A member of the asparagus family, the foxtail fern produces small white flowers with red berries.
It can be grown outdoors or as a houseplant.
All this plant needs is bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
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The foxtail fern isdrought-tolerantbecause of its tuberous roots.
In colder climates, you’ve got the option to easily bring the foxtail fern indoors.
Indoors, place foxtail fern in bright, indirect light.
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Too much strong light will burn the leaves.
This will help you avoid root rot.
It favors slightly acidic soil, but this is not a hard-and-fast requirement.
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This is why theplant is drought-resistant; but also easy to overwater.
This can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Also, mist these plants regularly.
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Foxtail fern responds well to both slow-release fertilizers as well as liquid fertilizers.
Pruning
As with any garden perennial, foxtail fern requires the removal of stems at the base.
This will help your plant look robust, while encouraging new growth.
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Periodically, you’re free to also pinch one inch off the stems to spur growth.
Depending on the thickness of your foxtail’s stem, this may require shears.
When dividing ferns, always use a sharp knife or spade to cut through the center of the plant.
Once dug, see to it each divided piece has healthy greenery and roots.
When replanting, the initial watering should be generous.
A fern grown in a pot that is too large may hold excess water, causing rot problems.
Refrain from fertilizing this plant during its dormancy, but do provide a good watering once a month.
When kept indoors, expect some significant, messy leaf drop.
If this happens, you may see lumps on the plant’s leaves or stems indicating a sapsucker infestation.
Spray your plant with organic neem oil to ward off the offenders and prevent them from coming back.
Overwatering, and hot and humid weather, make the perfect conditions for fungus to proliferate.
Overwatering will cause leaves and stems to yellow, and the plant will eventually die.
Due to the fern’s taproot system, frequent watering is unnecessary.
Water quality is also of concern, as tap water containing too much chlorine can damage houseplants.
Foxtail fern can also suffer from inadequate light.
Foxtail fern takes about three or more growing seasons to fully mature.
Foxtail ferns are used in perennial gardens as borders alongside blooming flowers.
you’re free to also place them in outdoor containers along walkways or at home entrances.
Many confuse true foxtail fern withasparagus fern(Asparagus aethiopicus).
Asparagus fern droops downward, making a great addition to layered gardens or hanging baskets.
Foxtail fern, on the other hand, stands straight.
While not the same species, both ferns create white flowers and eye-catching red berries, hence the confusion.
Foxtail Fern.Louisiana State University
Asparagus Fern,ASCPA
