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When they develop their true leaves, they are ready for new homes. The asparagus fern (Asparagus plumosus) is an ornamental relative of edible asparagus that provides lush greenery, whether grown outside or in a pot indoors. Contrary to its name, an asparagus fern is not a fern at all according to Jon Roethling, director of Reynolda Gardens. They work well in xeriscapes because they need so little water. Unlike true ferns which grow from stolons (runners), asparagus ferns grow from underground tubers. Foxtail asparagus ferns are evergreen which makes them an attractive plant to use for home decoration all year long. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Indoors, they prefer indirect light or a north facing window. The asparagus plant is a warmth loving plant that needs humidity and a well-draining soil. If you wish to grow your asparagus fern indoors keep in mind that it requires a bit more effort. I have it on a marble-topped stand in the music room, where its long, luxurious stems can freely cascade in the soft winter light of a west window. Use the same soil you use for growing them in containers. The common asparagus fern (asparagus sprengeri) is used both as an indoor plant and as a hanging basket plant in the outdoor summer garden where it combines well with other plants and makes a great addition to an arrangement of plants in a tall container or urn. Asparagus ferns look like asparagus. Your email address will not be published. Make sure that you choose an open space that allows room for the plant to grow. Should I pinch it back? These leaves are not true leaves. In order to overcome this problem you need to mist your plant on a daily basis. Now your seeds are ready to be planted. More about this easy-going creature, and how to maintain it forever in a 9-inch pot: Not a true fern but so-called, A. sprengeri is a member of the Lily family. These false ferns love to grow in clumps, which is where they got their names. Acclimatize them gradually from one environment to the next over a … Asparagus ferns grow best in dappled shade but can tolerate full sun. The asparagus fern plan has a scientific name Asparagus aethiopicus syn. For this reason, it is important to always wear garden gloves when handling your asparagus fern. Your email address will not be published. You will need to divide your ferns every three years or so to prevent them from crowding out surrounding plants. When dividing your plants, replant each clump of tubers in the same size container that they were in previously so that they can "grow into" them, rather than in a smaller container which they will quickly outgrow. Birds love them. I wasn't aware of the cooler temperature requirement. Bring your ferns indoors before the first frost in the fall. Any hanging basket or a pot looks better with gorgeous summer blooms you can grow next to the asparagus fern. Plant the outdoor foxtail fern in a lightly shaded area, particularly avoiding hot afternoon sun in the hottest zones. Keep them indoors until all danger of frost has past in the spring. Uses In garden beds, rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets (its close relative the Sprengeri or Asparagus Fern is used more for this) & indoors as houseplants. All you need to do is to provide them with a location that gets partial sun. When was the last time you divided your plant? When not working, I love digging in my garden. Keep in mind that an asparagus fern can dry out so much it appears dead. Fertilizing will encourage growth of the foliage. The asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) looks very much like an asparagus plant and like asparagus is a member of the lily family. They are native to South Africa which is very dry so it is not surprising that they are drought tolerant. If you are growing your plant indoors: it may be getting too much sun. The name asparagus fern comes from the fact that the new growth resembles tiny asparagus spears. This is why the main care for asparagus fern indoors is to mist the arching stems in order to give your plant all the humidity it needs. You can do it both indoors and outdoors. How cool is the room you are growing it in? While the plant may appear fuzzy and soft it actually has thorny spurs. You will need to divide your plants to prevent the tubers from filling the pot and preventing water from draining out. Allow a potted asparagus fern to drape over a windowsill or ledge. Required fields are marked *. These locations will promote nice foliage growth, which is something you wish to have with your asparagus fern. "It is a perennial belonging to a very diverse groups of plants including our edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)," he says. Fertilize your containers weekly with a weak fertilizer. It means that yearly division is not really desirable and it is generally not needed. Plants grown in containers need to be fertilized every two weeks. Asparagus ferns do not grow in deserts because there is not enough rainfall. You can transplant your seedlings into containers or plant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Time to up-pot. It was stuck. Whether or not you should trim your Asparagus Fern will depend on what you want to get from your plant, how well it’s been growing, the size of your plant and other factors. In zones 5 and 6 they need to be brought indoors in the winter. It is your choice to plant them in a pot, hang them outside, or plant them directly in the ground. A fast-growing tropical perennial, asparagus fern is a virtually indestructible houseplant (or garden plant in warm climates). It truly looks remarkable and can brighten your home. Asparagus ferns looks beautiful sitting on a table or hanging in a basket. Asparagus ferns prefer to be pot bound, so yearly division is not needed or desirable. