Asparagus Fern Care Tips: How to Grow Asparagus Ferns

An asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a feathery, herbaceous perennial with white flowers and red berries. Needle-like leaves form in nodes on the main stems. Asparagus ferns belong to the Asparagaceae family but are sometimes classified in the Liliaceae or lily family. In fact, the asparagus fern is a relative of plants in the lily family such as tulips and hostas.

At maturity, the asparagus fern typically reaches up to two feet in height and can spread up to six feet wide. Native to South Africa, these hardy plants do best in dappled shade or full sun. Sometimes confused with the foxtail fern, the asparagus fern is not a true fern. The asparagus fern resembles a true fern and is a climbing plant. Some asparagus fern cultivars may climb to a height of 20 feet.

Consider a few asparagus fern varieties that you might plant in your garden.

1. 1. Asparagus plumosa fern: This variety goes by many botanical names, including Asparagus plumosus, Asparagus setaceus, and Protasparagus setaceus. Distinctive for its climbing stems that can grow over ten feet long, the asparagus plumosa fern grows very quickly and produces bell-shaped flowers.
2. 2. Sprenger asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’): Fluffy in appearance, the Sprenger asparagus fern is notable for its long stems. This variety appears even lacier and more feathery than the typical asparagus fern.
3. 3. Wild asparagus fern (Asparagus acutifolius): Native to the Mediterranean, wild asparagus ferns grow up to five feet tall and feature thorny leaves. In winter, wild asparagus produces green berries.
4. 4. Ming fern (Asparagus retrofractus): The branches of Ming ferns grow in a distinct zig-zag pattern. Deriving its name from Chinese, the Ming fern is a tall plant that may grow up to eight feet high.

Planting asparagus ferns is a straightforward process involving only a few steps and planting tips.

1. 1. Choose well-draining potting soil. Mildly acidic, well-draining soil is best for asparagus ferns. Potting your asparagus fern plants in nutrient-rich soil will help them thrive as well.
2. 2. Choose a sunny spot. Keep your asparagus ferns in an area of your home or garden that receives a mix of indirect light and partial shade. If you do plant your asparagus fern in full sun, it will grow denser and more compact.
3. 3. Space your asparagus ferns appropriately. Asparagus ferns require a moderate amount of space to thrive. Too little space and the root balls may become compacted. Space your asparagus fern plants a few feet apart if planting them outdoors and choose a slightly larger pot than you think you’ll need when planting indoors.

Asparagus fern care is relatively simple so long as growers follow a few strategies.

1. 1. Light: Dappled shade or areas that get part shade and part sun are ideal for your asparagus fern.
2. 2. Temperature: Asparagus fern plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones nine through eleven. Warm, humid climates are ideal for outdoor asparagus ferns; however, in some places, like Florida and Hawaii, asparagus ferns are considered invasive. As indoor plants, asparagus ferns do well in environments consistently near seventy degrees Fahrenheit.
3. 3. Watering: Overwatering will cause root rot, but daily misting is recommended. Focus on misting the arching stems of your asparagus fern plant. Keeping the soil slightly moist will create the right environment for your asparagus fern.
4. 4. Fertilizing: Monthly feedings of half-strength liquid fertilizer will keep your asparagus fern healthy. Increase fertilizing to weekly sessions in the summer months.
5. 5. Pruning: Prune mature plants to keep them tidy. Asparagus ferns can grow and climb very quickly without pruning. Use a pair of clean garden shears and shape your asparagus fern to your preference. Trim away any dead leaves and make room for fresh growth.
6. 6. Pests: Keep common pests like mealybugs and spider mites away from your asparagus fern with gentle insecticides. Both natural and effective, neem oil is an excellent choice for pest control. Yellowing fronds are a sign that your plant has been infested or needs more water.
7. 7. Propagating: Propagation is the process of creating new plants by repotting plant clippings or dividing the roots. In the springtime, dig up your whole asparagus fern and divide the plant into sections using clean garden shears or a trowel. Place those newly divided sections into separate pots. Water your plants frequently until the root systems settle.
8. 8. Repotting: Repotting can also help you achieve new growth for your asparagus fern plant. If your indoor asparagus fern becomes root-bound (the roots start growing through the top of the soil), repot your plant in a bigger pot.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.