Love-Lies-Bleeding vs Rainbow Fern Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Amaranthus caudatus
Love-Lies-Bleeding is an annual flowering plant known for its dramatic, cascading flower spikes. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 feet outdoors. The flowers are small and densely packed along the long, rope-like inflorescences, usually in shades of deep red, but also available in green or gold. While it can be started indoors, it is primarily an outdoor plant grown for its ornamental value in gardens and cut flower arrangements. People grow it for its unique appearance and the visual interest it adds to landscapes.
Rainbow Fern
Selaginella uncinata
Selaginella uncinata, commonly known as Rainbow Fern, is a creeping, mat-forming plant prized for its iridescent blue-green foliage. The shimmering effect is caused by the reflection of light off the leaf surfaces. It is not a true fern, but a spikemoss. While it can be grown indoors, it requires very high humidity and consistent moisture, making it a challenging houseplant. People grow it for its unique coloration and texture, adding a touch of the exotic to terrariums or humid environments.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Love-Lies-Bleeding | Rainbow Fern |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate fronds. |
| Watering | Every 2-3 days in hot weather, every 5-7 days in cooler weather (outdoors) | Every 2-3 days, depending on humidity and temperature |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 70-90% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 1-2 feet (indoors, unlikely to thrive), 3-8 feet (outdoors) | 15-30 cm |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining soil, such as a mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite. | Well-draining, moisture-retentive mix such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly (outdoors) | 15-20 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Love-Lies-Bleeding
| Scientific Name | Amaranthus caudatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Native To | South America (likely Peru) |
| Also Known As | Tassel Flower, Quilete, Incan Wheat |
| Leaves | The leaves are ovate to lance-shaped, typically green, and can grow up to 6 inches long. They are arranged alternately along the stems. |
| Flowers | The flowers are small and densely packed along the long, rope-like inflorescences. They are typically deep red, but can also be green or gold. Flowering occurs primarily in summer and fall. |
Rainbow Fern
| Scientific Name | Selaginella uncinata |
|---|---|
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Native To | China |
| Also Known As | Rainbow Fern, Peacock Fern, Blue Fern, Spikemoss |
| Leaves | Small, scale-like leaves arranged in overlapping rows along the stems. The leaves are typically a vibrant blue-green color with an iridescent sheen. They are delicate and finely textured. |
| Flowers | Selaginella uncinata does not produce flowers in the typical sense. It reproduces via spores, which are produced in strobili (cone-like structures) at the tips of the stems. These are rarely seen indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Rainbow Fern
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Methods: Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Sow seeds directly into the garden in spring after the last frost, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Keep soil moist until germination.
Rainbow Fern
Methods: Division, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide the plant at the roots or take stem cuttings and place them in a humid environment until they root. A propagation box or terrarium works well.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Love-Lies-Bleeding
The cascading flower spikes are its most distinctive feature, setting it apart from many other flowering plants. The vibrant red color (in most varieties) adds a dramatic touch to any garden.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden
- ✓ Provides unique visual interest
- ✓ Can be used as a cut flower
- ✓ Seeds are edible
- ✓ Relatively easy to grow from seed outdoors
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Rainbow Fern
The Rainbow Fern's iridescent blue-green foliage sets it apart from other ferns and houseplants. This shimmering effect is a result of structural coloration, where light interacts with the leaf's surface. It is not a true fern, but a spikemoss, belonging to the genus Selaginella.
- ✓ Adds a unique visual element to indoor spaces
- ✓ Creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere
- ✓ Can be used in terrariums and vivariums
- ✓ Non-toxic to pets
- ✓ Offers a connection to nature indoors
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Rainbow Fern
🌞 Light Requirements
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Rainbow Fern
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate fronds.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage.
Rainbow Fern
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the fronds to dry out and turn brown. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Rainbow Fern
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 70-90%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Amaranthus caudatusGardeners looking to add a unique and dramatic visual element to their outdoor landscape.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a dramatic and unique plant for your garden
- You need a plant that attracts pollinators
- You want to grow your own cut flowers
- You want to add height and texture to your landscape
- You are looking for a plant that is easy to propagate from seed.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant
- You don't have a sunny outdoor space
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
Rainbow Fern
Selaginella uncinataExperienced plant enthusiasts who can provide a humid environment like a terrarium.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a unique and visually striking plant with iridescent foliage.
- You can provide a consistently humid environment, such as a terrarium.
- You enjoy the challenge of caring for demanding plants.
- You want to add a touch of the exotic to your indoor garden.
- You appreciate the delicate beauty of ferns and mosses.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You struggle to maintain consistent watering schedules.
- You live in a dry climate and cannot provide high humidity.
- You are a beginner plant owner looking for low-maintenance options.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Love-Lies-Bleeding has fast growth, while Rainbow Fern grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Love-Lies-Bleeding Care Tips
Love-Lies-Bleeding is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is unlikely to thrive indoors due to its high light requirements. Indoor cultivation would require very bright supplemental lighting and careful monitoring of watering to prevent root rot. It is also toxic to pets.
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for a head start
- Provide full sun for optimal growth and flowering
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly.
Rainbow Fern Care Tips
Rainbow Ferns are challenging houseplants due to their high humidity and moisture requirements. They thrive in terrariums or enclosed environments where humidity can be maintained. Consistent watering and bright, indirect light are crucial for their survival indoors. It is primarily an outdoor plant in tropical climates.
- Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup on the fronds.
- Maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier.
- Provide bright, indirect light to enhance the iridescent coloration.
- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Rainbow Fern
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Love-Lies-Bleeding
What are the light requirements for Love-Lies-Bleeding?
Love-Lies-Bleeding requires a significant amount of sunlight to thrive and produce its characteristic vibrant blooms. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In indoor environments, place the plant near a south-facing window to maximize light exposure. If natural light is insufficient, consider supplementing with grow lights, particularly during the shorter days of winter.
How do I care for Love-Lies-Bleeding?
Love-Lies-Bleeding thrives in well-draining soil and requires regular watering, especially during hot weather. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage abundant blooming. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous flowering.
How do I propagate Love-Lies-Bleeding?
Love-Lies-Bleeding can be propagated easily from seeds. Collect seeds from dried flower heads and sow them directly into well-draining soil in spring. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample sunlight. Alternatively, stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Take a 4-6 inch cutting, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist potting mix until roots develop. Division is not a common method for this plant. Keiki propagation does not apply to this species.
Rainbow Fern
What are the light requirements for Rainbow Fern?
Rainbow Fern requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant coloration. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate fronds, so avoid placing it in direct sun exposure. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning light. A north-facing window can also work, but supplemental lighting might be necessary if the plant doesn’t receive enough natural light. If placed near a south or west-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the light. Insufficient light can cause the colors to fade and the plant to become leggy. Observe the plant’s response to light and adjust its placement accordingly.
How do I care for Rainbow Fern?
Rainbow Fern thrives in bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, using distilled or filtered water to avoid mineral buildup. Maintain high humidity levels, ideally above 70%, through regular misting, a humidifier, or a pebble tray. Plant in a well-draining, acidic potting mix. Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage. Maintain temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Prune any dead or damaged fronds to encourage new growth. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Repot only when necessary, usually every 1-2 years, using a slightly larger pot.
How do I propagate Rainbow Fern?
Rainbow Fern can be propagated by division or spores.
Last updated: April 29, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.