Asparagus ferns are a specie of ornamental plant with feathery , fern - like leaves that get in attractive clumps . Despite their name , asparagus ferns are not areal type of fernbut are perennial plants in the plant life familyAsparagaceae . Common character of asparagus ferns are foxtail ferns , plumosa fern , and Sprengeri fern .
Asparagus Fern Facts
Identifying type of asparagus ferns can be confusing . Some metal money of these fern - like plant have various coarse name and botanical figure . For representative , thepopular asparagus plumosa fernhas the botanical namesAsparagus plumosus , Asparagus setaceus , andProtasparagus setaceus .
Ornamental plants in the genusAsparagusare called ferns because they look like ferns . Pictures of asparagus ferns and their foliage show that the feathery Asparagus officinales leaves are remarkably similar to genuine ferns .
Real ferns belong to the flora classPolypodiopsida , and these plants reproduce by spore . However , asparagus fern plants in the classAsparagaceaeproduce seed .
Asparagus fern leaves are a type ofcladode . Botanistsdescribe phylloclade as flattened leaf - like organs in asparagus that are necessary for photosynthesis . For simplicity , we will bring up to asparagus fern cladodes as leaves in this article .
The leaves of asparagus plumosa fern ( in the image ) are in reality leafage - corresponding flatten stem that are called cladodes
Unlike real fern that never flower , asparagus ferns get diminished ashen or pinkish flush in bounce . After anthesis , asparagus fern farm little green orred berries .
Flowers and berries of Asparagus densiflorus ‘ Sprengeri ’
When growing asparagus ferns outdoors , it ’s lively to remember that they can become invading . Asparagus ferns have spreading , tuberous roots that develop smartly in USDA zones 9 to 11 . It ’s best to grow asparagus fern plants in container , whether you rise them as easy houseplant or desire to add verdure to your backyard , terrace , deck , or balcony .
How to Care for Asparagus Ferns – Overview
Asparagus ferns are easy - upkeep evergreen houseplants that thrive in home . Grow asparagus fern in partial shade and protect them from unmediated sun . pee asparagus fern plants once a calendar week or whenever the top layer of soil dries . Mist regularly to keep humidness high and feed monthly during the growing time of year .
Types of Asparagus Fern Plants (With Pictures)
Here are some of the most common assortment of asparagus fern .
Asparagus Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus‘Meyeri’)
Asparagus foxtail grass fern
foxtail grass fernshave clumps of bushy plumes that resemble a fox ’s tail . Beautiful arching plumes hold back bundle of needle - like leaves , giving the swooning - unripened leafage a soft , delicate appearance . As a flowering plant life , asparagus foxtail grass ferns grow bunch of tinywhite flowersfollowed by blood-red berries . foxtail grass ferns are stalwart , drought - immune plants .
Asparagus foxtail ferns grow up to 2 foot . ( 0.6 m ) marvelous and spread up to 4 foot . ( 1.2 m ) wide . These fern - like shaggy flora prosper in USDA geographical zone 9 to 11 . outside , asparagus ferns arefast - growing ground cover plantsbest grown inmorning Dominicus with light nuance in the good afternoon . However , they will also thrive indoors in containers that are protected from lineal sunlight .
Other common name for asparagus foxtail grass ferns include plumage Asparagus officinales and the edible asparagus fern . You may see this asparagus fern cultivar listed asAsparagus densiflorus‘Myers’,Asparagus densiflorus‘Myersii ’ orAsparagus densiflorus ‘ Myersi ’ .
Sprenger Asparagus or Sprengeri Fern (Asparagus densiflorus‘Sprengeri’)
Sprenger edible asparagus fern
Sprenger ’s asparagus ferns have long , arching fern - same leaves densely covered with clusters of soft acerate leaf . The Sprengeri fern ’s airy emerald - fleeceable leafage look like a case of fern flora . ThisAsparagus densifloruscultivar has blossoms of white flush clusters and immature Berry that become lustrous blood-red .
Sprengeri asparagus fern grow up to 3 ft . ( 1 m ) tall . The long , cascade needle - like leaf is stunning as ahanging basket plant . Outdoors , these asparagus fern grow honorable in container in a gay pip in the dawn and partial shade in the good afternoon . Sprenger asparagus ferns flourish in zones 9 to 11 .
Another common name for Sprenger ’s Asparagus officinales is the asparagus emerald fern .
Some botanic character also give Sprengeri ferns the botanic nameAsparagus aethiopicus . However , other botanists say thatAsparagus densiflorusandAsparagus aethiopicusare separate species of Asparagus officinales plants . This asparagus cultivar also has botanical namesAsparagus sprengeriandProtasparagus densiflorus .
Compact Sprenger Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus‘Sprengeri Compacta’)
The ‘ Sprengeri Compacta ’ is a cultivar ofAsparagus densifloruswith small , heavyset increase . Compact asparagus ferns get up to 2 ft . ( 0.6 m ) tall with a spread of 4 ft . ( 1.2 m ) . The airy , fern - alike sprays are light-headed light-green and cascade over the sides of hang basket .
develop compact Sprenger Asparagus officinales fern as a semi - evergreen garden plant out of doors all year long in zones 9 – 11 . Compact asparagus fern are also idealistic in container indoors if you live in cold regions .
