How to Plant and Grow Asparagus Fern

The versatile asparagus fern is an attractive herbaceous perennial native to South Africa. It is easy yet botanically, it is not a fern. The soft texture of the small, needle-like leaves resembles the foliage of asparagus plants, with the foliage gracefully arching outward.

Asparagus fern is grown as an annual or houseplant in most areas of the U.S., but it is a perennial in USDA Zones 9-11. It makes a dense, bushy houseplant. Outdoors, asparagus fern adds an airy texture to mixed garden beds and produces dainty white blossoms followed by red berries that attract birds.

Where to Plant Asparagus Fern

Although it's not a fern, the light requirements of this plant are similar to those of ferns. Plant in a location where it gets dappled shade and the soil is rich, moist but well-drained, and slightly acidic.

As asparagus fern tends to spread vigorously through its fleshy roots, select a location where you can keep an eye on its expansion and control it if necessary. If in doubt, plant it in a container or a hanging basket.

How and When to Plant Asparagus Fern

Plant asparagus fern in the spring so it gets established before the summer heat sets in. Dig a hole about twice the size of the nursery pot and just as deep. Place the plant in the center and backfill with original soil. Tamp it down and water it immediately.

Depending on the variety, space plants 2 to 4 feet apart.

Asparagus Fern Care Tips

Asparagus ferns are easy-to-care-for plants that grow as houseplants and in shady gardens.

Light

When asparagus ferns are planted outside, they prefer a location with dappled shade. Too much sun, especially the strong afternoon sun. causes yellow foliage.

Place potted houseplants in a location with indirect or filtered light. In warmer months, you can move your potted houseplants outdoors to a shaded porch.

Soil and Water

Asparagus ferns perform best in organically rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8. Keep the plants evenly moist between spring and fall and water sparingly during the winter.

When grown as houseplants, asparagus ferns don't require periods of winter dormancy but also appreciate rest and reduced watering during the winter months.

Temperature and Humidity

Asparagus ferns prefer warm and humid climates (about 70°F) and cannot withstand temperatures below 55°F for long periods.

Fertilizer

When the plant is actively growing new stems and foliage, apply a weak liquid fertilizer about once a week.

Pruning

To promote dense plant growth, pinch back your asparagus fern's stem tips by about a third every few months. If the plant's shape becomes too sprawling, cut back the oldest stems close to the soil to encourage new growth.

The stems of mature asparagus ferns become tough and woody, with tiny but sharp spines along the branches. When trimming older plants, protect your hands with a thick pair of gardening gloves.

Potting and Repotting

Choose a container that fits the growth habit of the variety, Use upright-growing asparagus fern as a filler and trailing plants in hanging baskets. Make sure the container has large drainage holes and use well-draining potting mix. Keep in mind that outdoor plants need more frequent watering than indoor plants and plants in garden soil.

When you'll see the fleshy roots pushing out of the pot, your asparagus fern needs to be divided or repotted, At this point, repot the whole plant into a slightly larger container or divide the plant.

Pests and Problems

Asparagus fern attracts mites, slugs, aphids, and mealybugs. Potential diseases include leaf spot and root or crown rot, especially when drainage is poor or the plant is being overwatered.

How to Propagate Asparagus Fern

Because asparagus fern is such a vigorous grower, propagating it by dividing it is the easiest, fastest, and most reliable method to make a new plant.

In the spring or summer, dig up a mature asparagus fern or remove it from its pot. Carefully separate the rhizomes into sections by cutting them with a sharp, clean knife. Make sure that each section has several roots on them. Replant each section at the same depth as the original plant or on a pot with fresh potting soil. Water immediately and keep the new plants well-watered until you see new growth.

Types of Asparagus Fern

'Sprengeri' Asparagus Fern

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' is the most widely available variety. It has arching stems with inch-long dark green needles.

Foxtail Fern

Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' has dense, bottle brush-like stems that grow more upright. Because of this, it is best suited as a filler in containers.

Dwarf Asparagus Fern

Asparagus densiflorous 'Nana' is a dwarf variety of asparagus fern that grows just 12 to 15 inches tall with short, upright stems and soft, emerald-green foliage.

Common Asparagus Fern

Asparagus plumosus, previously known as Asparagus setaceus, looks the most like a true fern. The spreading layered stems are covered with tiny soft needles. Older stems often grow several feet long. Cut them back to promote denser growth.

Garden Plans for Asparagus Fern

Partial Shade Garden Plan

This garden plan for partial shade uses sun-loving plants that will still do well if they are shaded only part of the day, though they may not bloom as profusely as they would in full sun. The design features easy-care, summer-blooming perennials such as daylilies, phlox, and hostas. To keep the color show going all season long, an array of annuals such as coleus and petunias fills in the front of this beautiful border.