Asparagus setaceus

This delicate and elegant plant is commonly known as the asparagus fern, lace fern, or plumosa fern and is native to Central Ethiopia to South Africa. It has been distributed to many parts of the world and is used as an ornamental houseplant, ground cover, or climbing vine. It has a feathery display and fine needle-like leaves. The asparagus ferns are not ferns at all, they actually belong to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The common names are derived from their appearance since the plumes of feathery foliage resemble delicate, lacy ferns. The genus name, Asparagas, is Greek and references plants that sprout edible turions from the rootstock. (A turion is a scaly shoot that develops from a bud from the rootstock.) The specific epithet, setaceus, means having bristles or stiff hairs.

These plants need bright indirect light and high humidity. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained organically rich soil. Houseplants grow well in moist, well-drained, peaty potting mix. Insufficient light as well as insufficient water will result in yellow needles that drop. Should these conditions damage the plant, the yellow needles will not rejuvenate; however, once proper conditions are met, new growth will appear at the soil line. They produce large, tuberous roots that can become pot bound quickly.  If pruning is necessary, cut stems all the way back to the root rather than just shortening them. You can also pinch back the stem tips to maintain the plants shape and encourage new growth. Misting daily will help keep maintain proper humidity. A humidifier or setting the plant container on a pebble tray filled with water will also increase the humidity. This plant prefers temperatures between 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  They prefer regular watering in spring to autumn and sparingly in winter.  It is intolerant of high light intensity; therefore, avoid direct sunlight. Best propagated by division or seeds. 

The asparagus fern is a bushy evergreen and twinning vine. It has wiry stems with branches that scramble or climb, if support is provided. It is one of the fastest-growing, least demanding houseplants. In its natural habitat, this plant can grow up to 10 to 20 feet tall. As a houseplant, its mature size ranges from 2 to 3 feet. The scrambling stems produce spines, and the leaves are green, soft, feathery, and fern-like, and flat sprays. The tiny leaf branches are known as cladodes, and the true leaves are tiny dry scales. It has inconspicuous small white flowers that produces green berries that ripen to deep purple to black. Birds are attracted to the fruits and disperse the seeds.

These plants are grown for their graceful feathery-like, fern-like foliage and are utilized in floral arrangements.  As a houseplant, they are popular as an ornamental because of their green color and delicate texture. In USDA hardiness zones 9 to 12, the asparagus fern can be grown outdoors. In cooler climates, they can be brought outside under the shade of a tree during the summer, but when the temperatures drop to near 55 degrees Fahrenheit that will need to be brought back indoors.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaf-like cladophylls
• Branches in horizontal planes
• spiny stems
• fine, scaled leaves

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Potential insect pests include slugs, mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Root rot can occur from overwatering. Inadequate air circulation and wet foliage can cause leaf spot. Yellowing of the leaves can be caused by either overwatering or poor drainage. If the humidity is to low, browning of the leaf tips can occur.

This plant has become weedy in some areas and is listed as invasive in Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, and Hawaii. In Florida, it is considered a species of caution since it needs to be managed to prevent any further escape.

If ingested, the berries are poisonous to humans and pets. The spines that form along the length of the stem are sharp, and the sap from the plant may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling this plant, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.