The minimum temperature for growing asparagus ferns outside is 55 ° F ( 12 ° snow ) . However , all asparagus ferns thrive when the temperature average out 70 ° F ( 21 ° F ) .
Dwarf asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus‘Nana’)
Dwarf asparagus fern have emerald - green feathery leaves but are smaller and more heavyset the plumosa fern . The small asparagus ferns grow up to 15 ” ( 0.4 m ) tall . Due to its small growth , the ‘ Nana ’ Asparagus officinales fern is an ideal houseplant for growing in pots .
Asparagus Plumosus or Asparagus Plumosa Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
Asparagus plumosa fern
Asparagus plumosa fernshave rich - green feathery flatten out spray , just like a tangible fern flora . Plumosa fern have dissolute growth , and the scrambling visible light , airy plume has sonant , needle - like leaves . Plumosa fern also acquire green - white flowers in the shape of a bell and green berries that gradually flex dim .
Asparagus plumosus ferns are easily - grow ornamental houseplants . The fern - comparable industrial plant fly high in indoor conditions if they get enough indirect sunlight . As an indoor plant , plumosa ferns are excellent forhanging basketsor growing on a windowsill .
out of doors , plumosa ferns thrive in geographical zone 9 to 11 in dappled tad away from unmediated sunshine , where they can become encroaching . The best recommendation to grow asparagus ferns is to engraft it in potful outdoors to prevent them from becoming encroaching .
The long mounting stems of the asparagus plumosa fern can grow between 10 and 20 ft . ( 3 – 6 m ) tall .
The plumosa fern contract one of its botanical names — Asparagusplumosus — from its feather - like leafage . However , the industrial plant is also calledAsparagus setaceus , Protasparagus setaceus — Latin for “ haired ” to account the plant ’s leave of absence . Other mutual names for the plumosa fern admit the lace fern , mutual asparagus fern , ferny edible asparagus , and asparagus grass .
Asparagus plumosa‘Nanus ’ is a gnome cultivar of the plumosa fern .
Ming Fern (Asparagus retrofractus)
Ming fern
Ming edible asparagus ferns are large leafy repeated shrubs with sluttish fern - like flattened nebuliser . The needle foliage uprise in tufts or clusters along woody stems . A feature of Ming ferns is the branches that get in a zag - zag pattern . Although the foliation come out piano , sharp spines spring up on the branches .
Ming ferns typically grow to between 6 and 8 foot . ( 1.8 – 2.4 m ) tall . The shrubby Asparagus officinales plant has evergreen foliation and thrive outside in zones 9 to 11 in bright collateral light or filtered Lord’s Day .
Ming asparagus fern have the common names pommy - pom asparagus ferns , Chinese Ming fern , and zig - zag bush . There are also many botanical names for this flora , includingasparagus macowanii , asparagus myriocladus , andasparagus macowanii‘Myriocladus . ’
Climbing Asparagus Fern (Asparagus scandens)
climb asparagus fern can be invasive if arise outside
mount asparagus ferns have shin feathery leaves that grow up to 8 ft . ( 2 m ) gamy . The delicate green foliage is made up of thin phonograph needle - similar foliage on the flatten branch . In spring , clusters of tiny white flower look before kick in means to orange - red berries .
go up asparagus ferns or “ krulkransie ” can grow up treillage or pergola to provide year - long greenery in warm climates . Or , you may permit the sprawling leaves to grow asground blanket for shady area . However , it ’s vital to check that the plant is n’t assort as invading in your region .
Unlike other metal money of asparagus ferns , theAsparagus scandensdoesn’t produce thorny spines .
Wild Asparagus Fern (Asparagus acutifolius)
Wild asparagus fern with flower
Also call uncouth wild asparagus , this evergreen plant plant has thorny leaves . uncivilized edible asparagus has typical fern - like leaves , common to all asparagus plants . The perennial wild edible asparagus fern grow up to 5 foot . ( 1.5 m ) high and thrives in full Lord’s Day or fond shade .
Like most asparagus ferns , the waste asparagus mintage produces clusters of small greenish - ashen flowers . Its green berries mature in winter .
Wild edible asparagus fern are native to the Mediterranean region . Other botanical name that pertain to this metal money of wild Asparagus officinales includeAsparagus brevifolius , Asparagus aetnensis , Asparagus corruda , andAsparagus commutatus .
Asparagus Fern Plant Care
Asparagus ferns are comfortable to care for indoors . All you need is to grow asparagus ferns in a loose , loamy potting premix and keep them in bright indirect sun . body of water edible asparagus ferns when the stain dries out and becloud regularly to keep humidity levels high . Average elbow room temperature are idealistic .
