How to Take Care of an Asparagus Fern

How to Take Care of an Asparagus Fern

An Asparagus Fern Plant can add beauty and color to any room in your home or office. Sometimes the plant will even produce white flowers and sprinkles of red berries, making it stand out from other plants in your home. One thing to note is that while it is called a fern due to the needle-like arching stems, it is not a true fern since it spreads by seeds, not spores.

 

Here is everything you need to know about Asparagus Fern Care.

 

Other Names for Asparagus Ferns

The scientific name for the asparagus fern is Asparagus densiflorus.

 

Different Types of Asparagus Ferns

  • Sprengeri Compacta: Typically put in hanging baskets and does best with partial sun and weekly watering

 

What Soil Works Best for Asparagus Ferns?

what soil works best for asparagus ferns

The plant does best in potting soil that drains well. It is best to put this plant into a pot with drainage holes to reduce root rot. Root rot is a common disease when the plant cannot absorb the water because there is too much at the bottom of the pot.

 

Does this Plant Need Fertilizer?

When the plant grows the most during the early spring and summer, you can use an all-purpose plant food fertilizer. Once the winter rolls around, you don’t need to use any fertilizer since the plant won’t be growing as much.

 

How Much Sun Does an Asparagus Fern Need?

how much sun does an asparagus fern need

An Asparagus Fern indoor plant does best with bright and indirect light. If the leaves start turning yellow, signs that the houseplant is not receiving enough light. However, too much direct sun and the leaves will begin dropping off the plant on the flipside.

 

If you have this plant outside, be careful not to let the plant stay under the full sun for too long. Dappled shade or partial sun for this outdoor plant works best. Otherwise, you run the risk of burning and scorching the leaves with too much light.

 

What Temperature Works Best for Asparagus Ferns?

Asparagus ferns plants do best with a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Originating in South Africa, this plant is unfamiliar with temperatures below 50. Ensure you are not leaving the plant near a cold window in the winter or under an AC unit during the summer.

 

Do Asparagus Ferns Enjoy Humidity?

do asparagus ferns enjoy humidity

Asparagus Fern plants do best in a humid environment. Consider misting this plant often or using a humidifier around the plant to give it a bit more humidity. Regular misting the plant with a few pebbles allows the extra moisture to evaporate around the plant, which it will enjoy.

 

Another humidity tip is to place this indoor plant in a bathroom with a shower. A hot steamy shower will be the type of environment this plant will be looking for in your home.

 

How Often Should You Water an Asparagus Fern?

For watering, regular misting works best for this tropical plant. The general rule of thumb is to make sure the top inch or so of soil is moist. You don’t want the soil to be soggy, leading to root rot.

 

What Size Do Asparagus Ferns Grow to Typically?

what size do asparagus ferns grow to typically

Asparagus plants tend to grow about 2-3 feet tall in height and length, but they can grow even bigger. If you notice that the plant is growing out too wide, you can place the plant in a hanging basket to free up room on your floor or table.

 

What are the Most Common Bugs for this Plant?

The common bugs that infect an Asparagus Fern are spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. If you notice these bugs on the plant, you need to remove them as soon as possible. Use a cloth with insecticidal soap to remove these bugs and gently wipe down the leaves.

 

What are the Most Common Diseases?

A common disease with this plant is root rot. Root rot occurs if the plant is in a container with inadequate drainage holes or overwatering the plant. If the plant has root rot, you need to remove it from the container and place it in new potting soil.

 

On the flipside, brown leaves on the plant may signal that the plant is not receiving enough water. If you notice brown leaves forming around the plant, you should cut off those pieces and water the plant more often. You cut the brown pieces off the plant to conserve energy on the plants doing well.

 

How Do You Propagate an Asparagus Fern?

Propagating this plant is done by cutting its tuberous roots and placing them in new pot containers. One thing to note is that, unlike other plants, this plant can’t use stem cutting for propagation to have new growth. You can also use the plant’s seeds to propagate it, but cutting at the tuberous roots is the fastest and easiest way to create new plants around your home.

 

How Often Should You Repot Asparagus Ferns?

You should repot the plant every 2-3 years. However, if you notice that the plant is growing too large for its hanging basket or pot on a table, you should repot it. Transport the plant into a slightly larger container about 2-3 inches in diameter and give it fresh potting soil.

 

Conclusion — How to Take Care of an Asparagus Fern Plant

In summary, the feathery Asparagus Fern is a relatively easy plant to take care of even if you are a beginner. The plant does best in warm and humid climates, so consider keeping the plant in the bathroom of your home. Also, the plant doesn’t need direct light, which is good to know if you can’t place the plant next to a window in your home or office.

 

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