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3 ft. tall Common Name Asparagus fern Family Asparagaceae Plant Type Herbaceous perennial Mature Size Up to 3 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide Sun Exposure Partial (outdoor); bright, indirect light (indoors).
How big do asparagus ferns grow?
Asparagus setaceus plumosus is also known as Lace Fern, Common Asparagus Fern or Climbing Asparagus. Although it is called a fern, it is really a member of the lily family. It is fast growing and easy to care for and can reach a height of 2.5m unless pruned.
Do asparagus ferns grow fast?
A fast-growing tropical perennial, asparagus fern is a virtually indestructible houseplant (or garden plant in warm climates). Sun—or some shade—and regular water keeps it happy in its pot.
Do asparagus ferns spread?
Asparagus fern spreads by bird-dispersed seeds and vegetatively by tubers, which sprout far from the main plant. Asparagus fern can be found spreading along roadsides and invading secondary forest systems. Colonies are readily formed which displace native vegetation and prevent native species from reestablishing.
Do asparagus ferns need a lot of water?
Water garden plants once or twice a week, so the soil doesn’t dry completely. Asparagus ferns are moderately drought tolerant, but they will grow at a slower rate without sufficient moisture, notes the University of Florida.
How do you make asparagus fern bushy?
Take a sharp pair of clean scissors and make a snip where you would like the stem to end. You can do this with all of the elongated stems given that they don’t make up over half the plant and then place your asparagus fern in a brighter spot and your plant should start to grow bushier rather than leggier.
How do you keep asparagus ferns small?
Mist the plant daily and provide a nearby pebble tray to keep the tiny leaves from turning brown and dropping. The fern may dry out to the point it appears dead, however, outdoor springtime temperatures generally revive them. Keep the plant well watered in all situations and repot every few years.
How do you make a fern bushy?
Instead, trim off the side fronds at the base. Also remove old, discolored fronds near the soil to allow new growth to come through. Remove the unsightly stems to the base as well. The remainder of the plant can be clipped along the outer edges to the desired shape.
How far apart do you plant asparagus ferns?
Quick Reference Growing Guide Plant Type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial White/emerald green Spacing: 3-5 feet Well-draining Planting Depth: 1/8 inch Birds Height: 2-8 feet Indoor and outdoor containers, naturalizes rapidly in beds and borders Spread: 2-5 feet Asparagaceae.
Can asparagus fern take full sun?
Plant asparagus fern in full sun or light shade; plants grown in full sun are more compact and dense than those grown in shade. It does best in moist soils rich in organic matter but tolerates almost any conditions and is fairly drought tolerant once established.
Should I trim my asparagus fern?
Prune asparagus fern to keep it in shape, and cut any dead stems at the base. Though asparagus fern responds well to pruning, beware: Its soft-looking leaves conceal sharp thorns, so it’s best to wear gloves. Allow a potted asparagus fern to drape over a windowsill or ledge.
Can you touch asparagus fern?
Although the frilly, feathery asparagus fern plant looks soft to the touch, it does have thorny spurs. With this in mind, it’s important to handle the plant with care. Simply wear gloves when moving or touching the asparagus fern to avoid injury or damaging the plant itself.
How do you keep asparagus fern from spreading?
Mow It Repeatedly Using a string trimmer, pruning shears or similar tools, cut the asparagus fern plant down to the soil level. Doing this repeatedly can help control and get rid of asparagus ferns in several ways. First, it prevents the plant from producing berries and seeds, thus helping to halt its spread.
Can you overwater asparagus ferns?
Overwatering or underwatering are also culprits in the yellowing of asparagus fern leaves. Overwatering can damage the roots, which in turn will show up in the leaves. If the problem is underwatering instead, the leaves will appear dry and somewhat crispy, and the soil will clearly be dry.
Does an asparagus fern flower?
When asparagus fern is content in its location, it can produce small flowers and berries.
Can an asparagus fern live outside?
Outdoors, asparagus fern does well in shade or part shade. It can take full sun if it stays relatively moist. Regular watering is important, especially if you grow asparagus fern in hanging baskets.
How do you encourage asparagus fern to grow?
Caring for asparagus ferns Reduce watering in autumn, and water more sparingly in winter. Feed once a month with a liquid feed in spring and summer. Provide some humidity by grouping plants together or misting regularly, especially in summer or if the central heating is on. Repot every couple of years, in spring.
Why is my asparagus fern dropping needles?
The Asparagus Fern prefers low to moderate water levels. If your fern begins to drop needles, it may not be receiving enough water. Yellowing of the foliage can signal under watering as well. Aim to keep the soil semi moist allowing to somewhat dry in-between watering, but not completely.
Do asparagus ferns come back every year?
The short answer to this question is: An Asparagus Fern is a perennial plant. There are some plants that are planted, grow, bloom and die all within a yearly cycle and to have the plant a second year it needs to be replanted in the spring.
Is asparagus fern the same as asparagus?
Part of the common name is accurate, however. Asparagus ferns are closely related to edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). While asparagus ferns don’t produce anything we can harvest and eat, they are versatile, reliable, easy to grow and useful in a variety of gardening situations.
How do you make my ferns grow faster?
Repot the ferns into large planters or hanging baskets. The ferns we buy always come in the plastic hanging baskets. Fertilize. Ferns don’t require much fertilizer… Water frequently, but water the right way. Cut off any brown fronds. Choose the right light. Rotate occasionally. Don’t toss the metal basket!.
