Perennial shrub

Although the name says fern, the asparagus fern is actually part of the lily order. It comes from South Africa and many consider it a weed. Its uses today are decorative so you can find it in many households.

The first person to use it this way was a German botanist, Carl Ludwig Sprenger.

Asparagus densiflorus has delicate foliage and is a perennial shrub, with branches that contain a few spines. An interesting fact is that the leaves are not actually leaves, but cladodes (flattened stems). Their length is between 0.8- 2 cm, with a width of maximum 0.2 cm. They grow in groups of minimum four. Now, the spines are the leaves per say and the cladodes have the function of the leave.

The structure of the fern is fibrous and dense mat. The plant offers some beautiful colors with the flowers that grow in spring until in the late summer. They are small, white or pink, with a 0.3-0.5 cm length. Alongside the flowers, during winter and early spring, appear green berries. When they reach maturity their color will be red. A berry has seeds that propagate the plant.

Asparagus Fern is an easy to grow houseplant or ornamental one. You can obtain more plants by spreading the seeds or by division. The division is obtained by taking out the root which looks like a ball and you will divide it in two sections that will be planted separately. Of course, you can find the fern in a nursery or as seeds to be bought from a shop. Grow it in a well-drained soil that is as type: moist, sandy or loan, with a lot of nutrients. It needs a moderate quantity of water. The fern likes bright light, but you can place it in shaded areas. Be sure you have a large pot to transfer the fern when it reaches a certain growth. Apply fertilizers during spring or early autumn.

Other tips for growing an Asparagus Fern:

  • Maintain the proper growing conditions;
  • Try as much as possible to place it in a bright spot. If the foliage turn yellow that means it needs more light;
  • Keep the soil a little moisturized. If the fern is not receiving enough water the foliage will become yellow and the needles will fall off.

Be aware that this fern is a poisonous plant for both humans and animals. Ingested berries cause gastrointestinal issues and the contact with the skin causes allergic problems and local dermatitis.

Consider it as a choice of a houseplant. They grow wonderfully and look very good in your home. Plus, it is a plant with a low maintenance level.

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