Sicklethorn Asparagus (Asparagus falcatus) Care Indoors; Water, Light, Soil, Propagation
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Sicklethorn Asparagus (Asparagus falcatus) thrives in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with weekly feeding in the growing period.
Asparagus falcatus also called Sicklethorn Fern, Large Forest Asparagus or Sickle-leaved Asparagus is among the ornamental Asparagus ferns, and bears sickle-shaped 'leaves' and distinctly, prickly stems, hence the common name, 'Sicklethorn Asparagus'.
Large Forest Asparagus is a large, thorny, climbing plant whose 'leaves' (not true leaves) are dark-green, thin, curved and about 2 inches long.
Though commonly called a fern, Sicklethorn Fern is not a True Fern as it is much easier to grow than true ferns. It adapts well to wide variations in light, heat and watering frequency.
Botanical name: Asparagus falcatus
Family: Asparagaceae
Sufamily: Asparagoideae
Common names: Sicklethorn Asparagus, Sicklethorn Fern, Large Forest Asparagus, Sickle-leaved Asparagus
Origin
Asparagus falcatus is native to South Africa and Mozambique.
Size
Large Forest Asparagus stems can grow up to 8 feet high and can be trained to grow up a moss pole making it one of the best low-light large plants for the living room.
Flower
Sickle-leaved Asparagus may produce fragrant white flowers which are followed by bright red berries when provided with the right growing conditions.
Invasiveness
As indicated by Mark Tancig (University of Florida), Asparagus Ferns have been found to be invasive in some regions. Avoid growing Asparagus Ferns in the ground and dispose them by burning as they grow vigorously, spreading across and scrambling up other plants.
Is Asparagus falcatus toxic?
Yes. Asparagus falcatus 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, the berries can cause contact dermatitis.
The foliage of mature ferns can develop sharp spines on the branches which can cause skin irritation if handled with bare hands. Therefore, always wear gloves when handling Sickle-leaved Asparagus.
Where to Buy
If you would like to add Asparagus ferns to your collection, you may obtain them from from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Sicklethorn Asparagus Care Indoors
To care for Sicklethorn Asparagus indoors, provide medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 15-280C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with weekly feeding during the growing period.
Asparagus falcatus requires pruning to keep it tidy as well as reduce 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 your Sicklethorn Asparagus liberally in spring and summer and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
Reduce watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is reduced at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.
Use tepid (room temperature) water to prevent cold shock which can lead to stunted growth and leaf drop. In addtion, ensure the water is chlorine-free to prevent browning of leaf edges.
Once in a while water the fern from the bottom to ensure that the soil ball is thoroughly wetted. Take care not to wet the foliage to discourage fungal disease.
Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the fern.
Light Requirements
Sicklethorn Asparagus grows best in medium to bright indirect light; place it next to a brightly-lit, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight or use a light curtain to filter the sun to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Lack of enough light will cause the leaves to loss their color, turning them yellowish. If the natural lighting is not sufficient, consider investing in full spectrum grow lights to complement it.
Once a month, give the pot a 900 turn to expose the plant to light on all sides for an even growth.
Temperature & Humidity
Sicklethorn Asparagus prefers a warmth of 15-280C. Though it can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, constantly lor or high temperatures can cause stunted growth, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
Asparagus falcatus prospers in a humidity of 50-55%. However, too low humidity especially when the temperatures are high in winter, it will result in brown leaf tips and edges.
To raise humidity, set the pot on awet pebble tray or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen, laundry area and other humid areas in the home. Maintain free air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Sicklethorn Asparagus with a balanced, liquid fertilizer weekly in spring and summer for lush growth. Do not feed in fall and winter as growth is reduced at this time, therefore, the plant does not need it.
Potting Soil
The best potting soil for Sicklethorn Asparagus should be rich in organic matter, well-aerated, and free-draining to prevent waterlogging while providing the required nutrients. A mix of 50% potting soil, 30% perlite, and 20% orchid bark is perfect for this fern.
Repotting
Repot Sicklethorn Fern at the beginning of the growing season, only when it becomes root-bound; when the roots begin to grow through the drainage holes.
Use a pot only 1 size larger that has a drainage hole and loose, free-draining to avoid sogginess as it can cause rotting. You may divide a large plant to propagate new plants. Check out these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Sicklethorn Asparagus requires cutting back of the old stems to make room for new growth. Trim the dead leaves and branches to keep the plant neat and tidy as well as minimize pest and disease infestations.
Sicklethorn Asparagus Propagation
Sicklethorn Asparagus (Asparagus falcatus) is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season from seeds, cuttings or by plant division during repotting. The easiest method of propagation is by plant division. Learn how to propagate Asparagus Ferns in 3 easy ways.
Sicklethorn Asparagus Problems
Sicklethorn Asparagus problems are yellowing and dropping leaves, plant dying, diseases and pests among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their solutions.
Yellowing and dropping leaves
Yellowing and dropping leaves on Sicklethorn Asparagus are caused by too little light, soggy soil, inconsistent watering, dry air, temperature stress, salts buildup, aging among others.
Check ou these 12 Reasons Why Asparagus Fern Leaves are Yellowing and Dropping.
Plant dying
Sicklethorn Asparagus is dying due to root-rot disease which is promoted by soggy soil. The thick, tuberous roots store water, therefore, soggy soil will result in rotting, causing the plant to begin to die.
How to fix it
- Slip the fern out of its pot and inspect the roots.
- Trim the brown-black, mushy roots and treat the healthy roots with a copper-based fungicidal solution as instructed on the label.
- Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot to repot the plant.
- Select a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
- Do not water the plant immediately; keep it dry for 5-7 days before you resume watering.
- Cut down on watering in fall and winter as growth is slowed at this time; keep the soil slightly moist.
Pests
Common pests on Sicklethorn Asparagus are whiteflies, mealybugs, spider mites and aphids whose infestation is promoted by dry conditions.
How to fix it
- Regularly inspect the plant for these pests and take timely control measures.
- Seperate the infested plant to reduce spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturers' recommendations.
- Clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to discourage the pests.
- Maintain the plant well pruned to reduce the hiding and breeding places for these pests.
- Set the plant on a wet pebble tray to elevate humidity as it discourages the pests.
Diseases
Sicklethorn Fern is also prone to crown and stem-rot disease which is prevalent in poorly ventilated and overwet conditions. The disease is characterized by a rotting plant base, yellowing and shrivelled leaves.
The disease is difficult to treat. If it has spread, the plant cannot be saved, and it should be discarded together with its pot and soil. If caught early, the disease can be treated as follows.
How to treat early infestation
- Cut and discard or burn the diseased tissue.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as indicated by the manufacturer.
- Keep the soil on the drier side; withhold watering for 10-14 days.
- Confirm that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole.
- Maintain good airflow to discourage the disease infestation.
- Position the plant away from cold drafts to maintain an average warmth.
You liked it? Share on social media.
Related Content
Amazon Associates Disclosure
Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.