How to Grow and Care for Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri') Indoors
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Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri') grows best in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with weekly feeding in the growing period.
Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri' also called Plume Asparagus is among the popular ornamental Asparagus ferns mainly grown for the beautiful foliage and texture.
Plume Asparagus is an evergreen fern-like plant whose erect stems are densely packed with needle-like foliage. The evergreen foliage grows in clumps giving the plant a spiky appearance. The 'leaves' are really needle-like branches.
Though commonly called a Fern, Foxtail Fern is not among the True Ferns, it is much easier to grow than true ferns. Plume Asparagus adapts well to wide variations in light, heat and frequency of watering. It is one of the best low-light plants for dark spaces.
Botanical name: Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri'
Synonym: Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii'
Family: Asparagaceae
Sufamily: Asparagoideae
Common names: Foxtail Fern, Plume Asparagus
Origin
Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri' is native to southern Africa from Mozambique to South Africa.
Size (height and width)
Foxtail Fern can grow to a height of 2 feet and 4 feet wide.
Flower
When provided with the right growing conditions, Plume Asparagus may produce small white flowers which are followed by bright red berries.
Invasiveness
According to Mark Tancig (University of Florida), Asparagus Ferns have been found to be invasive. Avoid growing Asparagus Ferns in the ground and dispose them by burning as they grow vigorously, spreading across and scrambling up other plants.
Toxicity
Foxtail Fern like other Asparagus Ferns is toxic to humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. If the berries are ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. If handled with bare hands, they can cause contact dermatitis.
The foliage of mature plants can develop sharp spines on the branches which can cause skin irritation if handled with bare hands. Therefore, always wear gloves when handling the plant.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to add Asparagus Fern to your collection, you may get them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri' Care Indoors
Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri') blossoms in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth of 16-280C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose mix coupled with weekly feeding during the growing season.
Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri' requires frequent pruning to keep it neat as well as discourage pest and disease infestations. Repotting is needed only when it becomes root-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Foxtail Fern thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry a little between waterings.
Decrease watering in the cold period as growth is reduced at this time but do not let the soil dry out completely. To ensure that the soil ball is thoroughly wetted, occasionally water the Plume Asparagus from the bottom.
Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the fern. Read more on how to water houseplants correctly.
Light Requirements
Foxtail Fern grows best in medium to bright indirect light (dappled light). Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Though Plume Asparagus can adapt to lower light conditions, too little light will cause the leaves to loss their color and turn yellowish. Therefore, where the natural lighting is not sufficient, you may grow Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri' under a grow light. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the fern receives light from all sides for an even growth to prevent lopsided growth.
Temperature and Humidity
An average warmth of 16-280C is ideal for Foxtail Fern. A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant. Though it can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, constantly high temperatures can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves. Check out our guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Foxtail Fern has no need for extra humidity. Moderate humidity of 50-55% is perfect for this plant. However, it benefits from occasional misting of the leaves especially when the temperatures are high.
Fertilizer
Feed Foxtail Fern weekly during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for lush growth. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may cause fertilizer burn and death of the plant. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Foxtail Fern should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal.
Repotting
Repot Foxtail Fern at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes pot-bound to provide adequate space for the growth of the tuberous roots.
Use a pot that is only 1 size larger than the current one. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. You may divide a large fern during repotting to propagate new plants. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Foxtail Fern requires cutting back of the old stems to make room for new growth. Trim the dead leaves and branches to keep the fern tidy as well as reduce pest and disease infestations.
Propagation
Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri') can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from seeds or by plant division. The easiest method of propagation is by plant division (splitting).
Read more on how to propagate Foxtail Fern in 3 easy ways.
Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri' Problems
Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri') growing problems include yellowing and dropping leaves, plant death, pests and diseases among others. Read on for more on these problems and for solutions to these problems.
Yellowing and dropping leaves
Yellowing and dropping of leaves in Foxtail Fern is caused by a number of varied reasons like too little light, underwatering, too high temperatures, cold drafts, hot direct sunlight among others.
Read more on these 12 Reasons Why Asparagus Fern Leaves are Yellowing and Dropping (with solutions)
Plant dying
Plant death in Foxtail Fern is caused by root-rot which is promoted by soggy soil due to poor soil drainage. Soggy soil will cause the thick, tuberous roots to rot. Once the roots rot, the plant will certainly die if corrective measures are not taken in time.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is loose, free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy. Learn more on how to treat root-rot in houseplants.
Diseases
Apart from root-rot disease, Foxtail Fern is also susceptible to crown-rot and stem-rot which is prevalent in poorly ventilated and too wet conditions. Improve ventilation and make sure that there is free air circulation.
Isolated the affected fern to prevent spread of the disease to the other plants and treat it appropriately for crown-rot and stem-rot disese.
Pests
Common pests in Foxtail Fern are aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites and whiteflies whose infestation is enhanced by either overwatering or underwatering. To keep these pests away, maintain the soil moderately moist during the growing period and slightly moist in the cold period but never let the soil dry out completely. Read more on how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
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