asparagus fern

Easy care Asparagus Fern plants, native to South Africa, are not true ferns at all but rather members of the lily family. The name asparagus fern comes from the fact that the new growth resembles tiny asparagus spears. Asparagus sprengeri, a cultivar of asparagus densiflorus is the most popular variety of this plant. Asparagus ferns looks beautiful sitting on a table or hanging in a basket. During the summer, these ferns are perfect plants to hang in a sunny spot on your porch. In the proper location, asparagus ferns grow over 2-3ft. wide with cascading trailers 2ft-4ft.in length. The long graceful vines of an asparagus fern are covered in tiny needle-like bright green leaves; an added plus are the small white flowers that eventually turn into red berries. Be careful, hidden in the lush foliage are sharp little thorns that are difficult to see.

These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.

Asparagus ferns grow best in bright indirect light coming from an east, west, or north-facing window. In lower light an asparagus fern grows very slowly and may develop yellow fronds.

Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering. If in doubt, allow the fronds of a fern plant to turn pale green before watering. An asparagus fern requires more water in the hot summer months, and likes drier soil during the cold winter months. Asparagus ferns are very drought resistant; however, yellow stems indicate the plant needs more water while brown stems mean you may be over- watering your asparagus fern.

Asparagus Ferns like temperatures between 50-75°F (10-24°C).