How to Grow and Care for Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) Indoors

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Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Botanical name: Asparagus plumosus
Synonym: Asparagus setaceus
Family: Asparagaceae
Sufamily: Asparagoideae
Common names: Asparagus Fern, Asparagus Grass, Lace Fern, Climbing Asparagus, Ferny Asparagus

Description

Asparagus plumosus commonly called Asparagus Fern, Asparagus Grass, Lace Fern, Climbing Asparagus or Ferny Asparagus is grown for the graceful feathery foliage, which is often used in floral arrangements.

Though called a Fern, Asparagus plumosus is not a True Fern, it is much easier to grow than true ferns. The 'leaves' in Asparagus Fern are really needle-like branches.

Asparagus Grass adapts well to a wide variations in light, heat and frequency of watering and does not demand a humid atmosphere like true ferns. It is also easy to propagate.

The foliage of mature Lace Fern can develop sharp spines on the branches which can cause skin irritation if handled with bare hands; use garden gloves when handling.

The cascading growth habit makes Asparagus plumosus ideal for a hanging basket where the branches can cascade downwards beautifully.

Ensure that the arching branches are not impeded by other plants so that they can beautifully display their beauty. It can also be grown as an outdoor container plant.

Origin

Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) is native to Southern and Eastern Africa.

Invasiveness

According to 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.

Where to Buy

Asparagus ferns are readily available online at Etsy. Buy Asparagus Ferns online from Etsy.

Photo Credit: Random Harvest Nursery

Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) Care Indoors

Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) thrives in medium to bright, indirect light, cool to average warmth and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with weekly feeding during the growing season.

Lace Fern needs repotting only when it becomes pot-bound. Pruning is required to keep it neat and tidy as well as reduce pest and disease infestations. Continue reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Asparagus plumosus grows best in medium to bright, indirect light conditions. Keep it away from direct sunlight as direct sunlight may scorch the leaves.

Inadequate light for Climbing Asparagus causes the leaves to loss their color, turning them yellowish.

Asparagus Grass will also grow under a grow light where the natural lighting is not sufficient.

Watering

Water Asparagus plumosus thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2 in. of soil to dry a little between waterings.

Decrease watering in the cold period as growth is reduced at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Once in a while, water the Lace Fern from the bottom to ensure that the soil ball is thoroughly wetted.

Ensure 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.

Temperature

Average warmth within the range of 12-28⁰C is ideal for Asparagus plumosus.

Though Asparagus Fern can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, constantly high temperatures can damage the plant.

Humidity

Asparagus plumosus has no need for high humidity but it benefits from occasional misting of the leaves especially when the temperatures are high.

Fertilizer (Feeding)

Feed Asparagus plumosus once a week during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer. Do not feed it during the cold season as growth is reduced.

Repotting

Repot Asparagus plumosus at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes pt-bound, when the roots begin to grow through the drainage holes.

Use a pot only 1 size larger than the current one and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease.

A large Ferny Asparagus can be divided during repotting to propagate new plants.

Soil

The best soil for Asparagus plumosus should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.

Most multi-purpose potting mixes are ideal for this fern. Buy quality Potting Mix for Asparagus Fern online from Etsy.

Pruning

Pruning Asparagus plumosus requires cutting back of the old stems to make room for new growth.

Trim the dead leaves and branches to keep the Asparagus Grass neat and tidy and also reduce pest and disease infestations.

Propagation

Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from seeds, cuttings or by plant division. The easiest method of propagation is by plant division.

How to propagate Asparagus plumosus by plant division

During repotting, divide the Asparagus plumosus rhizome into sections by cutting with a sharp, clean knife or a pair of scissors.

Pot these sections into individual pots in moist, free-draining, potting soil and ensure each pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil which can cause rotting.

Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until new growth begins.

Allow the new Lace Fern to be well established, after which you can begin routine care.

Photo Credit: Beekenkamp Group

Asparagus plumosus Problems Indoors

Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) problems indoors include yellowing, dropping leaves, plant death, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.

Leaves yellowing and dropping

Yellowing and dropping leaves in Asparagus plumosus are caused by various reasons. One of the reasons is too little light.

Position the Asparagus Fern to a brighter spot where it can receive medium to bright, indirect light or instal grow light if the natural lighting is inadequate.

The second reason for yellowing and dropping leaves in Asparagus plumosus is prolonged underwatering.

Water it liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.

Decrease watering in the cold period as growth is reduced at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

The third possible cause of yellowing and dropping leaves in Asparagus Fern is too high temperatures.

Maintain an average room temperature within the range of 12-28⁰C.

Plant dying

Unexplained death of Asparagus plumosus is caused by root-rot disease which is enhanced by soggy soil due to poor soil drainage.

The thick, tuberous roots in Asparagus Fern store water therefore soggy soil will cause root-rot and death of the plant.

Ascertain that the soil is loose and free-draining soil and the pot has a drainage hole to avoid soggy soil. Read on how to treat root-rot disease in houseplants.

Diseases

Besides root-rot disease, Asparagus plumosus is also susceptible to crown-rot and stem-rot which is prevalent in poorly ventilated and overwet conditions.

Isolated the affected plant to prevent spread of the disease to the other houseplants and treat it appropriately for crown-rot and stem-rot disease.

Improve ventilation and ensure that there is free air circulation for the fern.

Pests

Common pests in Asparagus plumosus are are Aphids, Mealy Bugs, Spider Mites and Whiteflies whose infestation is enhanced by either overwatering or underwatering.

You can keep away these pests by maintaining the soil moderately moist during the growing period and slightly moist in the cold period but never let the soil dry out completely. Read on how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.

Is Asparagus plumosus toxic?

Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) like other Asparagus Ferns is toxic to humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA.

Asparagus Fern berries if ingested, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. If handled with bare hands, the berries 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 Asparagus Grass.