Asparagus meyeri is an evergreen perennial commonly referred to as the Asparagus fern. However, despite its common name, it is not a real fern.
Instead, depending on the classification system used, it belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) or the lily family (Liliaceae).
Several other Asparagus species are also called Asparagus fern, including:
- Asparagus plumosus
- Asparagus retrofractus
- Asparagus scandens
But they are not as popular.
Although the Asparagus fern is not related to ferns, the plant is closely related to the edible asparagus, Asparagus officinalis.
The plant is native to the coastline of South Africa, and in its native habitat, the Asparagus fern is found in coastal dunes and open rocky places.
Because the plant is used to warm and humid environments, it’s typically grown as a houseplant in the United States.
However, it can be grown outside in zones 9-11. If outdoors, it’s usually seen as a creeping groundcover.
However, if you’re not looking to cover your entire backyard, you may want to think twice about this plant.
It is fast-growing to the point of being an invasive weed in Texas, Florida, and Hawaii.
However, the Asparagus fern is a lot easier to control if kept indoors. Many gardeners like to keep it in a hanging basket to showcase its trailing vines.
Here are the common names of Asparagus meyeri:
- Asparagus Fern
- Asparagus Foxtail Fern
- Myer’s Asparagus
- Cat’s Tail Asparagus
- Basket Asparagus
- Emerald Fern
- Foxtail Fern
Quick Facts On Asparagus Meyeri
- Family: Asparagaceae or Liliaceae, depending on the classification
- Light: Indirect sunlight; Dappled shade
- Temperature: 55° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit; Zones 9-11
- Water: Water 2-3 times per week in the summer
- Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer monthly during the summer
- Propagation: Seeds or division
- Common Problems: Aphids, spider mites, falling leaves, yellow leaves, thrips
Asparagus Meyeri Care
What Does The Asparagus Fern Look Like And How Big Does It Grow?
The Asparagus fern plant has “leaves” that are bright green with feathery-textured foliage. These “leaves” are cladodes, flattened stems that function as leaves.
However, don’t be fooled by the feathery-textured cladodes, as they’re sharp.
The plant’s actual leaves are near the base of the cladodes and are barely visible.
The Asparagus fern has rounded stems that are up to 6’ feet long. These stems often grow as upright or trailing branches.
The Asparagus fern sometimes resembles a fluffy animal’s tail, which is why one of the common names is Cat’s Tail asparagus.
This plant is especially lovely as a focal point in the ground or a container surrounded by smaller plants.
When Does The Asparagus Fern Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
When the Asparagus fern thrives, it produces small and inconspicuous white or pink flowers. They grow in clusters along the stems in the spring and summer.
The flowers are small and not very noticeable, so the fact that they are fragrant is relatively moot.
After flowering, the plant grows mildly toxic berries. They start green but then mature to a shiny red berry, each one containing multiple black seeds.
The berries are then eaten by birds, which in turn disperse the seeds.
If the berries come in contact with your skin, they can cause dermatitis and gastrointestinal upset if swallowed.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Asparagus fern thrives in indirect light or dappled shade, as the direct sun can burn the leaves.
You can keep your Asparagus plant outside if your area is between 55° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit.
If your area has a colder winter, you can keep the plant as an annual or bring it inside when temperatures fall.
Indoor plants will grow well if they have a shady porch. However, sudden temperature changes may cause the cladodes to drop, so consistent temperatures or gradual changes are essential.
The Asparagus fern loves warm, humid air, so if you live in a suitable climate, you can cultivate your plant outdoors.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Asparagus Fern?
The Asparagus fern is a little bit fussy about water. Keeping the plant hydrated is essential, but overwatering can cause root rot.
Because the plant thrives on humidity, it’s important to mist the plant’s stems when the indoor air is too dry.
When the top layer of soil feels dry, it’s time to water. This may mean watering your Asparagus fern twice a week during the warmest months.
Your Asparagus fern will grow best with a weekly application of diluted liquid fertilizer. After the summer, feedings can move to monthly applications.
What Is The Best Soil For The Myer’s Asparagus, And When Should You Transplant?
Asparagus ferns prefer loose, rich, well-drained soil. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure the plant’s containers have drainage holes, so the roots aren’t sitting in excess moisture.
Asparagus fern plants are fast-growing, so you’ll want to repot often. It’s not unheard of to have a plant break a pot because of its tuberous roots.
Before repotting, you’ll probably want to divide the plant into multiple sections and place them in new pots.
An Asparagus fern can live indefinitely as a houseplant if it is repotted regularly.
However, if not regularly divided and repotted, it may perish within a few years as it becomes root-bound and overgrown.
Does The Myer’s Asparagus Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
If you are cultivating your Asparagus fern indoors, you’ll likely want to prune it to keep it neat and semi-compact.
However, it’s a fast-growing plant, and without regular trimming, it may begin to look wild.
How To Propagate Foxtail Fern?
You can find Asparagus fern seeds inside the tiny red berries.
Here are the steps to follow:
- When the berries are fully ripe, smash them and strain the tiny seeds. Each berry usually contains one to three seeds.
- Soak the seeds overnight.
- After soaking, press them on top of the soil.
- Place the container near the light to germinate. Germination may take a few weeks.
- When leaves develop, transplant the seedlings into larger pots.
Cat’s Tail Asparagus Pests And Diseases
The Cat’s Tail asparagus plant sometimes has pests like aphids and spider mites. Thankfully, treatment with insecticide should clear them out quickly.
One of the most significant issues with Cat’s tail asparagus is dropping leaves. While these plants don’t like to sit in water, they also don’t want to be thirsty.
Cat’s Tail asparagus can also have yellow leaves if the plant isn’t getting enough sunlight. So, while the plant doesn’t like direct sunlight, ensure it’s getting enough indirect light.
Suggested Asparagus Meyeri Uses
The Emerald fern is mainly used indoors as a trailing houseplant. It looks lovely in hanging baskets and arrangements, as the Emerald fern can spill over the container.
It’s also excellent as a creeping ground cover in the right growing conditions. If you live in a colder climate, you can plant it outdoors as an annual right after the last frost.
Emerald fern is perfect as an ornamental plant for its bright green foliage and soft appearance.
It can be planted next to plants with coarse-textured leaves for textural contrast.