Growing Asparagus Fern: Tips at a Glance
A fast-growing tropical perennial, asparagus fern is a virtually indestructible houseplant (or garden plant in warm climates). Sun—or some shade—and regular water keeps it happy in its pot.
- Type Tropical plant
- Lifespan Perennial
- USDA Zones 9-11
- Light Sun or some shade
- Soil Well drained
- Water Regular drinker
- Design Tip Back to the '70s
- Companions River rock, gravel
- Peak Season Year-round
Asparagus Fern: A Field Guide
Asparagus fern is a sturdy faker. It is not related to asparagus (in fact, it’s poisonous) and isn’t a fern (it spreads by seeds, not spores). Rather, it’s a quick-growing tropical perennial that’s virtually indestructible as a houseplant.
Asparagus ferns climb, trail, or sit upright, which makes them very flexible plants in a planting scheme (indoors or out). Asparagus plumosus, an aggressive climber, can be snipped for arrangements (pick mature shoots for longevity). The tentacles of foxtail fern, Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’, add texture and structure to a perennial bed. Beware: Several varieties are considered invasive outdoors.