In a pot that is the same size as the rootball, plant asparagus ferns in soil-based compost. Make sure the bottom has a drainage hole.
For your asparagus fern, are you looking for a pretty pot cover? Pick from ten of the top containers for indoor plants.
Caring for asparagus ferns
Keep the compost moist but not soggy throughout the spring and summer, allowing any excess to drain away. Watering should be less in the fall and more sparingly in the winter. In the spring and summer, feed once a month with a liquid feed.
By grouping plants together or sprinkling frequently, especially during the summer or when the central heating is on, you can add some humidity.
Every couple of years, in the spring, repot. Because asparagus ferns grow quickly, you can simply cut them back with a pair of sharp secateurs or scissors if they start to get too big or unruly.
How to propagate asparagus ferns
You can sow the berries your asparagus fern produces to grow new plants. However, dividing an asparagus fern in the spring is the simplest method of propagation. When you are repottering it is an excellent time to do this. Just separate the rootball into two or more portions, each containing a piece of root, and plant each section into a separate container.
Growing asparagus ferns: problem solving
It’s typical to have a few yellow fronds at the base; these are old leaves and can be removed. Numerous factors could contribute to more widespread yellowing, therefore further investigation may be necessary. Temperatures that are too warm, excessive light, or under- or overwatering can all result in yellowing.
Pale fronds indicate that your plant either requires extra water or bright light (but keep it out of direct sunlight).
The plant hasn’t received enough water, the air may be too hot or dry, or the plant may be receiving too much sun if the entire fronds have turned brown or yellow and feel crisp. To rejuvenate it, water more frequently and spray it every day.
Spider mite damage is evident if the plant has fine webs covering it. This can be avoided by keeping the plant misted.
Avoid touching or brushing against the leaves to avoid turning them brown.
Is my asparagus fern in need of misting?
Daily mist the plant, concentrating on the soaring stems. The plant probably needs additional water if it starts to look brown and droopy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch and keep the soil moist. It will flourish in warmer, more humid air and with frequent misting.
Does asparagus fern need exposure to the sun?
The sprawling plant known as asparagus fern is indigenous to the coastal southeast of South Africa. Despite the common name, it is not a real fern; rather, depending on the categorization scheme, it belongs either to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) or the lily family (Liliaceae, which also contains plants like amaryllis, daylilies, hosta, and tulips). It belongs to the Asparagus genus, which also contains over 300 other species of asparagus, including the edible A. officinalis. Many people refer to this species as Asparagus densiflorus, although some people also use the names Asparagus aethiopicus, Asparagus sprengeri, and Protasparagus densiflorus.
This delicate evergreen perennial with ferny, bright green foliage is frequently grown indoors or as an outdoor ornamental plant. It is grown outdoors as a groundcover or in pots in moderate regions. It is hardy in zones 9 to 11, however with protection, the roots can frequently last until zone 7. It is used as a seasonal annual or container plant in more temperate climates. The asparagus fern can be found in shaded, sandy areas such as coastal dunes, open rocky areas, and woodlands in its natural habitat. It typically grows along shady roadside edges and invades woodlands or rainforests where it displaces native flora and hinders native species from reestablishing where it has escaped cultivation. In some areas, including as Florida, Texas, and Hawaii in the US, it is regarded as an invasive weed.
The asparagus fern grows long, branching stems that can be upright or trailing and are sparsely coated in stiff, angular spines in the axils. The up to 6 foot long, spherical stems have a small depression running the length of them and range in color from green to brown. What look like leaves are actually cladodes that resemble leaves (short, flattened stems that look and function like leaves). These “leaves,” which resemble needles, emerge in clusters of four to eight from the stem’s nodes. Near the base of the cladodes, the actual leaves are scales that are just barely visible. Plants feature a substantial fibrous root system, several succulent white bulbous tubers, and creeping rhizomes.
On mature plants with enough light, tiny white or pinkish-white blooms appear along the stems in elongated clusters (racemes) from spring through October. Each tepal of a flower is six (3 petals and 3 sepals similar in appearance). The plants planted in temperate areas frequently do not bloom, despite the fact that they are fragrant but small enough not to be very conspicuous. Plants have two sexes. Female flowers produce little, spherical berries with a diameter of up to 1/4 inch if they are pollinated. Each of the one to three black seeds found inside the green fruits that turn glossy crimson as they ripen. In mild regions, many birds are drawn to the fruits and are in charge of unintentional seed spread. The berries are poisonous to cats and dogs and can lead to rashes when they come into contact with the skin and gastrointestinal distress when consumed.