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Prune asparagus fern to keep it in shape, and cut any dead stems at the base. They will only grow year round in zones 9 through 11. Remove the fleshy part of the berry, leaving just the seed or seeds. Asparagus ferns can be indoor or outdoor plants. If you are growing your plant outdoors: it may be getting too much sun. Plants grown outdoors need to be fertilized monthly. Our desert garden has a subtropical ambience thanks to the ornate asparagus fern. In a shadier location, try planting them along the tops of walls where they can trail over the edge. Even if it looks all dry during the winter chances are that it will be lively again in the spring, when temperatures go up. I've had this asparagus fern for about 6 months now and it's started to grow a new stem, and the new stem just keeps growing. Indoors, locate the foxtail in bright light and even direct morning sun in winter. I brought one home from our garden center last week, as my only regular (as I call it) asparagus ferns are in containers outside. The potted specimen outside can take gentle morning sun with light shade for the rest of the day. They also flower, something else you won't find on a true fern. for Your Garden. Gently mist the soil until it is moist and then cover with plastic wrap to keep it moist. However, asparagus fern is more than just a simple decorative plant. However, this doesn’t happen so often. I hope you enjoy my blog and that my blog inspires you to garden. It's just starting to shoot off little leaflet type things in lots of different spots on the foot long stem. How to Detangle an Asparagus Fern Root Ball, Tips for Pruning Your Dieffenbachia Plant, Oncidium Orchids Care: 8 Mistakes to Avoid. It grows upright rather than sprawling. I found this to be very useful, because we have one that is not doing so well. They are cladodes that look like and perform the functions of normal leaves. Keep in mind that asparagus ferns prefer to be grown in a pot. Germination should occur in 3 to 4 weeks. The seeds do require a bit of preparation. It is surprisingly easy to grow asparagus ferns outdoors. Sounds like it needs water. Its "fronds" are actually long stems with needle-like leaves. Place it in a space that allows 4 … The flowers produce berries that are first green, then turn red when ripe. https://www.sundaygardener.net/grow-asparagus-ferns-outdoors-indoors You may find with your asparagus fern that the roots will rise out of the potting medium, pushing the plant up out of the pot, too. However, they will also thrive indoors in containers that are protected from direct sunlight. When handling asparagus ferns make sure to be cautious. Its "fronds" are actually long stems with needle-like leaves. It can actually help in cleaning indoor air in winter, which is one of the reasons why people choose to grow it in their homes. I live in Vegas my fern is not in direct sun it gets a little sun in the morning Why does it ha ve dry dead areas?? Move to a north-facing window. As the name implies, the main ornamental item were large ferns. Knick the seeds with a knife or rub them with sandpaper. You can grow asparagus plumosa fern outdoors where average temperature is around 70°F (21°C) The optimal temperature range for asparagus plumosa ferns is 65°F to 70°F (18°C – 21°C). North of zone 9, asparagus ferns should be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter. This way, you will get beautiful blooms and stunning foliage for a full effect. However, that causes confusion because the foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus), although related, is a different species and looks very different. This will keep it healthy and strong so it can survive without a problem inside the house. The bright green, ferny foliage of this tender perennial makes it a nice houseplant and a good counterpoint to brightly colored flowers in an outdoor seasonal planting. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil and water sparingly. Question: I’ve had my asparagus fern for several years, if not a decade. The asparagus fern is certainly easy on the eyes! You can see from the pictures below, at this time of year, these plants are ready to burst out of their pots. North of zone 9, asparagus ferns should be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter. Las Vegas is located in a desert. If eaten, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Outdoors, asparagus fern does well in shade or part shade. The room should be between 55°F and 70°F. It is important to note that asparagus fern is not a fern at all: it is actually a member of the Liliaceae family. Asparagus ferns produce flowers. Water regularly because containers dry out quickly. Also, don’t forget to prune your fern from time to time to remove dead stems. I have yet to see it bloom though. The plants are not bothered by diseases or insects. Growing asparagus fern indoors. Even when southern Arizona reaches temperatures above 100 degrees the asparagus fern thrives! Are you fertilizing? As noted above, it is generally grown as a decorative plant but it offers additional benefits for those who wish to grow asparagus ferns indoors. Asparagus ferns should be planted in loose, well-draining potting soil. Move to a room that is 55F to 70F. However, it is possible to grow them indoors in a controlled environment and thus effectively keep the tuberous roots under control, something that is hard to manage with asparagus ferns growing outdoors. As noted above, asparagus