Asparagus


Asparagus ferns are feathery, soft-textured plants that bring an airy, delicate quality to any room. Despite the name, they are not true ferns but members of the Asparagaceae family, closely related to edible asparagus. The most widely grown species is Asparagus setaceus - the fluffy, cloud-like foliage plant used extensively in floristry - alongside the more robust Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' (foxtail fern) with its arching stems of bright green needles. Both are remarkably easy to grow and produce trailing or arching stems that look superb in hanging baskets or on high shelves.

At Grow Tropicals we stock Asparagus ferns in a range of species and sizes, all grown to our high standards and dispatched with care.

1 product

    1 product
    Asparagus Setaceus Plumosus 12cm Plants GrowTropicalsSale
    Asparagus Fern

    Asparagus Setaceus Plumosus

    £10.99 £12.99
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    Asparagus Ferns: Care, Varieties & Growing Guide

    Why asparagus ferns are underrated

    Asparagus ferns occupy a unique aesthetic niche in the houseplant world. They are not dramatic or bold - they are light, airy, and graceful, adding texture and softness to a space in a way that leafy foliage plants cannot. Their feathery stems catch the light beautifully and move in the slightest air current. Florists have long valued Asparagus setaceus (the delicate lacework variety) as a filler green for bouquets and arrangements, and growing your own source is both satisfying and practical. The more vigorous Asparagus densiflorus varieties produce long, arching stems loaded with bright green needles that spill impressively from a hanging basket.

    How to care for asparagus ferns

    Asparagus ferns prefer bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. They tolerate lower light than many houseplants but will produce the softest, most abundant growth in a well-lit spot. Water when the top inch of compost feels dry - they prefer evenly moist compost but will tolerate brief dry periods better than many ferns. Low humidity causes the needles to yellow and drop; a pebble tray or regular misting helps in centrally-heated rooms. Feed monthly from spring to autumn with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Remove any yellowing stems at the base to keep the plant looking fresh.

    Varieties to grow

    Asparagus setaceus (asparagus fern, lace fern) has the most delicate texture - flat, horizontal sprays of fine needles that resemble miniature conifer foliage, emerging bright green and darkening with age. It is the variety most used in floristry. Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' (foxtail fern or Sprenger asparagus) is more robust, producing long arching stems with bright green needle-like leaves - ideal for hanging baskets. A. densiflorus 'Meyersii' (foxtail asparagus) is upright with dense, bottle-brush-like stems in a neat architectural form.

    Propagation and growth habits

    Asparagus ferns produce thick, tuberous roots that store water - a useful reserve during dry periods. The most reliable propagation method is division in spring: carefully separate the root mass into sections, each with several stems, and pot individually in fresh compost. The plants can also be grown from seed, though this is slower. Asparagus ferns can spread vigorously when conditions suit them and benefit from annual repotting as the tuber mass grows. Note that the berries produced by mature plants are toxic - keep out of reach of children and pets.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    No - asparagus ferns are not true ferns despite the name. They belong to the family Asparagaceae and are closely related to edible asparagus. True ferns reproduce via spores and have a very different structure. The 'fern' name refers to the soft, feathery appearance of the foliage rather than botanical classification.

    Asparagus ferns prefer bright, indirect light, moderate humidity, and evenly moist compost. Water when the top inch of compost is dry. Increase humidity in dry centrally-heated rooms using a pebble tray or misting. Feed monthly from spring to autumn. Remove yellowing stems at the base. They tolerate some neglect but dislike both prolonged drought and waterlogging.

    Needle drop in asparagus ferns is most commonly caused by low humidity, dry compost, insufficient light, or sudden changes in environment. Ensure the compost does not dry out completely and improve humidity around the plant. If the plant has been recently moved, it may shed some needles as it adjusts - give it time in a bright, moderately humid spot and it usually recovers.

    Asparagus ferns are not frost-hardy and cannot survive UK winters outdoors. They can be placed outdoors in a sheltered, partially shaded spot from late May to September and brought indoors before the first frosts. Outdoors in summer they often produce very vigorous growth. Asparagus densiflorus varieties are particularly well suited to summer containers and hanging baskets.

    Yes - asparagus ferns are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The berries produced by mature plants are the most toxic part, causing stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea if eaten. Repeated skin contact with the sap can also cause dermatitis in some animals. Keep asparagus ferns out of reach of pets, particularly if they are prone to chewing plants.

    To encourage bushy, full growth, trim back any long, sparse stems to just above a set of leaves or to the base. This encourages new growth from the base and improves overall density. Ensure the plant has adequate light (dim conditions cause sparse, leggy growth), regular feeding, and is repotted annually as the tuberous root system fills its pot. Division in spring also reinvigorates older plants.