Asparagus ferns (Asparagus spp.) are related to garden asparagus but produce copious fluffy, airy fronds with soft, loose needles. The best known asparagus ferns include the mounding, cascading Sprengeri (A. densiflorus “Sprengeri”) and upright plumed foxtail fern (A. densiflorus “Meyersii”). While they differ in appearance, cultural requirements are typically the same. Asparagus ferns grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 and thrive best in zones 9b through 11. These beauties also excel as handsome, graceful and undemanding specimens indoors. Like any healthy potted plant, asparagus fern roots increase to the point of packing the pot. You can relieve this easily for a happier asparagus fern.
Part the asparagus fern’s fronds to inspect the center of the plant at soil level in the spring when new growth emerges. Water it thoroughly. If the water tends to run toward the sides of the pot to drain and refuses to soak into the soil or is exceedingly slow to do so, the plant’s roots are packed. While asparagus ferns enjoy being a little crowded, a severely packed root ball will not permit water or oxygen to penetrate the mass to nourish the roots adequately. A bone dry root ball will eventually die if left untreated.
Prune the asparagus fern with clean, sharp shears, if you wish. You can trim it just a little to shape it or cut all the stems back to several inches above soil level for a spring rejuvenation of large mature specimens. Clip any dead fronds off at soil level.
Grasp the plant gently by the main stems close to the soil level. Lift it gently upward to remove it from the pot. If the root ball is so packed that it doesn’t slide out easily, thump the side of the pot with the ball of your hand.
Set the asparagus fern on a flat working surface. Wash the pot with warm soapy water and rinse well if you wish to return the plant to it. Soak it in a 10-percent bleach and water solution for 10 or 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Examine the root ball. Trim about an inch of it off all the way around with shears if you plan to return the asparagus fern to the same pot. This is a tough plant that will benefit from a little root pruning. If you wish to step the asparagus fern up to a bigger pot, make four or five 1-inch-deep vertical slices in the root ball from top to bottom with a clean, sharp knife. Space the cuts as evenly apart as you can. This cuts through a great deal of packed, overgrown root mass and encourages healthy new growth.
Divide the plant at this time if you wish. Part the fronds at the soil level. Cut straight through the root ball vertically with a strong serrated knife or hacksaw to create two or three new plants. The roots of this plant are typically very numerous and dense, and the cut ones will not be missed.
Tease as much of the old potting soil from the roots as you can with your fingers. Step the plant up to the next size pot or move divisions to their own containers. Use a good commercial potting soil for houseplants. Position the plants at the same soil level they occupied in the original pot.
Water the asparagus fern thoroughly and return it to its warm, brightly lit spot.
Things You Will Need
- Clean, sharp shears
- Soapy water
- Clean, sharp knife
- Strong serrated knife or hacksaw
- Potting soil for houseplants
- Wear gloves when you handle asparagus ferns. There are tiny, sharp spines throughout the beautiful foliage.
- Telly’s Greenhouse: Asparagus Fern
- Texas A&M University Extension Service: Asparagus Ferns (Asparagus species)
- Phoenix Home & Garden: June 2009: Ask an Expert Gardener
- Chicago Tribune: Scraggly Asparagus Plant Could Use Repotting
- Canadian Gardening: Tips for Repotting Houseplants
- Louisiana State University AgCenter: Consider Growing Asparagus Fern
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ Srengeri Asparagus Fern
- Gardening on a Shoestring: Help for Horrid Houseplants
- Shrubland Park Nurseries: Asparagus Fern
- Home and Garden Ideas: How to Grow and Care for Asparagus Fern