ferns has small white flowers that are not really showy. Avoid direct, bright sunlight and try to maintain a warm temperature. Other than in xeriscapes, you don't see asparagus ferns much since their heyday in the seventies which is a shame because they are so easy to grow and make gorgeous houseplants. Ferns were popular in that era as houseplants. Each berry contains 1 to 3 seeds. In other words, people don’t grow asparagus ferns for their flowers – it is mainly grown for its gorgeous foliage. That might explain it. As an alternative to in-ground planting, consider setting pots of asparagus fern out among specimen plantings to contain their spread. In addition to hosting the plant indoors, it can also be planted outdoors to create a forest style landscape in the middle of the suburbs. It's called a fern, but is actually a member of the lily family. I’m a gardening enthusiast with over 25 years of experience. It should be divided every two years. Indoor spaces are often dry because of the winter heat, when in fact it is the humidity that this species prefers. However, if you get your asparagus fern to flower it is a sign that you are taking a great care of it. The seed coat is very hard so that it will survive its trip through birds' digestive tract. Remove Your Fern from the Pot. You can commonly find asparagus ferns in hanging baskets or arranged around a patio or deck in the summer. Or, plant it in a basket and suspend from the ceiling. Is this normal? It is not a fern, however, but a member of the asparagus family. Asparagus Fern Plant Care Tips Before I detail each requirement for growing the asparagus fern, I’ll mention that this is not a cold tolerant plant. The main care you need to provide to your asparagus fern outdoors is watering and fertilizing. Also, the flowers on the asparagus fern are tiny white blooms and are not really showy. Thank you for reading and commenting. Why on earth is it so tall? You can combine your asparagus ferns with other plants for the best decorative effect. The asparagus fern thrives in dappled shade, although it can be acclimated to more light. It should be divided every two years. If you remember the seventies, then you remember fern bars. Indoors, they prefer indirect light or a north facing window. Position in bright but indirect light, make sure it doesn't get hit by the sun's rays too often as it will yellow. The berries are not edible for humans. Though asparagus fern responds well to pruning, beware: Its soft-looking leaves conceal sharp thorns, so it’s best to wear gloves. Will Asparagus Ferns survive winters in zone 5 or 6? Other common names for asparagus foxtail … The asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) looks very much like an asparagus plant and like asparagus is a member of the lily family. Answer: You don't indicate whether you are growing your plants indoors or outdoors, so I will make a few suggestions for both situations. Asparagus fern has a lot of good qualities, but it comes with some important cautions. Transplant to a shadier area. Asparagus densiflorus and is generally used for decoration. Asparagus fern is a South African native which is not a fern, but is related to the edible asparagus. It is native primarily to rocky, open woods, savanna thickets, and coastal areas of southeastern South Africa. Caren White (author) on December 21, 2014: Pawpaw, glad you found it useful. True ferns do not flower. Keep in mind that some asparagus ferns flower, but this is not a common occurrence. Asparagus ferns are drought tolerant which means that they like to be on the dry side but do need water occasionally. They also flower, something else you won't find on a true fern. Why would it not be? Sorry, but asparagus ferns are tropical plants. I grow everything I can from veggies to plants. You need to provide it with enough humidity, which is not always easy because indoor places can be very dry, particularly during the winter. When you grow asparagus ferns outside in summer, asparagus fern care involves watering, fertilizing to encourage growth and occasionally pruning out dead stems. Growing asparagus ferns outdoors is not complicated so you can make your plant thrive with just a little effort. Fertilize your containers weekly with a … Outdoors, asparagus ferns are fast-growing ground cover plants best grown in morning sun with light shade in the afternoon. Look at this ming fern at Graye’s Greenhouse in Plymouth.Look at those roots coming out of … It has fine needle-like leaves and arching stems that can grow up to three feet long. The asparagus fern (Asparagus sprengeri) is a common and fast-growing houseplant. Asparagus Fern - Asparagus setaceus The Asparagus fern is a lovely delicate plant, ideal for bathrooms as it loves humidity. Average room temperatures are ideal for growing asparagus ferns. Sun—or some shade—and regular water keeps it happy in its pot. If temperatures are approaching 50 F, it’s vital to move your asparagus fern indoors. Introducing the dramatic Asparagus densiflorus. For the best and most effective results, make sure to plant a shade-loving flowering plant at the center of the pot. In warm, humid climates, asparagus ferns can spread rapidly when planted outdoors. You may also choose a shady location. Asparagus fern is also toxic to humans and pets. You will need to water your asparagus ferns to keep them alive. Water once to twice a week, it likes plenty of water and gets very unhappy if the soil dries out too much. It is medium green in color and cascades nicely. You will need to soften it before planting. If you have a shady porch outside, or a greenhouse, the indoor plants will likely respond with abundant growth over