Plant asparagus fern in full sun or moderate shade since full-sun plants grow more compactly and densely than do shadow plants. Once established, it tolerates practically any circumstances and is reasonably drought tolerant, but it thrives in moist soils rich in organic matter.
Because of its vivid green, arching stems, and airy foliage, asparagus fern is prized as an ornamental. Its fine foliage gives off a fluffy or soft appearance, and when combined with plants that have medium- or coarse-textured foliage or very large leaves, it can be used effectively to create a textural contrast. After the last frost in cold locations, it can be planted in the ground among other annuals as a bedding plant. The delicate leaves of this plant can cascade down in hanging baskets or big urns, which make excellent filler plants for pots. When mixed with hibiscus, elephant ears, and canna lilies, it provides a tropical vibe. Additionally, the leaf can be used in floral arrangements as a filler with cut flowers.
Because it requires no particular maintenance, asparagus fern makes a fantastic houseplant for new gardeners. It thrives in strong indirect or direct sunshine (the faster it grows, the brighter the light), and because of its water-storing tuberous roots, it can withstand periods of neglect. Although plants should be kept drier in the winter and fertilization should be halted during that time, it thrives with consistent moisture. If the soil is too dry or there isn’t enough light, the leaf will turn yellow and fall off. To keep the plant in form, the ends of stems can be pruned back and the bases of old or yellowed stems should be removed.
Trim the old growth in the spring, then start fertilizing every month for lush new growth. These plants require periodic repotting because they can easily outgrow their containers and cease to develop actively. Larger, thicker containers could be desirable because the roots are fairly powerful and can destroy pots. It’s better to repot in the early spring before new growth emerges. Seasonally moving indoor plants outside is possible (just be sure to bring them back indoors before it gets too cold), but before doing so, they should get used to the greater outdoor light. This plant rarely gets aphid, mealybug, spider mite, or white fly infestation, whether it’s inside or outside.
You may grow asparagus fern from seed and division. At room temperature, seeds will begin to sprout in 3–4 weeks. To speed germination, scarify the seeds and let them soak in water for a day before planting. Plants can be divided into smaller parts, or plant regeneration is possible with tubers. Although spring is the greatest season for division, these hardy plants can be multiplied almost all throughout the year.
The two most popular types are “Meyeri” and “Sprengeri.” The latter, also known as foxtail asparagus fern, has more erect stems and thicker foliage that radiates outwards from the center of the plant like a fluffy animal’s tail. This cultivar looks particularly good when planted as an upright focal point in the ground or in a container with lower-growing vegetation. In warm regions, it does not have the same potential for invasiveness because it does not generate seed as easily as the species. ‘Cwebe’ boasts copper-colored new growth and beautiful, upright, arching stems. It thrives in bright lighting. More compact varieties include “Sprengeri Nanus” and “Sprengeri Compacta.” University of Wisconsin-Madison student Susan Mahr
How frequently should an asparagus fern be watered?
To keep the soil moist in potted plants, water them frequently. Once or twice a week, water garden plants to keep the soil from drying up altogether. According to the University of Florida, asparagus ferns can tolerate modest amounts of drought, but they will develop more slowly in the absence of adequate rainfall.
Make careful to fertilize in the late winter and again in the middle of the summer because asparagus ferns prefer high-nitrogen soil. Every spring, add compost to the area where you’ve grown ferns outdoors to restore the soil’s natural nutrients. Although asparagus ferns may not totally hibernate in the winter, they do benefit from a rest period when their water and fertilizer needs are reduced.
Eliminate the fern’s dead stems and branches to prune it. Cut back both garden and potted asparagus ferns to the root in the early spring before new growth starts, suggests Arizona State University, around every three years. After being pruned, the ferns produce new foliage that is greener and healthier.
Outdoors:
Asparagus ferns are genuinely regarded as an invasive species in various areas, including Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and California, due to their capacity for rapid growth. Before you plant it in your yard, think about how it will impact the surrounding area, and you might choose a native type instead.
