It is an easy-to-grow, popular houseplant recognizable by its bright green, feathery-textured foliage.
Warning
Asparagus fern can spread rapidly when planted outdoorsto the point of serious invasiveness.
Check with your local extension agent to determine if it’s invasive in your area.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Light
The asparagus fern thrives in dappled shade, although it can be acclimated to more light.
Keep it out of direct, bright sunlight, which may scorch the foliage.
Soil
Plant asparagus ferns in pots or containers in moist, loose,well-drained potting soil.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Outdoors, plant it in rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.5-6.8).
It prefers rich soil to thrive.
confirm containers have drainage holes.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Indoor growing conditions are often too dry, especially during the winter heating season.
Mist the plant daily, focusing on the arching stems.
Avoid sudden changes in temperatures, which can cause the cladodes to drop.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Fertilizer
Feed asparagus fern with liquid or water-soluble all-purposeplant fooddiluted to half strength.
In the spring, fertilize the plant monthly.
During summer, container plants may need weekly feedings; otherwise, feed monthly.
Asparagus setaceusseven75 / Getty Images
Do not cut more than 1/3 of the plant at a time.
Use clean garden shears or sharp scissors to remove brown portions or to regenerate an older plant.
Asparagus fern’s leaves are leaf-like cladodes.
Asparagus sprengeriSicha69 / Getty Images
The true leaves are barely visible scales near the base of the cladodes.
While the ferns look soft to the touch, they’re quite sharp.
Weargardening glovesif you plan to prune an older plant.
When the berries are fully ripe, mash them and strain out the small seeds.
There are typically one to three seeds per berry.
Before planting, scarify and soak seeds overnight.
Then, press them on top of the soil.
The seeds need light to germinate.
Germination should take a few weeks.
When true leaves have developed, you cantransplantthe seedlings into larger pots to continue growing.
Asparagus ferns grow quickly, and the tuberous roots can easily break a pot.
Place the divided plants into new pots filled with fresh potting soil.
Keep them in bright light, away from drafts and radiators.
Too much direct sun can scorch or change the color of the leaves.
Overly wet conditions can cause root rot.
Avoid overwatering to prevent these issues.
Cut off the brown, dried sections, and try watering more often.
This normally happens because of inconsistent watering.
While these plants don’t like to soak in water, neither do they like to be parched.
More frequent watering and misting is usually the solution to a plant that is badly shedding.
Asparagus fern can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
In the house, an east-facing window in a humid environment (kitchen or bathroom) is ideal.
Protect it from drafts.
Outdoor garden plants have an easier time of it, as they will simply spread to fill available space.
Too much sun can cause leaf scorch and dry out the plant, preventing it from growing.
To keep your asparagus fern bushy, confirm it’s getting adequate sunlight.
Plants You Might Also Like
Asparagus Fern.ASPCA.
Asparagus densiflorus (Sprengeri group).
North Carolina State Extension.
