How fast does asparagus fern grow

In warmer regions, the fern can be easily adapted to outdoor culture, where it sometimes grows like a creeper and can even become invasive. Indoors, the key to a robust asparagus fern is to keep the plant bushy and dense so its lace-like foliage forms an attractive mound.

Asparagus fern is a fern in name and appearance only. It actually is a relative of lilies, including tulips , daylilies , amaryllis , and hostas. Asparagus fern has a lot of good qualities, but it comes with some important cautions. In warm, humid climates, asparagus ferns can spread rapidly when planted outdoors. It is considered an invasive species in Florida, Texas, and Hawaii.

Asparagus fern is also toxic to children and pets. If you live in hardiness zones 9 or above, you can grow asparagus fern outdoors as a perennial. In all other climates, it can be planted as an annual or kept indoors as a houseplant.

It's also popular as an outdoor container plant, where it is often used as a spiller. You can bring the container inside when the weather turns cold. Mature plants become woody and can develop sharp spines on the branches, so take caution while trimming older specimens, and wear gardening gloves if you plan to prune an older plant.

When asparagus fern is content in its location, it can produce small flowers and berries. You can plant these berries to propagate the fern. Asparagus fern is fairly trouble-free, but indoors it may suffer from the same maladies common to most houseplants, especially mites and aphids. Insecticidal soap is usually effective. The asparagus fern thrives in dappled shade, although it can be acclimated to more light.

Keep it out of direct, bright sunlight. Plant asparagus ferns in pots or containers in loose, well-drained potting soil.

Outdoors, plant it in rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It is generally tolerant of less-than-ideal soil conditions.

Keeping an asparagus fern hydrated takes a little effort, and this plant thrives on humidity. Indoor growing conditions can often be dry, especially due to winter heat. Mist the plant daily, focusing on the arching stems. If the plant appears to be turning brown and droopy, it likely needs more water.

While the asparagus fern can dry out to the point of appearing dead, it likely isn't. Warmer, humid air, and daily misting will help revive it. Outdoors, keep asparagus fern well-watered to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Try to maintain a warm temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and not dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit for too long. If you have a shady porch outside, or a greenhouse, the indoor plants will likely respond with abundant growth over the summer.

Feed asparagus fern with liquid or water-soluble all-purpose plant food diluted to half strength. During summer, the plant may need weekly feedings; otherwise, feed monthly. The most common variety is Asparagus sprengeri. Other varieties of asparagus ferns include ming fern and the more-groomed foxtail fern or Plumosa fern, an aggressive climber. Asparagus fern is so named because its fronds look like the top of a stalk of asparagus.

Surprisingly enough, asparagus fern is related to the lily Liliaceae family. This is a plant full of contradictions. For example, although asparagus ferns are commonly used as houseplants, they are considered an invasive weed in some places, including New Zealand, Florida, and Hawaii. Asparagus fern will forgive you. We love the retro look of these fluffy plants. Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for asparagus fern with our Asparagus Fern: A Field Guide.

Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various houseplants with our Houseplants: A Field Guid e. Interested in other tropical plants for your garden or indoor space? Get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various tropical plants with our Tropical Plants: A Field Guide. Search for:. When dividing, be sure to take several of the underground bulbs. Mature asparagus fern plants can become quite woody with sharp spines on the branches.

This is something to keep in mind when trimming older plants. Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' has dense, bottle-brush-like stems that grow more upright. It makes a better tabletop plant than hanging basket. Asparagus setaceus looks the most like a true fern.

The spreading layered stems are covered with tiny soft needles. Older stems can grow several feet long. Cut them back to promote denser growth. Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri', the most widely available variety, has arching stems with 1-inch-long dark green needles.

Download this plan! Search by Plant Name. Credit: Marty Baldwin. Save Pin FB More. Colorful Combinations The soft texture of this plant's small needle-like leaves adds an airiness to plants in mixed combinations. Related Items Foxtail fern Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'. Foxtail Fern.