How to Care for an Asparagus Fern
Asparagus ferns are popular houseplants because they are inexpensive, readily available at most garden centers, and easy to care for. With long tendrils of green, fern-like foliage, they look great in hanging baskets or standard pots. The fern-like appearance is why they are called ferns; however, despite the name, asparagus ferns are actually a member of the lily family. In very warm climates, where the ground does not freeze, these plants can also be used as a ground cover. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place indoor asparagus ferns in indirect sunlight. This means either on a partially shaded patio or enclosed porch, or near a windowsill (away from direct rays of the sun). This plant enjoys a bright area but direct sunlight will dry it out and potentially burn the foliage (indicated by discolored fronds). Outdoors, in hot regions, you can plant asparagus ferns in well-drained soil in partial sun.
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Water sufficiently during warm weather to keep soil moist but not soggy. It is OK to let the soil dry out in between watering for these plants. How often you will need to water depends on how hot your area is and how humid. For potted ferns, add water until water seeps out the pot’s drainage holes. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months, unless the plant shows too much drying (brittle and discolored foliage).
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Feed your asparagus fern with a balanced plant fertilizer. According to plantcare.com, you should do this weekly in the summer months (and every two weeks in the winter) and use a water-soluble or granular fertilizer. You can find these fertilizers just about anywhere that sells garden supplies. You can also try plant fertilizer stakes for potted asparagus ferns--these stakes are slow-release fertilizers that you stick on one area of the plant pot. They usually last at least a month.
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Check your plant regularly for insect activity. Look for anything crawling or flying around the plant. If you discover insects, treat the plant properly with a pesticide for houseplants. Aphids are usually small and pale, and mites are often small and dark-colored (just little specks). Call a local greenhouse and describe the insect to them and they will be able to tell you what it is and what will work to kill it.
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Maintain a bushier appearance of the plant by pinching back (with pruning shears) the tips of the stems. According to mobot.org, you can even prune the plant back down to the level of the potting soil, if the fern has become too sprawling and ungainly and you want to restore a more attractive shape.
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Tips & Warnings
According to floridata.com, asparagus fern is considered an invasive plant in Florida. Take care when planting this fern outdoors, as it will crowd out other plants.
References
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