Asparagus Ferns Light Requirements
Asparagus ferns need sight of indirect sunlight to thrive . When produce indoors , protect the ferny flora from direct sunlight ; otherwise , the folio may get scorch . Asparagus ferns do n’t grow well in glowering rooms . So , if the edible asparagus fern do n’t get enough lighter , the leaves may start to reverse white-livered .
The best location indoors to get asparagus ferns is near a shiny window — as long as there is protection from the sunshine ’s lineal rays . grow asparagus fern on an east - confront windowsill is first-class as the plant gets some morning sun , but no live midday and eventide sun .
If you are growing asparagus ferns in your backyard , plant where there is some mottled sun .
Too much sun is also a reason for the delicate asparagus fern leaves to turn yellow .
The Best Soil for Asparagus Fern Plants
Asparagus fern grow well in light , aerated soil that drains fast . commingle one part of pot soil and one part of perlite to make asuitable houseplant pot mixture . Organic matter such as peat moss keep some moisture . The addition of vulgar sand orperlite helps to improve drainage .
Asparagus ferns are very raw to overly - dampish soil . In their native home ground , asparagus fern grow in all types of soil , include poor tone soil . The most crucial dirt requirement is that the growing medium does n’t become too stiff or doughy .
container for arise asparagus fern should always have drainage holes to foreclose H2O from pool in the gage .
How to Water Asparagus Ferns
Only water asparagus fern when the potting soil has part dry . Before watering , check to see that the top 2 ” ( 5 curium ) of the potting mix is dry . Then , soundly water the soil until it drains out the bottom of the batch . Always take into account the stain to dry between abstruse waterings .
Asparagus ferns radical are a type of bulb called a tuber . This fleshy plant life root depot water . Never water an asparagus fern too often . If the bulb-shaped ancestor baby-sit in overly - damp soil , the roots will start to waste , and the flora can perish . call up , asparagus ferns are fairlydrought - tolerant plants .
Further reading : How often to body of water houseplants .
Temperature and Humidity for Asparagus Fern Care
Grow Asparagus officinales ferns in modal room temperatures between 65 ° F and 70 ° F ( 18 ° coulomb – 21 ° C ) . The minimal temperature for asparagus fern plant life is 55 ° F ( 13 ° vitamin C ) . Like growing ferns indoors , protect asparagus ferns from temperature extremes , lineal sunshine , and cold potation .
Proper humidness is one of the challenges when caring for Asparagus officinales ferns indoors . Indoor humidity levels are usually too dry for goodly asparagus fern maturation . So , it ’s a good idea to mist the feathery sprays once a day . Spray a fine mist of distilled or filtrate pee over the leaf crown .
Other elbow room to ensure proper humidness levels for your asparagus fern are to use a room humidifier , sit the potted plant on a pebble and water tray , or grow together with other houseplant .
How to Fertilize Asparagus Fern Plants
Fertilizing asparagus ferns can ensure healthy increment — although fertilizing is n’t always needed . you’re able to apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the grow time of year to boost riotous foliage growth . practice an constitutional houseplant fertiliser and dilute to half - military posture . Apply once a month just after irrigate your plants .
Please read this clause to recover out aboutthe sound organic fertilizers for houseplants .
Pruning Asparagus Ferns
Asparagus ferns do n’t require regular pruning to grow well . However , in spring , you could trim back off stagnant , yellow , or brown leafage to meliorate the industrial plant ’s appearance . It would be best if you pruned off dead stems at their base to bump off them . To encourage bushy growth , clip off new stem point .
Repotting Asparagus Ferns
Asparagus fern are fast - growing plant that typically need repotting every leap . off the plant root ball from the container and repot in a container one to two sizes larger . The tuberous root can quickly outgrow the pot . While asparagus fern do n’t heed being slightly potbound , you ’ll need to repot them regularly .
Signs you want to repot an asparagus fern growing indoors are roots poke out of the weed , land that starts to drain ill , or a cracked pot .
When you repot your Asparagus officinales fern , use the chance to divide the tuber radical for propagation .
How to Propagate Asparagus Ferns
To propagate asparagus ferns , split the thick heavy root into two or three subdivision . When broadcast edible asparagus ferns by root division , ensure there are several healthy stems on each section . Also , the discussion section of bulbous roots should have mint of shoots . Plant each section of etymon in clean potting soil and water thoroughly .
Keeping Asparagus Ferns Free from Pests and Disease
Asparagus fern are stalwart , woody plants that are generally free from bugs and disease . The mostcommon houseplant peststo affect asparagus ferns are mealy bug orscale worm . These plaguy bug wet-nurse the sap from levelheaded plants , undermine their increase .
You should treat asparagus fern as soon as possible if you noticesigns of mealybugs . Insecticidal goop , organic neem petroleum , and rubbing alcohol are ways to eliminate scale insect and other standardized cuss .
For more information , please see this article onnatural slipway to eradicate houseplant glitch .
Asparagus Fern Toxicity
All species of edible asparagus have toxins that are toxicant to cats and pawl . The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ) says that dogs and cats can bear allergic dermatitis from regular impinging with the flora . Also , ingesting the berries can have emesis , looseness of the bowels , or abdominal pain in the neck .
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