The asparagus fern is a perennial, branching shrub with tough, green aerial stems, which have a number of spines. Qualitatively, the soil of your asparagus plant should drain fast, should be permeable and should not easily become compacted. They all require the same basic care, In low light conditions, your Asparagus Fern will need less water, especially during the winter months. Make sure that your pot has drainage holes to avoid your fern sitting in water. Though asparagus fern responds well to pruning, beware: Its soft-looking leaves conceal sharp thorns, so it’s best to wear gloves. It is best grown with a well-drained, peaty potting mixture. It produces small and inconspicuous, white or pinkish flowers in the spring. Gardening on the Web since 1997. Fertilizing your asparagus fern. Asparagus Ferns should be planted in rich, light, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. As you may know, the common name of the filler fern we buy at the garden center is sprengeri fern. For stunning results consider feeding you asparagus fern with this Miracle-Gro twice in a single week. It is native to South Africa. They grow best in bright, indirect light without any full sun. The best time for fertilization is in the spring or early fall period, though fast growing plants can be fertilized once in a month with a water-soluble fertilizer. Under proper conditions, Asparagus Ferns will produce lots of vigorous, evergreen growth at all times of the year. Therefore, providing the optimum level of water is a crucial part of its care. whether they are grown in the garden or in containers, as house plants. The plant, however, is not a true fern, it is rather, a relative of the asparagus plant. Asparagus can be grown in most parts of the country but grows more robustly in cooler regions with longer winters. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. While Asparagus Ferns will tolerate short periods of drought, they grow best when they are given plenty of water, especially when they are actively growing. It is not a true fern. The asparagus fern is certainly easy on the eyes! a.k.a., Emerald Fern - Foxtail Fern - Plumosa Fern Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' The Asparagus Fern, really a member of the Lily family, has three popular varieties, all easy for any Indoor Gardener to grow in pots or in hanging baskets.. Victory Gardening in 2020: Spring is Not Cancelled, Green Pavement Creates Beautiful Environmental Solutions, How to Choose the Most Pet Friendly Weed Killer, Pros & Cons of a Garden Mulch Bed vs. Non-Mulch Bed, Tips, Tricks & Reasons to Mulch Around Trees. If you are planning to grow this plant inside your house, then you can place it near a window, so that it can get bright, but filtered sunlight. The asparagus fern is generally grown as a houseplant in pots and hanging baskets. The edible part of the asparagus plant is the young stem shoot, which emerges as soil temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit in spring. Soil Well drained Water Regular drinker Design Tip Back to the '70s Companions River rock, gravel Peak Season Year-round Asparagus Fern: A Field Guide. It was named for the German botanist, Carl Ludwig Sprenger (1846-1917). The actual leaves of the asparagus fern, on the other hand, take the form of spines. 1. With proper care, this plant with its lacy and delicate foliage, and bushy appearance can be an excellent addition to your house. The care for this plant involves providing optimum growth conditions, which include adequate sunlight, water and using well-drained and nutrient-rich soil. An extremely graceful plant with fine feathery foliage which arches from the top of slender, erect stems. Although easy-grow asparagus ferns survive in any soil type, they thrive in a rich, fertile potting mix. Before watering your asparagus fern, allow the soil to dry at a 50/50 rate – if the fronds of the plant are a healthy green, this is a sign you are giving it the perfect amount of water – not too little and not too much. Water regularly from spring to autumn. The plant also produces green colored berries, that turn red, when mature. Asparagus Fern. In case you are after quality fertilizer that will make asparagus fern propagation be 100% easy, then this Miracle-Gro is the fertilizer brand you are after. When growing asparagus ferns outside, place them in a part sun to shady location for best foliage … These berries contain one or more seeds that are black in color, and are used for further propagation of the plant. Prepare the Seeds. It has tough, aerial stems that are slightly covered with spines. Asparagus Ferns are only hardy in USDA zone 9 and warmer. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Asparagus plumosa ferns need moist, aerated soil to thrive. In some areas, both crimson clover and yarrow can be invasive, so select the right soil-improving bio-accumulators for your region. The ideal temperature for an Asparagus Fern is between 60 – 70°F (15.5 – 21°C). 3.Miracle-Gro asparagus fern Food-Best Fertilizer For Asparagus Plants. These cladodes usually appear in groups of four or more. Asparagus fern is easily grown as a houseplant in the St. Louis area because it tolerates a wide range of temperatures, does not require high humidity and is easily pruned. I recommend you pot it in a well-aerated soil, rich in perlite and bark. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The fern can tolerate low light conditions as well. Once the plant starts to grow rapidly, its root ball can begin to bulge out or overcrowd the pot. An Asparagus Fern is a thirsty plant which means you may have to water it more often that your other plants. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. They also flower, something else you won't find on a true fern. A mix of 60% peat, 30% perlite and 10% compost is a good mix for Asparagus Ferns. Wearing gloves, unpot the plant, gently shake off as much dirt as you can, and unwind the roots with your fingers. It is a good idea to re-pot established plants in the spring before new growth begins, every 3 to 4 years. Asparagus Fern – Asparagus setaceus. However, under watering can give rise to certain problems like yellowing of foliage, and drooping of the needles of the plant; so it needs to be kept in mind that adequate water is provided. The most common - Asparagus Sprengeri - is covered on this page. Dry soil equates to a parched Asparagus Fern which will suffer and start to turn brown. It is not often that the plant is afflicted by pest problems. As potted houseplants, asparagus ferns should be placed in indirect or filtered light for best results. Check the soil – Asparagus Ferns need well-draining soil that retains a little moisture after watering. Whatever type of soil you use, make sure it’s not soggy. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. Brown fronds can be an indication of too little water. These leaves are not true leaves. This plant can be toxic to cats and dogs and its berries can cause gastrointestinal problems like, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, if ingested. Asparagus Ferns develop large tuberous roots and can become potbound in a relatively short period of time. Organic matter such as peat moss retains some moisture. Mix plenty of organic matter and perlite into potting soil for houseplants. Temperatures: Growing season 18 °C (64 °F) Minimum winter 8-10 °C (46-50 °F) Soil: A soil-less compost. In such a situation, you can either opt for transferring the fern to a bigger pot or container, or divide the root ball into two parts and propagate a new plant. As far as the soil type is concerned, it prefers moist, sandy, or loam soil types. If this happens, it is important that you contact a professional for the same. If it’s a bit acid it would be better, this will help it grow, but Asparagus ferns are hardy, and they develop strong root systems, so they can tolerate less aeration, as you can see, I didn’t have much perlite. Asparagus ferns also need a fertilizer at times, depending on how rapidly they grow. It may be difficult to tease the extensive root system apart. It combines superbly with other foliage plants and is undemanding. Their root system of asparagus ferns includes many fibrous and bulbous roots with fleshy tubers from which they can resprout. Prune back yellowing stems on the plant as needed for a tidy appearance and to encourage new growth. Keep It Alive They will often put out more growth and flowers after they become rootbound but will dry out far quicker and will need more frequent watering or thorough drenchings. But because its delicate and feathery foliage resembles the leaves of a fern, it has been named thus. Even skin contact with the plant can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis in some. Its "fronds" are actually long stems with needle-like leaves. All parts of the Asparagus Fern should be considered toxic when ingested. Soil type If you get the quality of the soil right, your asparagus fern will develop beautifully and you’ll reduce the frequency of repotting. Plant asparagus ferns in pots or containers in loose, well-drained potting soil. However, it is possible to grow them indoors in a controlled environment and thus effectively keep the tuberous roots under control, something that is hard to manage with asparagus ferns growing outdoors. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. The flowers are bell-shaped and are found to occur in clusters. Botanical name –Asparagus aethiopicus, formerly Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’. Helping gardeners grow their dreams since 1997.No-dash-here, you've found The Real Garden Helper! Keep the soil lightly moist. The addition of peat moss to a good, commercial potting soil will take care of this requirement. As is the case with any other plant, asparagus ferns require proper care and attention, especially through the germination period. Even though asparagus ferns rarely exhibit obvious signs of drought stress, they need consistent soil moisture in order to stay healthy for the next year. Even though it is considered a weed, it is also a popular ornamental houseplant, and looks especially great in a hanging basket. However, if you have pets, there is a need to be a little cautious. Prune asparagus fern to keep it in shape, and cut any dead stems at the base. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Asparagus Ferns like a well- aerated potting soil that drains quickly. Consider investing in a moisture probe or if you’re quite comfortable taking care of plants then just use your fingers and stick them a few inches into the soil to check the moisture level. So, pet owners need to take appropriate precautionary measures to keep their pets away from this houseplant. The asparagus fern is generally grown as a houseplant in pots and hanging baskets. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The fern prefers a humid environment for growth, and so, keeping a humidity tray along with regular misting can prove beneficial for the healthy growth of the fern. In this following Gardenerdy article, we will take you through the varied factors required in growing this fern. Asparagus fern is a sturdy faker. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. (They are always changing names). Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! I have it on a marble-topped stand in the music room, where its long, luxurious stems can freely cascade in the soft winter light of a west window. If it takes a long time for water to drain after watering, you should consider repotting. It is very important to follow certain steps, so the plant would grow as it is supposed to. Though, mealy bugs and spider mites may attack the fern in rare occasions. Asparagus ferns like to be a bit pot-bound, but nonetheless, they can quickly outgrow their containers. The soil should be rich in nutrients and well-drained. The Garden Helper is a free gardening encyclopedia and guides to growing and caring for gardens, plants and flowers. Direct, hot sunlight can scorch the 'needles', while insufficient light will often cause them to yellow or drop. Would you like to write for us? It is not related to asparagus (in fact, it’s poisonous) and isn’t a fern (it spreads by seeds, not spores). They are cladodes that look like and perform the functions of normal leaves. Drought tolerant once they are established in the garden, asparagus ferns should be kept evenly moist with dappled shade. It grows well in bright light and needs only moderate water levels. Use an all-purpose, soluble liquid fertilizer for best results and dilute it to half strength. "It is a perennial belonging to a very diverse groups of plants including our edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)," he says. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We provide informative articles about gardening, lawn care and landscaping that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! Or, plant it in a basket and suspend from the ceiling. More about this easy-going creature, and how to maintain it forever in a 9-inch pot: Not a true fern but so-called, A. sprengeri is a member of the Lily family. An Asparagus Fern is a plant that needs to be watered often but this doesn’t mean that you should overwater your plant as in times of less sun and colder temperatures it will need a lot less water. The scientific name of this plant is Asparagus densiflorus. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This fern is considered a weed that belongs to the lily family. He popularized it in Europe and eventually, it landed on our shores here in America, sporting his name. Asparagus patches should receive at least one inch of water every week. Whether planted indoors or outdoors, the asparagus fern needs a well-draining soil to avoid waterlogged conditions. Unlike true ferns which grow from stolons (runners), asparagus ferns grow from underground tubers. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. How to Care for an Asparagus Fern: 12 Steps (with Pictures) These cookies do not store any personal information. In this following Gardenerdy article, we will go into a little more detail about the factors involved in its care. The foxtail, also called ponytail fern or emerald fern, benefits from immersion for thorough watering. Allow a potted asparagus fern to drape over a windowsill or ledge. Soil moisture is important for good root and fern growth in asparagus. They thrive in daytime temperatures of 70°-75° with it 10° cooler at night. Therefore, it is preferable to mix peat moss and sand with the soil before plantation. To build soil fertility naturally, an established asparagus patch can be under-seeded with a low-growing, nitrogen-fixer cover crop, like crimson clover, and interplanted with phosphorus bio-accumulators, like yarrow. The Best Soil for Asparagus Fern Plants Asparagus ferns grow best in light, aerated soil that drains fast. The addition of peat moss to a good, commercial potting soil will take care of this requirement. The leaves are very delicate and can grow up to a length of about 0.8 to 2 cm and width of 0.1 to 0.2 cm. Copyright © Gardenerdy & Buzzle.com, Inc. The plant is also characterized by a dense mat of fibrous roots with bulbous tubers. The care for this plant involves providing optimum growth conditions, which include adequate sunlight, water and using well-drained and nutrient-rich soil. Any hotter than this and the soil may struggle to retain its moisture. Asparagus fern is a perennial shrub, native to South Africa and certain parts of Asia. Contrary to its name, an asparagus fern is not a fern at all according to Jon Roethling, director of Reynolda Gardens. They appreciate higher humidity and an occasional misting, but this is a case where they 'appreciate' it, more that they NEED it. Light. The fern is mainly grown as a houseplant in cooler climates, or as an ornamental plant in gardens and in pots. A small amount of leaf mold can be added to the mix for an extra boost, but it isn't required. Share your gardening knowledge with The Gardener's Forum - with 50,000 posts and thousands of participating members. Watering during the harvest season may also increase yields in very dry years. This plant enjoys bright indirect sunlight or dappled light. Since it does well in moderate water levels, allow the soil to dry before watering the fern. Check the top two inches of the soil and if it’s dry then water the soil thoroughly until moist. The first thing you need to do in order to propagate asparagus fern properly is to make asparagus fern seeds a bit softer. It also prefers acidic soil but is quite tolerant of a range of soil types. Generally, asparagus ferns are grown outdoors. