Asparagus Fern - Asparagus setaceus
Scientific Name
Asparagus setaceus (bristly asparagus)
Common Name
Asparagus Grass, Lace Fern
Origin
Native to Southern and Eastern Africa
Description
Despite the name setaceus meaning 'bristly', the asparagus fern is more fluffy than coarse. Its lush green foliage thrives in ordinary indoor conditions and really enhances any indoor jungle. The plant is closer related to the edible asparagus than the fern, but its appearance earned it the nickname 'fern' due to how bushy and verdant its foliage is.
Light
Likes bright but indirect light; the heat of direct sun can cause bleaching or scorching.
Water
Allow the top third of the soil to dry out in between waterings. Dropping needles is a common symptom of under-watering, while yellowing of the foliage points to over-watering.
Humidity
Normal household humidity is perfect for this plant! Just make sure it's not too close to a radiator as this can cause scorching.
Soil
Likes loamy soil; a mix of sand, silt and clay will create the right conditions. Repot every two years; when repotting, hydrate 24 hours in advance to protect the roots.
Food
Feed every four weeks with water in the growing season, reducing to every six in autumn and winter.
Temperature
Room temperature conditions of 12-26°C are ideal for this plant.
Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips
The stems and roots of the asparagus fern grow from a tuber at the top of the soil; when multiple of these form, they can be separated to propagate your plant!
Customer Reviews
I have wanted one of these since seeing them in Sprouts made terrariums as they are so thin and delicate but can grow tall and add height in a terrarium. Easy to split one plant into lots of little sections to make a mini forest or over a few vessels.
I have seen how cool these look in the terrariums with sprouts, so I decided I needed one for myself. I love that you can split one plant into a few different stems to dot around the terrarium.
Lovely asparagus fern, well packed and really healthy.
Lovely asparagus fern, well packed and really healthy.
Just perfect I love these little fellas
