The plants are part of the same family and genus, making them similar in terms of appearance, care, and growth. These fern types have rich foliage – dense, long fronds, small leaflets, and bright colors! If you try to distinguish the two when they’re still young, you’ll find it impossible because they look almost the same! Mature macho ferns and Boston ferns have a few dissimilarities, however, which we’ll discuss further. If you’re trying to decide between the two, you’ll see that either can do well in or outside your house, and the main factors to consider are their size and appearance. They perform roughly the same in terms of care and growth, with tiny nuances you’ll soon learn more about!
Comparing Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern
The Key Differences Between Macho Ferns and Boston Ferns
If you want to learn how to distinguish between these two strikingly similar plants, called macho fern and Boston fern, we’ve prepared a guide that tells you everything you need to know. While the differences aren’t huge, they’ll help you pick the plant you like the most and take better care of it as well.
Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern: Description
The easiest way to distinguish adult macho ferns from Boston ferns is by their size. The macho fern is much larger than the Boston fern. While macho ferns can reach 3 – 4 feet in height and about 6 feet in width, Boston ferns rarely grow larger than 2 – 3 feet in width and height. Another noticeable difference is the form of their leaflets and fronds. Macho fern fronds are larger than Boston fern fronds. Moreover, the Boston fern is a “fluffy” plant with tighter foliage. Its leaflets are dark green, slightly lighter at the edges. The plant’s foliage grows in a more symmetrical form. In contrast, macho green leaflets are lighter and larger, and the fronds grow more chaotically. This plant’s foliage is a bit looser, and the fronds are slightly bent down. An easy way to distinguish between the two plants is by shaking them. If the plant is fluffy and bouncy, then it’s a Boston fern. Macho fern leaflets have smoother texture and edges and a more shiny appearance, while Boston fern leaflets are smaller and have a shaggy appearance and serrated edges.
Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern: Growth Temperature
Ferns prefer living in mild temperatures, not too hot and not too cold. Temperatures above 95 °F or below 35 °F are detrimental to these plants. Macho fern’s ideal growing temperature is roughly 50 – 80 °F. Boston ferns thrive best in temperatures ranging from 65 – 75 °F.
Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern: Potting
A young macho fern can “live” in a 6-inch pot. If it’s mature, you should choose an 8 – 12-inch pot, depending on how large the plant is. If still growing, a macho fern needs to be repotted every 1 – 2 years. Providing it with extra growing space will enhance its growth and thriving rate. It’s best to go one pot size up every time you change it. Since Boston ferns are smaller, their pots can be smaller, too, and might not need to be changed as often as those of macho ferns. Since both plants prefer humid conditions, pots like terracotta pots with drainage holes are suitable for them. The best season for repotting ferns is early spring or summer since that’s when they’re actively growing.
Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern: Overwintering
During the winter, macho ferns can only survive outside in USDA zones 9a-10b (between 20 and 40 °F). If the temperature falls below 20 °F, the plant should be brought inside. Boston ferns appear to be slightly more resistant, as some sources state they can survive USDA zones 8b – 11a (15 to 45 °F). If you bring your plant indoors, it’s recommended to check it for pests, use pest control products, or isolate it for roughly two weeks to avoid home pest infestations.
Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern: Home Benefits and Allergies
Macho ferns and Boston ferns are generally considered extremely beneficial, being one of the most powerful plants for purifying the environment. Having them in or around your home will help reduce pollution. Besides, they don’t require as much care as other plants. While they are generally considered hypoallergenic plants, they can cause allergic reactions, too. People often think they’re safe because they don’t flower. However, they reproduce by producing spores, which can affect you like pollen, for example. Nevertheless, if you think you could be allergic to ferns, you might want to try the Boston fern, as it reportedly causes fewer allergic reactions than macho ferns.
Similarities Between Macho Ferns and Boston Ferns
As we’ve already stated, macho ferns and Boston ferns are very similar. While there are a few differences in appearance, care, and growth, some things can be attributed to both.
Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern: Growth Light
Macho ferns and Boston ferns enjoy the sunlight. It’s essential not to leave them in direct sunlight, however, because it can damage their foliage, and they can end up sunburned. On the other hand, you shouldn’t keep them in the shade either. Too much shade can damage the plants and make their fronds look sparse. If you keep them indoors, it’s recommended to place them away from southern and western windows. Morning indirect sunlight works best. If you keep the plants outdoors, you can place them on a covered porch.
Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern: Growth Humidity
Agreeable humidity levels for people are about 30 – 60%. Ferns, however, prefer higher humidity. That’s why you should never forget to water your plants. Both macho ferns and Boston ferns need 70% or higher humidity. Water their soil whenever you see it’s dry to the touch, and spray them regularly. You can also opt for a humidifier or keep your plant in the bathroom, as long as there’s enough indirect sunlight.
Macho Fern vs. Boston Fern: Pests and Diseases
Since macho ferns and Boston ferns are better kept outside, they’re at a higher risk of being harmed by external factors. They can suffer from worms, mealybugs, mites, scales, and flies infestations. Both plants are prone to developing Pythium root rot disease, which carries symptoms such as plant wilting and rotting root smell. Another disease they can suffer from is Rhizoctonia aerial blight, which comes with brown, irregularly-shaped lesions on their foliage. Then, if the frond tips and leaflets become brown and die, it’s likely that the plants have the Leaf tip disease. Even though both plants are generally considered disease-free, regular checks are still recommended, especially if you keep them outdoors.
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