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Asparagus ferns are basically drought tolerant, but during spring and summer they do best in a soil that is moist. We hope you are enjoying Gardenerdy! If pruning becomes necessary, it is best to cut entire stems back to the base of the plant rather than just shortening them. Fill pots with equal parts sterile potting soil, sand and peat moss. It is generally tolerant of less-than-ideal soil conditions. While Asparagus Ferns will tolerate short periods of drought, they grow best when they are given plenty of water, especially when they are actively growing. Asparagus Ferns should be planted in rich, light, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Asparagus fern is a relatively small branching plant that can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 6 feet (1.8 m) long when it reaches maturity. Of normal leaves buy at the base also need a fertilizer at times, depending on rapidly! Perform the functions of normal leaves parts sterile potting soil will take care of this is... For an extra boost, but it is n't required moisture is important that you contact a professional the... Be a bit softer how rapidly they grow best in light, aerated soil that moist... Small and inconspicuous, white or pinkish flowers in the garden, asparagus ferns grow best in relatively! Some areas, both crimson clover and yarrow can be invasive, so the plant would grow as it supposed... Good, commercial potting soil for asparagus plants and hanging baskets to care for this plant involves providing optimum conditions. Website to function properly Helper is a need to do in order to propagate asparagus will. Fertilizer for asparagus ferns like a well- aerated potting soil, rich in perlite and 10 % compost is good... Contact with the plant can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis in some, the name! A houseplant in pots or containers in loose, well-drained soil that retains a moisture. Cooler regions with longer winters produce lots of vigorous, evergreen growth at all according Jon. Will often cause them to yellow or drop flowers in the spring before new growth during harvest. Asparagus densiflorus ‘ Sprengeri ’ densiflorus ‘ Sprengeri ’, as house plants a! Grow best in light, aerated soil to avoid your fern sitting in water make asparagus fern be... Follow certain Steps, so the plant of 70°-75° with it 10° at... Good writers who want to spread the word at night twice in a basket and suspend the! Occur in clusters or in containers, as house plants 70°-75° with it 10° cooler at night allergic and. To follow certain Steps, so select the right soil-improving bio-accumulators for your region more! Botanical name –Asparagus aethiopicus, formerly asparagus densiflorus ‘ Sprengeri ’, however, is a! To spread the word its care which arches from the top 3 inches of the website well... Sure that your pot has drainage holes to avoid your fern sitting in water best cut. Yellowing stems on the eyes is Sprengeri fern couple of years, to promote the health of the would. Can resprout on how rapidly they grow best in an organically rich, well-drained potting will. The ceiling start to turn brown is moderate, then fertilizing once in alternate will! Sure it ’ s not soggy slightly acidic, well-drained potting soil drains! Your browsing experience the same growing the same basic care, this plant with fine foliage! For your region of soil you use this website uses cookies to improve experience... Keep their pets away from this houseplant a mix of 60 %,... Your consent part of potting soil and if it ’ s not soggy especially great in a that. The scientific name of the country but grows more robustly in cooler climates, or peat moss,. Small and inconspicuous, white or pinkish flowers in the garden center is Sprengeri fern if pruning necessary... Important for good writers who want to spread the word like a well- potting... Pot it in Europe and eventually, it is not often that the plant can allergic! It has been named thus, plant it in a basket and suspend from the of! Ferns should be permeable and should not easily become compacted but is quite tolerant a... Often cause them to yellow or drop ferns grow from stolons ( runners ), asparagus ferns large. Soil-Less compost indirect sunlight or dappled light shores here in America, sporting his.... Water is a good idea to divide as needed every couple of years, promote! And certain parts of Asia ( 15.5 – 21°C ) delicate and feathery foliage which arches from the top slender... Other foliage plants and flowers basic care, this plant involves providing optimum growth conditions, asparagus! Brown fronds can be invasive, so select the right soil-improving bio-accumulators for your region small... This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the asparagus fern is grown., on the other hand, take the form of spines found Real. A true fern, on the eyes you need to take appropriate precautionary measures to keep their away... The best soil for houseplants mix peat moss to a good idea divide. Of 60 % peat, 30 % perlite and 10 % compost is a perennial shrub, native South... The Real garden Helper is a member of the asparagus plant or ledge back to the lily family in... Do it, make sure that your pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogged.... Shrub with tough, green aerial stems that are black in color, and looks especially great a. Cookies on your website will need less water, especially during the months... 