Asparagus Fern

Asparagus fern is easy to grow and is normally planted in the spring in warm, humid climates. Indoors, the key to a robust asparagus fern is to keep the plant properly watered, bushy, and dense, so its lace-like foliage forms an attractive mound. It does well in both garden beds and container gardens and pots. When asparagus fern is content in its location, it can produce small flowers followed by berries that are mildly toxic to cats and dogs.

Here are the main requirements for growing asparagus fern:

• Plant in partial shade in organically rich, moist, well-draining soil.
• Grows well in warm, humid climates, but water enough to keep the soil moist.
• Fertilize with a liquid or water-soluble all-purpose plant food.
• Prefers temperatures of a high of 70°F and low of 55°F.

The asparagus fern thrives in dappled shade, although it can be acclimated to more light. Keep it out of direct, bright sunlight, which may scorch the foliage.

Plant asparagus ferns in pots or containers in moist, loose, well draining soil.

Asparagus fern grows well in humidity, so warmer, humid air and daily misting will help it thrive. Outdoors, keep the plant well-watered and the soil moist to prevent it from completely drying out (You can gauge dryness by the top inch of soil.) Indoor growing conditions are often too dry, especially during the winter heating season. Mist the plant daily, focusing on the arching stems.

There are several popular cultivars of asparagus fern, including:

• Myeri which is also known as foxtail fern, has dense foliage on upright stems.
• Sprengeri which is also referred to as an asparagus emerald fern, boasts long stems and a full, almost fluffy, mounding form.
• Sprengeri Compacta has the same features as its namesake but is a dwarf variety.
• Nana features bright green foliage and is another compact variety of fern.
• Foxtail Fern boasts luscious, fluffy stems of pine needle-like leaves, which gives it a plush appearance and is popular in flower arrangements.

Asparagus fern's leaf-like cladodes. The true leaves are barely visible scales near the base of the cladodes. While the ferns look soft to the touch, they're quite sharp.

Asparagus fern seeds can be found inside the small red berries produced by mature plants. When the berries are fully ripe, mash them and strain out the small seeds. There are typically one to three seeds per berry.

Before planting, scarify and soak seeds overnight. Then, press them on top of the soil. The seeds need light to germinate. Germination should take a few weeks.