Asparagus Fern: Care, varieties and propagation

Written by

Sabina

Description

Indirect light

Much

Green

Directly to

Characteristics and flowering
Care for Asparagus
Varieties of Asparagus
Propagating Asparagus
Toxicity
Symbolism
Origin

With its airy, feathery foliage, the ornamental Asparagus – also known as Lace Fern, Asparagus Fern or Common Asparagus Fern – has become a much-loved houseplant. Its elegant, fresh green stems give it a delicate, lightweight appearance, while in reality it is surprisingly resilient. In this complete guide, you’ll discover everything you need to enjoy your Asparagus for years to come, from the ideal position and watering routine to its origins, toxicity and most popular varieties.

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Asparagus

Characteristics and flowering of Asparagus

The ornamental Asparagus belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is a distant relative of edible varieties such as Common Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). Other popular houseplants from the same family include Dracaena and Sansevieria.

There are around 300 different species of Asparagus, ranging from delicate indoor plants to robust garden varieties. They are recognised by their fine, needle-like ‘leaves’, which together create a soft, cloud-like mass of foliage.

Care for Asparagus

An ornamental Asparagus is easy-going, but it will thrive when given the right conditions.

Light

The plant enjoys plenty of daylight, but avoid strong afternoon sun through glass, as the delicate ‘fronds’ can scorch. A spot facing east or north is ideal. During winter, your Asparagus can be moved slightly closer to the window for extra light.

Water

Asparagus is a thirsty plant. Keep the compost lightly moist, but avoid leaving water standing at the bottom of the decorative pot for extended periods. During warmer months, check the soil twice a week with your finger. If the top centimetre feels dry, it’s time to water. Don’t forget to mist regularly, as the plant appreciates higher humidity levels.

Feed

From May through to September, you can feed your Asparagus weekly with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. During its resting period (autumn and winter), feeding once every six weeks is sufficient. Ideally, choose a fertiliser for foliage plants with extra nitrogen to encourage fresh, healthy growth.

Tip: when repotting Asparagus, use a light and airy compost mix for Ferns. These often contain bark or coconut fibres to improve drainage. Read more about choosing the right potting compost and plant food.

Asparagus is a thirsty plant. Keep the compost lightly moist, but avoid leaving water standing at the bottom of the decorative pot for extended periods.

Varieties of Asparagus

There are many different varieties of Asparagus, but these are the most common ones grown as houseplants:

Asparagus setaceus (Lace Fern) – valued for its trailing growth habit. Ideal as a hanging or climbing plant.
Asparagus densiflorus – the best-known variety, with compact, slightly coarser plumes, perfect as a potted plant.
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’ (Foxtail Fern) – cone-shaped, upright plumes that resemble fox tails.

Propagating Asparagus

The easiest way to propagate Asparagus is by carefully dividing the plant when repotting. Make sure each section has plenty of roots and foliage, and ideally carry out the process in spring (from March to May). Follow the step-by-step guide below to increase your chances of success:

Remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil.
Pull or cut the root ball into two or more sections (depending on the size of the plant). Make sure each section has sufficient roots and a few healthy shoots.
Plant each section in fresh, moist compost.
Place the new plants in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist.

Is Asparagus toxic?

For cats and dogs, the foliage in particular can cause irritation. For this reason, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children, or choose a pet-friendly alternative. Read this article to find out which plants are safe and unsafe for animals. Some Asparagus varieties also produce berries, which contain saponins that may cause mild stomach and digestive upset if eaten.

Symbolism of Asparagus

The ornamental Asparagus is especially valued for its light, soft and elegant appearance. Its delicate, airy foliage gives the plant a refined and graceful look. As a result, Asparagus is often seen as a symbol of elegance, purity and resilience.

Asparagus

Origin of Asparagus

Most ornamental Asparagus species are native to the subtropical forests of South Africa. Growing in the shade of taller trees, they developed their characteristic fine foliage to capture as much filtered light as possible. Towards the end of the 19th century, growers introduced these plants to Europe, where their elegance perfectly complemented the Art Deco style.