This fountain of bright, glossy green foliage is the perfect addition to your home in a hanging basket, on a high shelf or in some other high-up place. It's more closely related to the asparagus on your plate than any true ferns you might be keeping as houseplants, so be aware that the care is slightly different - mostly, it is more forgiving, though it still appreciates moist soil and not being put in the sun. Bring an Emerald Fern home today for an explosion of greenery covered in narrow, glossy, bright green leaves and a deliciously fluffy texture.
Scientific Name
Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' (densely-flowered asparagus, cultivar: Sprenger's)
Synonyms: Asparagopsis densiflora, Protasparagus densiflorus, Asparagus myriocladus, Asparagus sprengeri
Initially thought to belong to a different Genus (Asparagopsis) when described in 1850, and subsequently classified as Asparagus sprengeri, where this Cultivar gets its name from, in 1890, it was given its current name Asparagus densiflorus in 1966.
Common Name
Asparagus Fern, Sprenger's Asparagus Fern, Emerald Fern, Lace Fern, Foxtail Fern, Plumosa Fern
Origin
This African native was originally found in most of South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.
Light
Keep out of direct sun, which can bleach or scorch the foliage, but ensure it gets bright light otherwise. Less shade-tolerant than many true ferns, make sure it's at least bright enough for you to easily read a newspaper from the natural daylight in the spot you keep it in.
Water
Let just the top third of the soil dry between waters - it needs less watering than many true ferns, but will still want consistently moist soil. Dropping leaves is a common symptom of under-watering; if the foliage is going yellow, it's possibly getting too much water.
Humidity
Your Emerald Fern will adapt well to average indoor humidity levels, but will appreciate if you can give it higher humidity. Make sure to avoid keeping it near operating heaters or in drying draughts.
Soil
Potting soil designed for ferns is ideal; even though it's not a true fern, its roots have similar needs. Mixes with coir, perlite and sand work well. Repot every couple of years, making sure to water 24 hours in advance to give the delicate roots some protection.
Food
If you can see active new growth coming from the base, water every three waters; reduce this to every four or five waters when it isn't putting out new foliage.
Temperature
Prefers cooler indoor temperatures between 16-26°C. Make sure the temperature stays above 12°C, avoiding cold draughts or heater blasts.
Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans; this Genus is part of the Lily family.
Sprouts Top Tips
If your fern is looking really leggy or has lost a lot of foliage, you can give it a hard prune to stimulate a new lease of life. Snip back every stem to around 5cm above the root ball.
