Lace Fern vs Lacy Tree Philodendron Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Lace Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
The Lace Fern, a cultivar of the Boston Fern, is prized for its delicate, finely divided fronds that create a lacy appearance. It's an evergreen perennial fern, typically grown indoors as a houseplant, although it thrives outdoors in warm, humid climates. Its arching fronds bring a lush, tropical feel to any space. People grow it for its air-purifying qualities and its ability to add texture and visual interest to indoor environments. It is not naturally an indoor plant, but adapts well with proper care.
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, commonly known as the Lacy Tree Philodendron or Selloum, is a large, evergreen plant characterized by its deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. Despite its common name, it is not a true philodendron. It exhibits a shrub-like growth habit, developing a thick, trunk-like stem as it matures. While it can reach impressive sizes outdoors, indoor specimens remain more manageable. It's popular for its bold, tropical appearance and relatively easy care, making it a statement piece in homes and offices.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Lace Fern | Lacy Tree Philodendron |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds. | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. |
| Watering | Every 5-7 days, depending on environmental conditions | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. |
| Humidity | 50-70% | 40-70% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 30-90 cm | 1-2 meters indoors |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, peat-based potting mix | Well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Lace Fern
| Scientific Name | Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' |
|---|---|
| Family | Nephrolepidaceae |
| Native To | Tropical regions worldwide, specifically a mutation of Nephrolepis exaltata found in Boston, Massachusetts. |
| Also Known As | Boston Fern, Sword Fern, Lace Fern |
| Leaves | The leaves, or fronds, of the Lace Fern are finely divided and delicate, creating a lacy appearance. They are typically bright green and have a soft, feathery texture. Each frond is composed of numerous small leaflets (pinnae) that are deeply lobed and intricately cut. |
| Flowers | Lace Ferns do not flower indoors. Ferns reproduce via spores, not flowers. |
Lacy Tree Philodendron
| Scientific Name | Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Native To | South America, specifically Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina |
| Also Known As | Lacy Tree Philodendron, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Selloum |
| Leaves | The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and glossy green. They can grow up to 90 cm long and wide. The lobes are highly dissected, giving the plant a lacy appearance. New leaves emerge unfurled and gradually expand. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. When it does flower (typically outdoors), it produces a spadix and spathe, similar to other members of the Araceae family. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Lace Fern
Lacy Tree Philodendron
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Lace Fern
Methods: Division, Spores
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Division is best done in spring. Carefully separate the rhizomes and plant them in individual pots. Spore propagation is more challenging and requires a sterile environment.
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division, Seed (though rare indoors)
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings with aerial roots and place them in water or directly into moist potting mix. Keep the cutting warm and humid. Division can be done when repotting mature plants.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Lace Fern
The Lace Fern is a cultivar of the Boston Fern, known for its finely divided, lacy fronds. This gives it a more delicate and textured appearance compared to the standard Boston Fern. Its graceful, arching habit makes it a popular choice for hanging baskets and shelves.
- ✓ Improved air quality
- ✓ Adds a lush, tropical aesthetic to your home
- ✓ Non-toxic to pets
- ✓ Can help increase humidity in dry environments
- ✓ Provides a calming and relaxing atmosphere
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Lacy Tree Philodendron
The deeply lobed leaves are its most distinctive feature, giving it a lush, tropical appearance. It develops a trunk-like stem as it matures, adding to its architectural appeal. It is not a true philodendron, despite its common name.
- ✓ Adds a tropical aesthetic to your home
- ✓ Purifies the air by removing toxins
- ✓ Creates a relaxing and calming atmosphere
- ✓ Provides a sense of connection to nature
- ✓ Relatively easy to care for, boosting confidence in plant care abilities
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Lace Fern
Lacy Tree Philodendron
🌞 Light Requirements
Lace Fern
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
Lace Fern
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing fronds and root rot. Underwatering results in crispy, brown fronds.
