Key Facts
- Not a true fern and is in the Asparagaceae family
- Fine feathery foliage makes it a popular houseplant and hanging basket subject
- Produces small white or cream flowers and red berries in warm outdoor settings
- Prefers bright indirect light and evenly moist well drained soil
- Berries and possibly other plant parts can be toxic to pets if eaten
- Easily propagated by division and by seed
Asparagus fern is grown for its fine feathery foliage and versatility as a hanging basket or houseplant. Gardeners want to know whether it will thrive indoors, naturalize outdoors, or cause problems with berries and pets.
Identification
Asparagus fern is not a true fern. It is in the Asparagaceae family and is valued for threadlike, feathery stems. In warm outdoor settings it may produce small white or cream flowers followed by red berries. In containers stems and fronds commonly reach about 1 to 3 feet.
Where to grow and best uses
Grow asparagus fern as a houseplant or in shaded outdoor spots in mild climates. It is commonly used in hanging baskets, on porches and in shady beds where a trailing or mounding ornamental is wanted. Generally it is treated as tender and is most reliably grown outdoors in warm climates roughly USDA 9 to 11.
Light and soil
Provide bright indirect light or dappled shade. It tolerates partial shade but becomes sparse in deep shade. Avoid prolonged hot direct sun which can scorch the foliage.
Use a rich, well draining potting mix and keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. A neutral to slightly acidic pH is typical for good growth. Poor drainage leads to root rot while very dry soil causes browning and leaf drop.
Watering and common problems
Water regularly during the active growing season so the mix stays evenly moist. Overwatering or poorly drained soil causes root rot and yellowing or collapse of stems. Underwatering causes dry brown tips and reduced foliage density.
Watch for pests in indoor plants and stressed outdoor specimens. Adjust light and water first when foliage thins or turns brown.
After flowering and maintenance
Remove spent flowers and berries to tidy the plant and reduce self-seeding where berries form. Prune back lanky stems to encourage fuller growth. In colder areas bring plants indoors before frost or treat them as houseplants for winter.
Containers and propagation
Asparagus fern does well in hanging baskets and shallow pots that give its stems room to trail. Use a free draining potting mix and avoid standing water in saucers.
Propagate by dividing crowns or tuberous roots for the quickest, most reliable results and to preserve cultivar traits. It can also be grown from seed, though offspring may vary from the parent.
Controlling spread
The plant forms mounds and trailing stems in containers and can produce berries outdoors in warm climates. Remove berries if you want to reduce volunteer seedlings. Regular pruning and dividing keep plants compact and prevent them from overrunning a small bed or container.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Asparagus Fern grow?
- Growth rate varies with light, water and temperature. Stems commonly reach 1 to 3 feet in containers. In warm, bright and moist conditions a plant can fill a hanging basket over a growing season.
- Is Asparagus Fern toxic to pets?
- Berries and possibly other parts are reported toxic to cats and dogs and may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive people. Confirm symptoms and treatment with a poison control center or veterinarian.
- Grow Asparagus Fern indoors or outdoors?
- Indoors it is mainly an ornamental foliage plant and rarely flowers. Outdoors in warm climates it may flower in late spring to summer and produce berries. Outdoors it also requires protection or to be brought inside where frost occurs.
- How do I propagate Asparagus Fern?
- Divide crowns or tubers to make new plants quickly and keep the same cultivar. Seed propagation is possible but can produce variable offspring.
- How do I revive a floppy or sparse plant?
- Check for correct light and moisture first. Repot into fresh, well draining mix if the soil has broken down. Trim back long stems and divide crowded crowns to encourage new growth.
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