Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems and Solutions
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) prefers medium to bright indirect light, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soils coupled with weekly feeding in the growing season.
Asparagus plumosus also called Asparagus Grass, Lace Fern, Climbing Asparagus or Ferny Asparagus is among the popular ornamental Asparagus Ferns and is grown for the gracefully, drooping, feathery foliage which is often used in floral arrangements.
Though called a Fern, Asparagus plumosus is not among the True Ferns. 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.
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, a pedestal, tabletop or desktop 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.
Ferny Asparagus bears thick, tuberous roots which store water and enable the plant to go for a considerably long period without being watered. These characteristics place it among the drought-tolerant plants that you may grow in any space.
Botanical name: Asparagus plumosus
Synonym: Asparagus setaceus
Family: Asparagaceae
Sufamily: Asparagoideae
Common names: Asparagus Fern, Asparagus Grass, Lace Fern, Climbing Asparagus, Ferny Asparagus
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.
Toxicity
Asparagus plumosus 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 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.
Where to Buy
Asparagus ferns are a beautiful addition to your collection, you may obtain the ferns online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) Care Indoors
Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) 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 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 as well as reduce pest and disease infestations. Keep 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 may cause the leaves to loss their color, turning them yellowish. Therefore, if the natural lighting is not sufficient, you may grow Asparagus Grass under grow lights. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light from all sides for an even growth to prevent lopsided growth.
Watering
Water Asparagus plumosus 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 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 rotting and eventual death of the fern.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 16-280C is ideal for Asparagus plumosus. Though it can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, constantly high temperatures can damage the plant.
Asparagus plumosus has no need for extra humidity, moderate humidity of 50-55% is enough for this plant. However, it benefits from occasional misting of the leaves especially when the temperatures are too high.
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 and may lead to fertilizer burn and death of the plant.
Potting Medium
The best potting mix for Asparagus plumosus should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting mixes are ideal for this fern..
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.
You may divide a large Ferny Asparagus during repotting to propagate new plants. Check out these pots with dainage holes on Amazon.
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 tidy and also reduce pest and disease infestations. Read more on how to prune houseplants.
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.
Asparagus plumosus Problems with Solutions
Asparagus plumosus (Asparagus Fern) growing problems 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 fern in a brighter spot where it will receive medium to bright indirect light or instal a 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 2-3 inches 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. Learn more on how to water indoor plants the right way.
The third possible cause of yellowing and dropping leaves in Asparagus Fern is too high temperatures. Maintain an average room temperature of 16-280C and keep the plant away from hot drafts.
Read more on these 12 Reasons Why Asparagus Fern Leaves are Yellowing and Dropping (with solutions)
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 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 more on how to treat root-rot 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. Improve ventilation and ensure that there is free air circulation for the fern.
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.
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. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Read more on how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
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.