I’ve had the pleasure of growing the Petticoat Fern—formally known as Nephrolepis Exaltata ‘Petticoat’—for a few years now. This lush and fluffy fern is a cultivar of the Boston Fern family. It’s more compact, with frilly fronds that look like green lace. Here are answers to the most common questions I get about this fern, including comparisons with other popular houseplants.
What Makes the Petticoat Fern Special?
The Petticoat Fern is charming. It’s a dwarf cultivar of Nephrolepis Exaltata, so it doesn’t sprawl like traditional Boston Ferns. Instead, it forms a neat, mounding shape—perfect for tabletops or hanging baskets.
Its standout feature? The dense, frilly fronds. They cascade gently, resembling a dancer’s petticoat. That’s where it gets its name. The texture alone adds life and movement to any space.
How Is It Different from the Boston Fern?
I’ve grown both, and here’s the clear difference: Boston Ferns are larger, leggier, and need room to stretch. Petticoat Ferns stay tidy. Where the Boston Fern can grow wild and heavy, the Petticoat keeps things refined and fluffy.
The frond structure differs too. Boston Ferns have longer, arching fronds. Petticoat’s fronds are shorter and curlier, forming a dense halo. The Petticoat looks more ornamental and is better suited for small spaces.
What Kind of Light Does the Petticoat Fern Need?
Indirect light works best. I’ve had success placing it near an east-facing window. Avoid direct sun—it’ll scorch the fronds. Low-light spots aren’t ideal either. In dim rooms, the plant gets leggy and pale.
Bright, filtered light is the sweet spot. Think of where you’d place a maidenhair fern or asparagus fern—same deal.
How Often Should I Water It?
This fern likes humidity. I water mine when the top inch of soil feels dry. That’s about 2–3 times a week in summer, less in winter. Don’t let it sit in soggy soil, though—that leads to root rot.
I also mist it regularly. If your home’s air is dry, especially in winter, use a humidifier or group it with other tropicals like Calathea, Fittonia, or Peperomia to boost ambient moisture.
Is the Petticoat Fern Easy to Care For?
Yes—and no. It’s easier than the maidenhair fern, but fussier than a snake plant or pothos. If you’re consistent with watering and keep humidity above 50%, it thrives.
But neglect it, and it pouts. Dry air or forgotten waterings will cause the tips to brown and fronds to crisp.
That said, it’s not overly dramatic. It bounces back faster than Asplenium Nidus or Microsorum Diversifolium.
How Big Does a Petticoat Fern Get?
In my experience, it tops out at around 10–12 inches tall and about 18 inches wide. That makes it great for tight indoor spaces. I’ve used mine as a centerpiece on my kitchen table and even in a bathroom corner where it gets good light and steam.
How Does Petticoat Compare to Lemon Button Fern?
I love this question. The Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia ‘Duffii’) is another compact fern. It has rounder leaflets and gives off a lemony scent when crushed. It’s a bit more tolerant of dry air than Petticoat.
That said, Petticoat is fluffier and more ornamental. If you want texture and density, go Petticoat. If you want fragrance and easier care, Lemon Button’s your fern.
What Kind of Pot and Soil Should I Use?
I use a terra cotta pot with drainage holes. The porous clay helps wick away excess moisture. For soil, I mix peat moss, perlite, and coconut coir—light, airy, and moisture-retentive.
Avoid heavy soils or moisture-control potting mix. Petticoat’s roots need to breathe.
How Do I Propagate a Petticoat Fern?
Division is the best method. In spring, I gently pull the plant from its pot and divide the root ball with my hands or a clean knife. Each division should have a few healthy fronds and a chunk of root.
I’ve had great success placing the divisions in damp soil and keeping them under a plastic dome for a couple of weeks until new growth emerges.
Is It Pet Safe?
Yes! Like other Nephrolepis varieties, Petticoat is non-toxic to cats and dogs. I have a curious cat, and it occasionally bats at the fronds. No issues.
Still, I try to keep the fern out of reach to avoid damage from playful paws.
Can I Grow It Outdoors?
You can, but only if you live in USDA zones 9–11. In frost-free climates, it does great outdoors in shade gardens or hanging baskets under tree canopies.
I’m in a cooler zone, so I bring mine indoors when temps drop below 50°F.
Final Thoughts
The Petticoat Fern is one of my favorite foliage plants. It’s compact, elegant, and full of movement. Compared to other ferns, it strikes a sweet balance between beauty and manageability.
If you’re looking to add lush texture to a small indoor space, I can’t recommend it enough.
Whether you’re a fern fanatic or just starting your indoor jungle, this frilly, fluffy delight deserves a spot in your collection.
If i die, water my plants!