If you decide to go with the asparagus fern, Debbie Neese, the horticulture specialist at Lively Root, advises putting it in a location that receives four to six hours of morning shade and afternoon partial sun. It may live in full sun, but it would require high soil moisture levels and humidity, she claims.
In USDA Hardiness Zones 9–12, this tropical plant will flourish all year long. Once the weather drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to bring it inside for the season if you reside in a colder climate.
People who live in extremely arid climates might benefit more from maintaining this plant as a houseplant because it enjoys damp environs.
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Indoors:
The asparagus fern prefers bright to medium light indoors. It would thrive next to a window that receives four to six hours of direct sunlight each day together with some light shade.
To keep these plants happy, keep the temperature in your home between 60 and 75 degrees, and during the drier months, make sure to provide them with lots of humidity (by misting or placing them near a humidifier). They can also dry out their leaves if you place them too close to air conditioning or heating units or drafty windows.
Can asparagus ferns be overwatered?
The yellowing of asparagus fern fronds can also be caused by either overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering may cause root damage, which will then manifest itself in the leaves. Make sure your asparagus fern is planted in a pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil.
Examining the soil moisture and keeping track of how long it takes for the water to drain from the pot will help you identify the issue. According to Smart Garden Guide, a container that is too big could be an issue because it will take a while for the soil to dry up between waterings. Reduce the amount of watering and let the plant dry out if the pot is holding moisture. If the issue is severe enough, the plant can have developed root rot, which is challenging to recover from. Try repotting your plant, being sure to get rid of any infected roots beforehand, and cross your fingers.
The leaves may appear dry and somewhat crispy, and the soil will be obviously dry, if the issue is indeed underwatering. In this instance, the roots of the plant may have grown so compressed that water simply passes through the pot without really moistening the roots. Repotting the plant is the solution once more.
Why are my asparagus fern’s needles falling out?
The Asparagus Fern gets its name from its bushy, delicate, lacy-like foliage, which closely resembles asparagus. Radiating from the center are stems that trail or ascend. Actually, the asparagus fern isn’t even a fern. Since it is an asparagus, it prefers strong light and sporadic dryness, unlike other ferns. When placed in a hanging basket or cascade arrangement, this fern will look its best.
Although it may withstand lower light levels, the asparagus fern likes strong light. Remember that this fern won’t grow as well in low-light conditions, which means that new growth will be restricted. Aim to remain close to a window that lets in bright light, however it might be filtered.
Low to moderate water levels are preferred for the asparagus fern. Your fern might not be getting enough water if it starts to shed its needles. Yellowing of the foliage may also be a sign of inadequate hydration. Keep the soil moist enough to enable some drying between waterings, but not enough to cause it to become completely dry. Remember that the yellowing foliage won’t turn green again even after you adjust the watering schedule, so you can remove those fronds.
Please exercise caution while around kids and animals because this fern is toxic if eaten.
This home plant can be divided, however an axe may be required. This home plant has a woody root ball that can be difficult to break. To keep this plant under control and looking its best, you will need to trim or prune it.
Lack of Humidity
Lack of humidity is among the most frequent reasons of brown leaves on asparagus ferns (dry air). They are far more prone to this than the majority of other houseplants because of how thin and sensitive the leaves are.
Fortunately, there are a number of simple methods you can use to make the air more humid for your asparagus ferns, some of which are free and others that need almost no work at all:
1
The most important thing you can do to keep your asparagus ferns happy and healthy is this. Because the leaves are so little, they can dry up very fast and turn brown, so watering them frequently is essential. At least a few times every week, spritz the leaves using a spray bottle.
To give the liquid on the leaves enough time to dissipate, we advise watering your asparagus fern only in the morning. When temperatures drop at night and your plant is still damp, there is a chance that the leaves and stems will rot.
2
This is a simple DIY project, but it’s a fantastic fix for asparagus ferns with dark leaves from dry conditions. Put small stones on a tray or basin, then half-fill it with clean water. Your asparagus fern will be surrounded by evaporating water throughout the day if you place it on top of the stones.
Building sure that the water doesn’t get high enough so that the roots are submerged in water and at risk of developing root rot is crucial while making a pebble tray. When the water level starts to fall, top it off. The frequency will be greatly influenced by environmental elements including temperature, sunlight, and other things.
