengths of over 1 meter. The overall appearance of the plant is more bushy and lush.
2. Growth Habit:
– Ladder fern: Ladder fern has a spreading growth habit, with its fronds arching outwards from the center. However, it does not produce tubers, which are underground storage structures found in some fern species.
– Boston fern: Boston fern has a more upright growth habit, with fronds extending upwards in a fountain-like manner. Similar to ladder fern, it does not produce tubers.
3. Weedy Nature:
– Ladder fern: While ladder fern is not considered invasive or weedy, it is classified as a native plant in some regions. This means that it has evolved to thrive in specific habitats and may be better suited for those environments.
– Boston fern: Boston fern is generally not known to be weedy or invasive. It is commonly grown as an indoor plant or in outdoor gardens, and it tends to stay well-behaved without spreading aggressively.
4. Care Requirements:
– Ladder fern: Ladder fern prefers partial shade to full shade and thrives in moist, well-draining soil. It is more tolerant of drier conditions compared to Boston fern, but regular watering is still necessary to keep the plant healthy.
– Boston fern: Boston fern is known for its love of humidity and thrives in bright, indirect light. It prefers consistently moist soil and benefits from misting or placing a tray of water nearby to increase humidity levels.
Ladder fern and Boston fern may look somewhat similar at first glance, but there are notable differences in their appearance, growth habits, weedy nature, and care requirements. If you are looking for a compact fern with narrower fronds and no tubers, ladder fern may be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a bushier fern with wider and softer fronds that thrives in high humidity, Boston fern would be the better option.
