Plant

How to Grow Asparagus Ferns

Grow asparagus ferns in well-drained soil, indirect light, and high humidity. Water regularly, mist leaves, and avoid direct sun.

How to Grow Asparagus Ferns:

how to grow asparagus ferns

Asparagus ferns have airy and delicate foliage reminiscent of asparagus leaves that arch gracefully like those found on ferns – hence their name! While technically not classified as ferns themselves, these members of the Lily Family hail from humid forests of Southern Africa – making excellent houseplants.

Asparagus setaceus and Asparagus densiflorus are two types of asparagus fern. Asparagus setaceus (lace fern or Asparagus plumosus) has delicate foliage favored by florists for flower arranging; while Asparagus densiflorus (foxtail fern, emerald fern, or plume asparagus) features leafing that resembles more closely that of a brush than of an animal tail.

Asparagus ferns make an elegant accent when placed tumbling from shelves plant stands or hanging planters. Their delicate branches add dimension and contrast when placed among other plants with differing leaf shapes. They look especially lovely group.

Be cautious when handling asparagus ferns as their sharp thorns may cause cuts, making contact too often with these plants dangerous as it will result in brown leaves on mature plants and mild toxic effects on humans and pets. All parts of an asparagus fern plant are mildly toxic for human and pet consumption.

Where to Grow Asparagus Ferns? 

Asparagus ferns thrive best when given bright but indirect light away from direct sunshine, with temperatures between 13degC and 16degC ideal. Stay away from drafts or radiators. Asparagus setaceus particularly loves humidity so a bathroom environment would be best, although it also thrives well when grown in terrariums.

How to Plant Asparagus Ferns

Here are 11 ideas on how to plant asparagus ferns: 2048×1365-Asparagus-fern-SEO-GettyImages-1221821043 Our best advice would be for growing these beautiful perennial plants in soil-based compost in decorative pots which match their rootball sizes – make sure there’s drainage hole at the bottom!

Care For Asparagus Ferns

Care for asparagus ferns

In spring and summer, keep the compost moist but not saturated – allow excess moisture to drain away – then decrease watering during autumn months before watering more sparingly during winter. Fertilize once monthly with liquid feed during spring/summer seasons.

Provide moisture by grouping plants or misting regularly, especially during summer or when using central heating.

As they can quickly develop, if a plant becomes unruly or too big to manage, simply use sharp scissors or secateurs to prune back its growth.

How to Propagate Asparagus Ferns 

If your asparagus fern produces berries, these can be planted into new plants; however, for ease of propagation it’s easiest to divide its rootball in spring when repotting it. Simply cut into two or more sections each containing part of its roots before repotting into individual pots.

Growing Asparagus Ferns: Problem Solving

Some yellowing of the leaves at the base is normal – these are old leaves that should be cut away. More widespread yellowing may have different causes. Yellowing could be related to temperature imbalance, excessive sunlight exposure, or insufficient or excessive irrigation.

Pale fronds indicate that your plant needs more indirect light or additional watering.

If whole fronds of your plant have turned brown/yellow and feel crispy, this could indicate insufficient water, hot or dry conditions, or too much sun exposure – try watering regularly and misting daily to revive them.

If a plant is covered in fine webs, it could be infested by spider mites; keeping the plant misted regularly will help avoid this scenario.

Brown leaves can often be caused by brushing past or touching them; try not to do this!

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