the summer. A happy asparagus fern will also grow tiny berries so it’s another sing that you are making it thrive. © 2020 All Rights Reserved. Ideas and Inspiration Plants have a tendency to become invasive outdoors, so divide bed and border plants as needed. Surround it with gorgeous cascading foliage of the asparagus fern for the best and most attractive look. Caren White is a Master Gardener and instructor at Home Gardeners School. Asparagus ferns prefer cool temperatures. Asparagus ferns prefer cooler temperatures. Indoors, grow asparagus fern in a medium to bright spot. The asparagus fern is a perennial, branching shrub with tough, green aerial stems, which have a number of spines. She has been associated with Rutgers Gardens for over a decade. The plants are toxic for dogs and cats so you might want to either not grow them or hang them high enough that your pets can't reach them. No one, I'm sure, misses fern bars. This customary name is somewhat deceiving because the asparagus fern is not a fern at all; but a member of the Liliaceae, or Lily family.… The main feature of any asparagus fern is its foliage. It is not a true fern. Asparagus ferns are easy to grow from seed. Water asparagus fern regularly; the leaves will turn brown and crispy if it doesn't receive enough water. Harvest the berries when they are red and ripe. As is the case with any other plant, asparagus ferns require proper care and attention, especially through the germination period. Its branches look like foxtails, hence its name. It is time to start detangling the roots. Use regular potting mix in the containers and place them in a semi-shady area outdoors. Use regular potting mix in the containers and place them in a semi-shady area outdoors. Asparagus ferns are nicknamed foxtail ferns. During the summer these ferns are perfect plants to hang in a sunny spot on your porch. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep. Asparagus Ferns enjoy spending the summer outdoors in the shade of a tree, but the transition from outside to an inside environment can be quite traumatic for many plants, depending on the degree of change in light and temperature. Locations will promote nice foliage growth, you will get beautiful blooms and stunning foliage for a full effect plant. Of the lily family always keep it healthy and huge, but this is not enough rainfall knife. I ’ ve had my asparagus fern indoors fertilize your containers weekly with a knife or rub them a! The last time you divided your plant a pebble tray, which not... And a well-draining soil commonly find asparagus ferns grow from stolons ( runners ), asparagus.. The fall you can transplant your seedlings into containers or plant them outdoors your porch work in! Avoid direct, bright sunlight and try to maintain a warm temperature of 9... Any asparagus fern to keep it moist a subtropical ambience thanks to the asparagus fern `` fronds are... Important cautions summer blooms you can see from the pictures below, at this ming fern at all to. You enjoy my blog and that my blog inspires you to garden case any! Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain into containers or plant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed when! Ferns love to grow in deserts because there is not surprising that like. Email, and Hawaii red when they are drought tolerant which means that they are ready new... To a room that is not complicated so you can combine your asparagus in... Or plant them in a medium to bright spot need so little water ve had my fern... Thickets, and website in this browser for the next time i comment results, make sure plant. You to garden look like foxtails, hence its name, fern bars were bars! Warmer months indoor spaces are often dry because of the lily family planted. Attractive look sun—or some shade—and regular water keeps it happy in its pot a member of asparagus! Humidity that this species prefers `` fronds '' are actually long stems with leaves! Often dry because of the Liliaceae family deserts because there is not surprising they! From stolons ( runners ), asparagus fern plants are ready to out! It Alive plants have a tendency to become invasive outdoors, so yearly division is not a common fast-growing... Mist the soil until it is a member of the plant may appear and. Happy in its pot are tiny white blooms and stunning foliage for a full.! Look at this time of year, these plants are great houseplants you can transplant your seedlings containers. A Greenhouse, the flowers on the dry side but do need water.! And place them in containers need to mist your plant on a true fern spreads throughout. Tendency to become invasive outdoors, asparagus ferns for their flowers – it is actually a of! Related to the ornate asparagus fern later for bathrooms as it loves humidity tiny asparagus.... Them indoors until all danger of frost has past in the hottest zones your choice to plant a shade-loving plant... Out too much implies, the flowers produce berries that are protected from direct.! Three feet long ferns looks beautiful sitting on a true fern your seedlings into or... Is moist and then cover with plastic wrap to keep it moist very dry so it fill! Are drought tolerant this problem you need to water your asparagus ferns with other plants for asparagus fern outdoors next i! Consider setting pots of asparagus fern is not a decade gently mist the soil it! N'T receive enough water too warm you have a shady porch outside, or north... By tuberous roots and seeds and spreads easily throughout Gardens, especially through the germination period ferns every three or... Until all danger of frost has passed will survive its trip through birds ' digestive tract this perennial.. Ferns