3
We advise putting your asparagus fern in your kitchen or bathroom if such rooms have good lighting. Because steam from bathing and cooking naturally raises humidity levels in certain spaces, it’s a perfect alternative for people who might forget to mist or don’t have the proper materials to assemble a pebble tray.
Simply be careful not to place your plant too close to the cooker as this may burn the leaves fairly rapidly and cause you to have more issues with your asparagus fern than just brown leaves.
4
Investing in a humidifier is definitely the best course of action if you’re concerned that the absence of humidity may become a significant issue because it’s the most reliable approach to raise the humidity and maintain it at a constant, steady level.
They are extremely cost-effective gadgets that are advantageous to both our plants and us. They are believed to enhance our sleep as well as assist clear up our skin. Therefore, humidifiers are fantastic for both ourselves and our other plants, in addition to avoiding the growth of any more brown leaves on your asparagus fern.
Visit our in-depth guide to humidity for more information on how to increase humidity for your asparagus fern or any other indoor plant.
Too much Sunlight
For asparagus ferns to truly flourish, they require strong but indirect light. While your asparagus fern can usually adapt to less-than-ideal light conditions, growth will be slower and it can also result in brown leaves (see below) as well as other problems.
Your asparagus fern may get sunburned in the summer if it is placed very next to a window. The fragile leaves of an asparagus fern are sensitive to direct sun and are frequently damaged by it, turning brown and falling off during the hottest months of the year.
If you suspect that your asparagus fern’s brown leaves are a result of direct sunlight, attempt to relocate your plant a little bit farther away from the window so it won’t get any direct sunlight. Unfortunately, once your asparagus fern leaves have suffered solar damage, there is no turning back. To encourage fresh, healthy (and green) development, we advise cutting off the worst-affected stems.
Not enough Sunlight
Insufficient sunshine can also result in some brown leaves on your asparagus fern, in addition to too much sunlight. To perform photosynthesis, your plant needs a particular amount of light, thus if it is too far from the window, it can be the reason for the brown leaves. Lack of sunlight is frequently accompanied with stunted growth or stems that appear to be reaching for the sun. Wintertime, when the sun is weaker and is out for shorter periods of time, tends to make this problem more prevalent.
The best thing to do is start moving your plant closer to the window if you suspect that insufficient light levels are the cause of your asparagus fern’s brown leaves. Make cautious not to relocate it in an area with excessive direct sunlight, especially during the summer.
You can also use an LED grow lamp to augment the light if your home doesn’t get a lot of natural sunlight or the winter nights are too long. These are fantastic for plants that are having trouble getting enough light since they let you control the extra light and will help to keep your asparagus fern from developing any more brown leaves.
Overwatering
Too much water is another frequent cause of browning leaves on asparagus ferns. It can be extremely simple to unintentionally overwater a plant, and the delicate leaves can be very sensitive to any root system damage.
Consistently overwatering might be detrimental to your asparagus fern since it results in saturated soil that prevents airflow in the potting mix. The root system will quickly rot as a result, which will prohibit your asparagus fern from absorbing any oxygen or nutrients. It also signifies that the roots are no longer able to physically sustain the plant, which may cause the stems to droop and the development of brown leaves.
You must be certain that overwatering is the root of your asparagus fern’s brown leaves before you take any harsh actions and alter your watering schedule. The first step is to remove your plant from the pot so you can carefully examine the potting soil and root structure. Your plant has been overwatered if the potting soil feels wet and clumpy. It may be more difficult to resuscitate your asparagus fern if the roots are soft and mushy, which indicates that the problem has been there for some time.
Ways to fix an overwatered Asparagus Fern:
You must immediately replace any potting mix that is soaked with new, premium soil. Waiting for the soil to dry out naturally would just make the issue worse over the next days, and you run the danger of further damaging rotten roots.
Make sure your asparagus fern doesn’t expend any necessary energy trying to sustain dead roots and leaves. By getting rid of them, you enable your plant to focus all of its energy on producing fresh, healthy green growth. To cut off any plant portions that are dying, use a clean pair of sharp scissors.
Examine how frequently and how much water you were providing to your asparagus fern each time. Reduce one of these elements to make sure the issue doesn’t arise again.