Ferny Asparagus Asparagus plumosus
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Asparagus setaceus
- Phonetic Spelling
- a-SPARE-uh-gus plu-MOH-sus
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Asparagus Fern is a wiry shrub with branches that scramble or climb if support is provided. It is one of the fastest-growing, least demanding houseplants. Asparagus ferns are not ferns at all, they belong to the asparagus family. The common names are derived from their appearance, the plumes of feathery foliage resemble delicate, lacy ferns.
They need bright indirect light, without full sun and high humidity. 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 prefer rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. 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. Misting daily will help keep maintain proper humidity.
Insect and pest problems: they are prone to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
It has become weedy in some locations where it grows outdoors.
Site: They can be brought outside under the shade of a tree during the summer, but prefer temperatures of around 70 degrees F.
Quick ID Hints:
- Leaf-like cladophylls*
- Branches in horizontal planes*
They are grown for the graceful feathery-like, fern-like foliage, sprays are utilized in floral arrangements. They are adaptable to wide variations of light, temperature, and frequency of watering. Prefers medium warmth with regular watering in spring to autumn, sparingly in winter. It is intolerant of high light intensity, avoid direct sunlight.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Root rot can occur when the lighting is insufficient, i.e. too dark, or the soil is allowed to remain wet.
Insect issues can include aphids, spider mites, blackfly and root mealybugs. Ensure that plants that have been outdoors are checked before bringing into the home.
The berries are poisonous if eaten. The thorns that form along the length of the stem are sharp and may cause skin irritation.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Asparagus
- Species:
- plumosus
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Houseplant
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southern and Eastern Africa
- Play Value:
- Easy to Grow
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer
- Climbing Method:
- Twining
- Edibility:
- The berries are poisonous.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Erect
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
- Appendage:
- Thorns
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Green
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Occasionally produces a red berry-like structure, rare. They blacked as they mature.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Tiny white flowers appear late summer to fall. Inconspicuous, rare in interior settings.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Needled Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Soft
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Fronds
- Leaf Shape:
- Acicular
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Plumosus comes from the Latin word "plume" because the leaves are feather-like. They produce soft, fine lime-green needle-like leaves that can cascade down a container on pendulous stems or can be trained up a trellis like a vine.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Wiry, herringbone pattern, lateral branches progressively shorter towards apex. CLADOPHYLLS bright to dark green, triangular-shaped, pointed apically. Thorns along the stem are sharp.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Humidity
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Weedy
