Lace Fern vs Little Bluestem 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.
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem is a perennial bunchgrass native to North America. It's known for its striking blue-green foliage during the growing season, which transitions to a beautiful reddish-bronze in the fall and winter. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet. It is primarily an outdoor plant, valued for its ornamental appeal in native plant gardens, meadows, and prairie restorations. People grow it for its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and seasonal color changes. It provides habitat and food for wildlife.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Lace Fern | Little Bluestem |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds. | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Watering | Every 5-7 days, depending on environmental conditions | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on rainfall and soil drainage |
| Humidity | 50-70% | 20-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 10-32°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 30-90 cm | N/A (Outdoor plant, not suitable for indoor growing) |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining, peat-based potting mix | Well-drained soil, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Tolerates poor soils. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 5 minutes monthly |
🔬 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. |
Little Bluestem
| Scientific Name | Schizachyrium scoparium |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | North America |
| Also Known As | Little Bluestem, Prairie Beardgrass |
| Leaves | The leaves are linear, blue-green in color during the growing season, and turn reddish-bronze in the fall. They are typically 1/4 inch wide and 8-18 inches long. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces fluffy, silvery-white seed heads in late summer and fall. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Lace Fern
Little Bluestem
🌱 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.
Little Bluestem
Methods: Seed, Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: For seed propagation, cold stratify seeds for 30-60 days before sowing. Division is best done in early spring or fall.
✨ 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
Little Bluestem
Its blue-green foliage turns a striking reddish-bronze in the fall and winter, providing year-round interest. The fluffy seed heads add to its ornamental appeal.
- ✓ Provides habitat for birds and insects.
- ✓ Adds visual interest to the landscape with its seasonal color changes.
- ✓ Requires minimal watering once established.
- ✓ Helps prevent soil erosion with its extensive root system.
- ✓ Supports biodiversity in native plant gardens.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Lace Fern
Little Bluestem
🌞 Light Requirements
Lace Fern
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
Little Bluestem
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 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.
Little Bluestem
Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soils. Underwatering will cause the foliage to turn brown and crispy. Established plants are very drought-tolerant.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Lace Fern
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 50-70%
Little Bluestem
Temperature: 10-32°C
Humidity: 20-60%
🤔 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.
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scopariumGardeners looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ornamental grass with beautiful seasonal color.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a low-maintenance ornamental grass.
- You need a drought-tolerant plant.
- You desire beautiful fall and winter color in your garden.
- You want to attract birds and other wildlife to your yard.
- You are interested in native plant gardening.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You do not have a sunny outdoor space.
- You are looking for an indoor plant.
- You live in a very shady environment.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Lace Fern is rated Moderate care level, while Little Bluestem is Expert.
💡 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.
Little Bluestem Care Tips
Little Bluestem is an outdoor plant and will struggle indoors due to its high light requirements. While it is relatively low-maintenance outdoors, attempting to grow it indoors would require specialized grow lights and careful monitoring of soil moisture. It is best suited for outdoor gardens and landscapes.
- Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can weaken the plant.
- Cut back foliage in early spring to encourage new growth.
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
- Provide full sun for optimal color and growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Lace Fern
Little Bluestem
❓ 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.
Little Bluestem
What are the light requirements for Little Bluestem?
Little Bluestem requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. A sunny location is essential for optimal growth, vibrant color, and strong stems. Insufficient light can result in weak, floppy growth and reduced flowering. Choose a planting site that receives full sun throughout the day.
How do I care for Little Bluestem?
Little Bluestem is relatively easy to care for, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Water newly planted grasses regularly until established, then reduce watering frequency as they become more drought-tolerant. Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the grass to become leggy and flop over.
How do I propagate Little Bluestem?
Little Bluestem can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, and seed.
Last updated: April 21, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.