When you ’re choosing a new houseplant to add to your collection , it ’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options . There are so manyfantastic indoor plants , from small-scale trees to colored flowers . Ferns are a popular option for houseplant , and they ’re keen for adding a touch of lush greenery to any space .
There are tons of dissimilar types of ferns , but one you may not be familiar with is the asparagus fern . Although it is holler a fern ( and resembles one ) , it is really not a unfeigned fern . It does still make a fantastic houseplant . Here ’s what you require to know about asparagus fern tutelage .
Planting asparagus ferns
Asparagus fern typically grow as indoor plants , as they are only dauntless in USDA zona 9 to 11 . Choose a container that is gravid enough for the tooth root , and be sure it has adequate drain holes . Asparagus ferns develop promptly , but they tend to have small root organization , so a small container is typically better . Use rich , well - draining dirt . If you have compost , commix some into your potting soil is a good idea .
Position your Asparagus officinales fern in smart , indirect light for the dear outcome . Outdoor Asparagus officinales fern do best in fond shade , as full sun can sometimes be too intense for them . Indoor asparagus ferns can cover a bit more light , since they will likely be receive it at an angle rather than directly . Watch for house of sunburn , such as discolor leavesand reposition your asparagus fern as needed .
Asparagus fern care
Asparagus ferns appreciate regular lachrymation . Whenever the top few column inch of soil are dry , it ’s prison term to irrigate your asparagus fern . However , deflect watering your asparagus fern if the top few column inch of grime are still wet , as it is still potential to overwater it . If the piddle is not draining out of the bottom of the container , check out to see if the drainage holes are blocked .
fertilise your asparagus fern regularly witha liquid houseplant fertilizer . Asparagus fern farm quickly and are heavy feeders , meaning they take a mass of nutrients . To keep the works systematically fed , many gardeners favour to dilute the fertilizer and fertilise more ofttimes . Monthly app with fertilizer debase to half strength or twice a calendar month app with fertiliser diluted to a after part specialty are the most common recommendations .
Pruning may not be rigorously necessary , but it is helpful for controlling your asparagus fern ’s ontogeny and form . steady pruning promotes denser , bushier growth and keep your plant from grow too marvelous . you could prune with sharp , clean scissors or shear or by pinching the stems by hand . crop the edge whenever the plant begins to grow too large , take up to one - third of the stem at a prison term . If a stem is dead , decease , or damage , cut it all the way to the home . Pruned stems can be propagate to grow a raw plant , too !
Common problems
Outdoor asparagus fern can become the target of various beetles , but these pests rarely find their way indoors . However , indoor edible asparagus ferns can still be bothered by pesterer . You may tell apart somecommon houseplant pests , such as aphids , mealy bug , wanderer mites , and whitefly , on asparagus ferns . To treat these plague , keep your industrial plant healthy , obviate place asparagus ferns in dry or low - humidity areas , and practice an insecticidal soap or neem crude .
When it comes to disease , asparagus fern can modernise several different fungal infections . Some of these , such as rust and blight , are more common in outdoor plant . However , indoor asparagus ferns can still be exhibit to the spore in nurseries or other site . Treating fungal infections can be wily , so bar is authoritative . Water direction is key for keep fungal infection . void catch the foliage wet when watering your asparagus fern , and do n’t irrigate it if the ground is still loaded . Be certain the container is draining properly as well .
Are asparagus ferns edible?
Asparagus ferns arein the asparagus family , but unlike their congeneric , they do not make a tasty treat . Asparagus ferns are toxic to ducky and people likewise , and they should be kept out of range of curious favourite and tiddler that might nibble on them . The sap of the asparagus fern is a comparatively modest skin irritant , so wear out gloves when pruning it . The berries produced by asparagus ferns carry sapogenins , which can cause an upset stomach if consume . Medical care can facilitate manage the symptoms and forestall more serious complications .
Asparagus ferns are beautiful , and while they may not be true ferns , they add a endearing signature of greenery . With their delicate , feathery leaves and low care requirements , asparagus ferns can be a swell way to accent your home interior decoration . Just be sure to keep them out of orbit of any pets , and take care when pruning them to keep off getting the cosh on your skin .