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Allow excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering results in drooping leaves and dry, crispy edges.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Lace Fern
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 50-70%
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Lace Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'Those who enjoy a lush, tropical look and are willing to provide the necessary humidity and care.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant that helps purify the air.
- You love the look of delicate, lacy foliage.
- You are prepared to provide high humidity.
- You want a non-toxic plant for your pets.
- You have a bright, indirectly lit space.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You struggle to maintain consistent watering schedules.
- You live in a very dry climate and are unwilling to use a humidifier.
- You prefer low-maintenance plants that require minimal attention.
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidumThose seeking a bold, tropical statement plant that is relatively easy to care for.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a large, statement plant for your home.
- You appreciate tropical foliage.
- You are looking for a relatively low-maintenance plant.
- You have a space with bright, indirect light.
- You want to add a touch of the jungle to your indoor environment.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You have limited space.
- You tend to overwater plants.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Both plants have similar basic care requirements but differ in appearance and specific needs. Compare plants carefully to find the best fit for your space.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Lace Fern Care Tips
Lace Ferns require consistent moisture, high humidity, and bright, indirect light. Maintaining adequate humidity is crucial for preventing brown, crispy fronds. They are not particularly difficult, but require more attention than some other houseplants.
- Mist the fronds regularly to increase humidity.
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
Lacy Tree Philodendron Care Tips
Lacy Tree Philodendrons are relatively easy to care for indoors, provided they receive adequate light and are not overwatered. They require well-draining soil and occasional fertilization. Regular cleaning of the leaves will keep them healthy and attractive. They can become large, so provide ample space.
- Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
- Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
- Provide a support structure, such as a moss pole, for the plant to climb if desired.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Lace Fern
Lacy Tree Philodendron
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Lace Fern
What are the light requirements for Lace Fern?
Lace Ferns require bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can burn their delicate fronds, causing them to turn brown and crispy. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A north-facing window can also work, but be sure the fern receives sufficient ambient light. If your Lace Fern is placed in a location with less natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light. Avoid placing the fern near south- or west-facing windows without a sheer curtain to filter the harsh sunlight. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure and prevent it from leaning towards the light source. Observe the fronds for signs of insufficient light, such as pale green color or leggy growth.
How do I care for Lace Fern?
Lace Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate fronds. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. Maintain high humidity levels by misting regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the fern on a pebble tray filled with water. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for ferns. Repot annually in the spring to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Prune away any dead or yellowing fronds to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes. Monitor for pests such as spider mites and scale, and treat promptly if detected.
How do I propagate Lace Fern?
Lace Ferns can be propagated by division or spores. For division, carefully separate the rhizomes during repotting, ensuring each division has healthy roots and fronds. Plant each division in its own pot with well-draining potting mix. For spore propagation, collect spores from mature fronds and sow them on a sterile potting mix. Cover with a plastic dome to maintain high humidity. Keep the mix consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light. Spores can take several weeks to germinate, and it will be several months before you have a plant large enough to pot up. Division is the much easier and faster method.
Lacy Tree Philodendron
What are the light requirements for Lacy Tree Philodendron?
Lacy Tree Philodendrons require bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, causing unsightly burns. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A north-facing window can also work, but the plant may grow slower. If placed near a south or west-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the intense light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and smaller, less-defined leaves. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Monitor the leaves for signs of light stress, such as yellowing or browning.
How do I care for Lacy Tree Philodendron?
Lacy Tree Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain humidity levels around 60-70% by misting regularly or using a humidifier. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, using a well-draining potting mix. Provide support, such as a moss pole, as the plant matures and its aerial roots develop. Regularly wipe the leaves to remove dust and pests. Keep temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
How do I propagate Lacy Tree Philodendron?
Lacy Tree Philodendrons can be easily propagated through stem cuttings, division, or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a cutting with at least one node and place it in water or directly into moist potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. For division, carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections and repot each section into its own container. Air layering involves wrapping a node with moist sphagnum moss and covering it with plastic wrap until roots form, then cutting below the roots and potting the new plant.
Last updated: May 4, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.