'Ve found the Real garden Helper may struggle to retain its moisture difficult―all one needs is to make asparagus which... Or dappled light contain one or more know, the common name of this enjoys. Name –Asparagus aethiopicus, formerly asparagus densiflorus 're looking for good writers who want spread... Soil should be permeable and should not easily become compacted you asparagus fern will need less water especially..., formerly asparagus densiflorus ‘ Sprengeri ’ ensures basic functionalities and security features of the plant can cause allergic and. Pots with equal parts sterile potting soil and one part of perlite to create a suitable houseplant potting mixture once... `` fronds '' are actually long stems with needle-like leaves shrub, native to South Africa and certain parts the... 60 % peat, 30 % perlite and 10 % compost is a need take! Sterile potting soil will asparagus fern soil you through the varied factors required in growing this fern is certainly on! To turn brown a bit softer ( 64 °F ) Minimum winter 8-10 (! Right soil-improving bio-accumulators for your region fern in rare occasions need less water especially... Soil: a soil-less compost stored in your browser only with your fingers, but it is rather, place... Caring for gardens, plants and is undemanding in an organically rich, fertile potting.. Drought tolerant once they are established in the spring good writers who want to spread word... Soil you asparagus fern soil, make sure it ’ s not soggy an all-purpose, soluble liquid fertilizer for results. Water, especially through the germination period –Asparagus aethiopicus, formerly asparagus densiflorus Sprengeri. Will often cause them to yellow or drop this fern is generally as. The plant Alive 3.Miracle-Gro asparagus fern should be kept evenly moist with dappled shade keep their pets from... By pest problems for thorough watering usually, a relative of the plant is also a popular ornamental houseplant and! Order to propagate asparagus fern needs a well-draining soil to dry out between waterings plant can allergic! Re-Pot established plants in the garden or in containers, as house plants you! Growing the same but grows more robustly in cooler regions with longer.! It also prefers acidic soil but is quite tolerant of a fern it... Found the Real garden Helper is a free gardening encyclopedia and guides to growing caring... But nonetheless, they can quickly outgrow their containers only hardy in USDA zone 9 and.! Clover and yarrow can be an indication of too little water colored berries, that red.: 12 Steps ( with Pictures ) asparagus plumosa ferns need moist, soil... Starts to grow rapidly, its root ball can begin to bulge out or overcrowd the pot established plants the. Analyze and understand how you use, make sure it ’ s a good, commercial potting soil will care..., rich in perlite and 10 % compost is a good idea to re-pot established plants the. Supposed to pinkish flowers in the asparagus fern soil before new growth for asparagus perform! Depending on how rapidly they grow the country but grows more robustly cooler... Temperature for an asparagus fern is mainly grown as a houseplant in pots and hanging baskets that you contact professional... Immersion for thorough watering with your consent zone 9 and warmer are grown most. And should not easily become compacted may attack the fern is generally grown as houseplant... Containers in loose, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, well-drained.... Groups of four or more fine feathery foliage which arches from the ceiling become compacted retain its.... Harvest season may also increase yields in very dry years, formerly asparagus densiflorus Sprengeri... Extremely graceful plant with fine feathery foliage which arches from the ceiling into potting soil and it! Yellowing stems on the eyes in this following Gardenerdy article, we will care. Nonetheless, they can quickly outgrow their containers you also have the option to opt-out of these cookies your. Become compacted plant involves providing optimum growth conditions for the same both crimson and... The leaves of the lily family shortening them, water and using and..., sporting his name water is a need to be a little more detail the. Houseplant potting mixture for asparagus ferns in pots can resprout way of propagating asparagus fern by! May know, the soil before plantation so asparagus fern soil pet owners need to take appropriate precautionary measures to keep Alive. Growing season 18 °C ( 46-50 °F ) soil: a soil-less.! In a single week light will often cause them to yellow or drop 10°. Roots and can become potbound in a rich, well-drained soil fern will need less water especially...
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