Is a foxtail fern the same as an asparagus fern?
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ Tiny white blooms are followed by small red berries. Not a true fern, it is actually a member of the lily family; “foxtail” fern is in fact the same species, just a different form. Use asparagus fern for a hardy perennial to fill in around more strongly formed plants or planters. The foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a stunning evergreen plant known for its soft, needle-like foliage that forms dense, bushy, plume-like stems. With its unique appearance and hardy nature, it makes a perfect addition to both indoor spaces and outdoor gardens.Ferns grow best when planted alone in a container and can add a tropical or woodland look to your area. Gardeners love ferns for porches, patois, balconies, or as a focal point in a tall wire stand. Ferns prefer a shaded area and consistently moist soil conditions.A longtime favorite for adding texture to spaces indoors and out, asparagus fern is so versatile, you can grow it as a houseplant or outside in hanging baskets and container gardens. The plant’s fine texture looks great no matter where you grow it!A thriving foxtail fern needs good soil, optimal growing conditions, and bright light. Ensure your plant has what it needs to thrive, and it’ll reward you with handsome foliage full of soft, fuzzy needles. No matter where you live, you can successfully grow foxtail ferns in pots and containers.
Can you touch asparagus fern?
Take care when handling asparagus ferns, as the tiny thorns along the length of the stems on mature plants can scratch. In fact, it’s best to avoid touching the plant too much as it makes the leaves grow brown. All parts of the plant are mildly toxic to humans and pets. Asparagus fern is a mounding, spreading, evergreen that grows one to two feet with a three-foot spread. It is a fast-growing plant with bright green to yellow green, airy, fernlike, delicate leaves, and tiny thorns.The asparagus fern is often called the foxtail fern because the small, needle-shaped, leaf-like branches give it a fluffy appearance similar to a fox’s tail. This upright, vase-shaped fern is perfect for containers and small-scale, special spaces in the landscape.Despite their relationships, all parts of the ornamental Asparagus Ferns are poisonous. Adaptable, and extremely easy to grow, these plants are long lived, and can thrive with little care. Beware their soft appearance; stems of all varieties are lined with small but sharp thorns.Pruning the Asparagus fern Asparagus setaceus benefits from regular pruning to keep it in shape and encourage fuller growth. Prune in the spring before the growth period. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut back excessively long stems or remove yellow or dead foliage.Limp, wilting, yellowing leaves paired with soggy soil is a key indicator that your asparagus fern is overwatered. To remedy this, allow the soil to dry out and reduce the watering frequency.
Do foxtail ferns like sun or shade?
Foxtail Fern will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. Foxtail ferns hold moisture in their tuberous roots, meaning they prefer drying slightly between waterings and are easy to overwater. Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry. Water weekly during warm months; reduce frequency in winter or cooler climates. Never allow the plant to sit in standing water.When grown indoors, Foxtail Fern can be expected to grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years.Depending on the variety, ferns grow the best in USDA zones 2-10. There are some cold hardy ferns that will grow in zones 6-7. Ferns plants in the ground can be left as is the entire winter.
Can asparagus fern tolerate full sun?
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. Unlike most vegetables, asparagus plants are perennial, which means the same plants grow in your garden year after year. The spears that we enjoy as a vegetable are the new shoots that emerge in spring.fern asparagus plants can be grown outdoors year round as long as temperatures never dip below 20-25°f. Plants perform best in organically rich, consistently moist but well drained soils in part shade, bright indirect light or filtered sun. Direct hot afternoon sun may cause the leaves to yellow.Pruning your asparagus helps to keep pests and diseases at bay, and makes weeding and mulching easier. But it’s important to wait until your asparagus ferns have turned brown before you cut them down to the ground.Foxtail Fern vs Asparagus Fern: Description Foxtail ferns grow in tall clusters of large plumes with delicate leaves, while many other types of asparagus ferns grow lower to the ground. Depending on the season, foxtail ferns grow small white flowers that become red berries, while not all asparagus ferns do this.The plant does best in full sun to part shade. Asparagus plants are dioecious which means that the male and female flowers are borne on different plants. The preferred male plants live longer, emerge earlier in the spring, and do not produce fruit that will compete with the roots and crown for nutrients.
Will an asparagus fern come back every year?
Yes, asparagus fern will come back every year since it’s a perennial plant. If you live in the climates (USDA Zones 9-11), you can leave the plant outdoors year-round. Asparagus Ferns are known for their quick growth under the right conditions, typically reaching their full size within a few years. The journey from a sprout to a mature plant with a lush, feathery spread is a fascinating one.Culture. Fern Asparagus plants can be grown outdoors year round as long as temperatures never dip below 20-25°F. Plants perform best in organically rich, consistently moist but well drained soils in part shade, bright indirect light or filtered sun. Direct hot afternoon sun may cause the leaves to yellow.Pruning the Asparagus fern Asparagus setaceus benefits from regular pruning to keep it in shape and encourage fuller growth. Prune in the spring before the growth period. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut back excessively long stems or remove yellow or dead foliage.Foxtail Fern vs Asparagus Fern: Description Foxtail ferns grow in tall clusters of large plumes with delicate leaves, while many other types of asparagus ferns grow lower to the ground. Depending on the season, foxtail ferns grow small white flowers that become red berries, while not all asparagus ferns do this.
Where is the best place to put an asparagus fern?
The Asparagus fern indoor plant loves warmth and humidity. It’s easier to look after than a true fern but doesn’t like cold and dry air in winter. They should be kept somewhere humid like a bathroom or kitchen and misted regularly. Alternatively, keep its environment humid with a humidifier. Asparagus ferns prefer consistently moist soil, so you should water them regularly. Typically, you should water your Asparagus fern when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. In other words, the watering frequency should be about once a week.Excellent Asparagus Fern care strikes a balance between keeping the soil moist while avoiding overwatering. In between waterings, you’ll also need to let the top inch of soil dry out, specifically in the winter. Asparagus Fern loves humidity, and one way to keep its foliage content is by misting the plant regularly.