How to Propagate Foxtail Fern in 3 Easy Ways

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Foxtail Fern is best propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season in spring or early summer. Dividing the plant at this time hastens establishment as it is in the active growth phase.

When you note that the plant has become overcrowded in its current pot and the tuberous roots are visible, it is a good time to divide the plant. Seed germination is possible but it may take upto three seasons for the plants to mature.

Foxtail Fern also called Plume Asparagus and goes by the botanical name, 'Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri'' is one of the popular ornamental Asparagus ferns grown for its ease of care and beautiful foliage comprising of erect stems densely packed with needle-like foliage.

Foxtail Fern is easy to propagate. We have herebelow outlined for you 3 methods by which you can successfully increase your Foxtail Ferns.

1. How to propagate Foxtail Fern by plant division in soil

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• 6-10 inches pots


• Well-drained, potting medium


• Watering can and clean water

Step by step Foxtail Fern propagation in soil

1. Water the Foxtail Fern thoroughly one day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. Slip the plant out of its pot, remove excess soil, disentangle the roots and cut away any dead roots.


3. With a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife, carefully divide the plant into several sections. Ensure that each section has adequate roots to hasten rooting.


4. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


5. Fill the pot with well-drained, potting medium and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.


6. Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.


7. Liberally wet the soil until water comes out through the drainage holes. Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight until new growth emerges on the sections.


8. Maintain the soil moist until the new Foxtail Ferns are well established. Repot the new ferns into a pot 1 size larger than the current one in well-drained soil after which you can begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Foxtail Fern by plant division in water

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• Jar of plain water or a propagation station


• Well-drained, potting Mix


• Watering can and clean water


• Small pots about 8-10 inches

Step by step Foxtail Fern propagation in water

1. Water the Foxtail Fern thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. Slip the plant out of its pot, remove excess soil, thoroughly wash the roots with plenty of water, disentangle the roots and cut away any dead roots.
3. 
   
4. With a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife, carefully divide the plant into several sections. Ensure each section has adequate roots to encourage establishment.


5. Place each division in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station while ensuring that the root base is well submerged but keep the foliage above the water surface.


6. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh and prevent fungal growth.


7. When a good amount of new roots have formed on the sections, transfer the sections in moist, quality, rooting soil into individual pots at least 1 inch wider than the base of the rooted sections.


8. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching and death of the plant.


9. Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established. Transfer the new Foxtail Ferns into a pot 1 size larger than the current one while ensuring that the soil is well-drained after you can begin routine care.

3. How to grow Foxtail Fern from seeds

Foxtail Ferns can be grown from the seeds contained in the bright red berries. You may harvest these berries from existing plants in the fall season. Growing Foxtail Fern from seeds is a slow process which may take up to three growing seasons for the plants to mature.

Take care when handling these berries as they are toxic to humans and pets. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Ensure to wear gloves as they can cause contact dermatitis if handled with bare hands.

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Jar of plain water or a glass


• Well-drained, potting Mix


• Plastic wrap or clear polythene bag


• Misting bottle and clean water


• Small pots about 6-10 inches

Step by step Foxtail Fern propagation from seeds

1. Soak the berries in a jar or glass of water for 24 hours and select those that fall to the bottom of the container as they have higher germination percentage. Peel the berries to extract the seeds.


2. Fill 6 or 8 inches pots with a well-drained, potting medium, mist the soil and make 2 small holes in the soil.


3. Place a seed in each hole, cover lightly with some soil and mist slightly.


4. Cover each pot with plastic wrap or a clear polythene bag and position the set up in a warm, brightly-lit spot away from direct sunlight.


5. Mist the soil regularly to keep it moist through out. Germination should occur in 3-4 weeks. Once germinated remove the plastic wrap or bag and maintain the soil moist.


6. When the seedlings are about 4-6 cm tall, uproot the weaker seedling from each pot to allow adequate room for the growth of the stronger seedling.


7. Keep the soil moist until the new Foxtail Ferns are well established. Transfer the new plants into a pot 1 size larger than the current one. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and you can now begin routine care.

Foxtail Fern Care

Foxtail Ferns flourish in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth of 16-28⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting mix coupled with weekly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri').

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