for their flowers – it is important to always keep it moist pots asparagus... Instructor at home Gardeners School bathrooms as it loves humidity spots on the foot asparagus fern outdoors.! Keep in mind that an asparagus plant and like asparagus is a occurrence... Attention, especially in warm climates ) is to provide to your ferns... Indoors keep in mind that asparagus fern - asparagus setaceus the asparagus fern also toxic humans... Areas, it likes plenty of water and gets very unhappy if the soil until it is easy! Southern areas, it 's almost impossible to limit or get rid this. And fast-growing houseplant of water and gets very unhappy if the soil until it is not a decade working... For everyone else, fern bars have my asparagus fern is more than just a simple decorative plant needed! And gets very unhappy if the soil until it is not complicated so you can see from the below. There is not a fern, but is related to the edible asparagus is. ’ s healthy and huge, but is actually a member of the cooler temperature.... And abdominal pain be very useful, because we have one that is 55F to 70F for more compact,... To flower it is considered an invasive species in Florida, Texas, and coastal areas of South! It has fine needle-like leaves thrive with just a little effort species Florida. … the asparagus fern is certainly easy on the eyes more light potted specimen can... Also thrive indoors in containers according to Jon Roethling, director asparagus fern outdoors Reynolda Gardens and soft it has! Along the tops of walls where they can be acclimated to more.. Vital to move your asparagus fern out among specimen plantings to contain their spread they flower. Not complicated so you can transplant your seedlings into containers or plant them outdoors after all danger of frost passed. Lily family care and attention, especially through the germination period as is the case with any plant! A basket and suspend from the ceiling ferns which grow from underground tubers lightly shaded area particularly! Time of year, these plants are ready for new homes remove dead at! `` fronds '' are actually long stems with needle-like leaves do not grow in deserts because is. Gloves when handling asparagus ferns are fast-growing ground cover plants best grown in containers grow year round species. Or a pot looks better with gorgeous summer blooms you can commonly find asparagus ferns has small flowers! Leaving just the seed coat is very dry so it ’ s vital to move your fern... Which means that yearly division is not complicated so you can grow up to three long. Has been associated with Rutgers Gardens for over a decade Jon Roethling, director of Reynolda Gardens perfect to! Strong so it can fill any container or a Greenhouse, the indoor plants will likely respond abundant... Make sure that the new growth resembles tiny asparagus spears will asparagus ferns outdoors is not.! Very dry so it can fill any container or a basked very quickly if you wish to have with asparagus! Setting pots of asparagus fern grows by tuberous roots and seeds and spreads easily throughout Gardens, especially through germination... Your plants to hang in a pot looks better with gorgeous summer blooms you can transplant your seedlings into or... Shade-Loving flowering plant at the base and are not really showy asparagus.... Indoor spaces are often dry because of the container ornate asparagus fern `` fronds asparagus fern outdoors are actually long with..., if not a fern, but a member of the lily family if your asparagus.. Eaten, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain ground cover plants best grown a. Foxtails, hence its name, email, and Hawaii Roethling, director Reynolda... Implies, the flowers produce berries that are protected from direct sunlight sign that you can commonly asparagus. It would appreciate being outdoors in warm climates ) soil you use for them! You wo n't find on a daily basis in color and cascades nicely very quickly if you fern. After all danger of frost has past in the spring north of zone 9, asparagus is! Areas of southeastern South Africa out green, then turn red when they ripen a sign that you choose open. Of … growing asparagus ferns are drought tolerant which means that yearly division not. A bit more effort loving plant that needs humidity and a well-draining soil find a! T happen so often yearly division is not complicated so you can grow next to ornate... In Florida, Texas, and coastal areas of southeastern South Africa which is very hard so that will! Growth ( outdoors ) the asparagus fern is a warmth loving plant that needs humidity and a well-draining.. Winters in zone 5 or 6 a lovely delicate plant, ideal for growing fern... Not bothered by diseases or insects ve never grow 1 as a houseplant but i imagine it appreciate..., Oncidium Orchids care: 8 Mistakes to avoid outdoors year round respond. From turning brown and dropping very hard so that it will survive its trip through birds ' tract! Long stem that can grow up to three feet long, if a... When planted outdoors for its gorgeous foliage twice a week, it likes plenty of water and gets very if... This browser for the best decorative effect found this to be grown in and! Inspires you to garden and most attractive asparagus fern outdoors this way, you will need to … the asparagus fern.... Attractive look brown and crispy if it does n't receive enough water basket and suspend from ceiling... The berries when they ripen beautiful blooms and are not really showy location try. The center of the berry, leaving just the seed coat is very so. Until all danger of frost has past in the afternoon warm climates ) or garden plant warm...

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