Asparagus fern-Intro, Benefits, Growing And Caring

Introduction To Asparagus fern

Asparagus-fern is a shrub and climbing plant, with foliage with delicate and feathery texture, very decorative. Its roots are fibrous and the long, branched branches are modified, of the cladode type. The leaves are green and tapered, like small thorns, but they are not rigid.

The set of branches and leaves have the appearance of fern fronds, which earned it the popular name. In spring and summer, numerous white and tiny flowers appear, of secondary ornamental importance, which originate spherical, small, berry-type and black colored fruits.

You can carry Asparagus-fern as foliage, in pots with fibrous supports, in the same way as boa constrictors and philodendrons. In the garden it behaves like a shrub or vine. In this way you can use it in rows next to walls and to cover fences, screens, railings, etc. The main varieties are Pyramidalis (with erect branches), Nanus (dwarf) and Cupressoides (with cypress-like foliage). Its branches are also used in floral arrangements and bouquets. The fruits attract birds.

Scientific Name of Asparagus-fern

Asparagus setaceus

Popular Names

Asparagus-fern, Asparagus, Asparagus, Asparagus-plumose, Asparaginho-de-jadim, Melindre, Melindro

Family

Asparagaceae

Category

Shrubs , Tropical Shrubs , Foliage , Climbers

Climate

Equatorial , Mediterranean , Subtropical , Tropical

Origin

Africa , South Africa

Height

0.9 to 1.2 meters , 1.2 to 1.8 meters , 1.8 to 2.4 meters , 2.4 to 3.0 meters , 3.0 to 3.6 meters

Brightness

Half Shade

Life Cycle

Perennial

Growth conditions

Although asparagus can adapt to more light, asparagus ferns flourish. Avoid direct exposure to bright sunlight, and try to keep a warm environment (about 70°F), not below 55°F for too long. It takes a little effort to keep the asparagus fern hydrated. This plant flourishes in humidity. Indoor growing conditions can often be dry, especially due to the high winter temperatures. Spray the plants every day, focusing on the arched stems. If the plant looks brown and drooping, it may need more water. Although asparagus fern can dry to the point of death, it may not be. Warm humid air and daily atomization will help restore it.

Asparagus ferns should be placed in loose, well-drained potting soil.

The “leaves” of this plant are actually small branches, called leaf envelopes, which are flat and look like leaves. Mature plants become woody and can form sharp spines on branches, so if you plan to prune older plants, you should be careful when pruning older specimens and wear gardening gloves.

If you have a shady porch or greenhouse, these plants like to be outdoors in summer and may have plenty of growth.

It should be grown under half-shade, infertile, drainable soil, enriched with organic matter, and irrigated regularly. Annual pruning stimulates the renewal of foliage. Enjoy the subtropical cold. It tolerates drought and waterlogging for periods that are not very long. If grown under shade, its foliage becomes yellowish. It multiplies by seeds and by plant division.

Benefits

Asparagus fern is usually found in a hanging basket to decorate decks or terraces in summer and help clean indoor air in winter. Asparagus fern is not a fern at all, but a member of the Liliaceae. When planting asparagus ferns outside, place them in the shade of the sun to get the best leaf growth. Although asparagus ferns sometimes bloom, the small white flowers are very small, not growing asparagus ferns Necessities of similar plants.

Growing asparagus is easy. Frilly, feathery asparagus ferns look soft and fuzzy, but when caring for asparagus ferns, you may be surprised to find that they have tricky spines. However, this is not a reason to grow asparagus ferns, just wear gloves during asparagus fern care.

The asparagus fern can provide small flowers and berries when its position is happy. You can grow berries to propagate asparagus ferns. When growing asparagus fern, you can expect medium green, layered leaves to fill the container quickly.

Indoor Growing

Growing asparagus fern indoors requires more effort. Humidity is necessary, and indoor areas are usually dry due to the heat in winter. Spray the plants daily and provide nearby pebble trays to prevent small leaves from turning brown and falling. Ferns may dry out until they appear dead; however, outdoor spring temperatures usually rejuvenate them.

Keep the plants well-watered under all conditions, and do this every few years. Treating asparagus ferns indoors involves atomizing the arched stems to provide moisture to the plants. When you grow asparagus ferns outside in the summer, asparagus fern care includes watering, fertilizing to promote growth, and occasionally trimming dead stems. Asparagus ferns prefer to be canned, so there is no or no need for annual division.

Combine this reliable specimen with summer flowers and foliage plants to form an attractive container. A spiky, shade-loving plant is nice in the center of the pot, surrounded by cascading branches of asparagus fern.

Asparagus fern is not a common indoor plant, but it has the appeal of feather-light foliage and can be successfully grown indoors. In warm areas, ferns can easily adapt to the outdoor culture, where it sometimes grows like a creeper and even invades. Indoors, the key to a strong asparagus fern is to keep the plants dense and dense so that their lacy-like leaves form an attractive mound.

Resale and dissemination

Like many ferns, this species does not mind being slightly restricted by potting and may last up to two years before tillering. For the most successful transformation, divide the plant into large pieces and make sure to take multiple underground roots when dividing. Put the separated plants in similar-sized pots to maintain a tight growth habit. Asparagus ferns do not need large pots because they are slow indoor spreaders. When this plant satisfies its location, it can produce small flowers and berries. These berries can be grown and will propagate plants.

Asparagus fern notes

If eaten, the berries of the asparagus fern plant may cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If the berries come in contact with the skin, they may cause a rash at the point of contact. In addition, asparagus fern is toxic to domestic cats and dogs. If you have children and pets in your house, especially if you produce berries, be careful. In warm and humid climates, this fern can spread quickly when planted outdoors.

In Florida and Hawaii, asparagus fern is declared a weed because of its invasive nature.