Asparagus Fern Sprengeri

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' 

Overview

Uses: Houseplant, patio plant, or outdoor plant (in approved tropical zones)

Benefits: Air purifier: removes toxins from the air. Unique and beautiful growth patterns. Easy to take care of. 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 - 11 (some success has been reported in zones 7 and 8, although overwinter prep is necessary in such zones)

Sun: Bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid strong, full sun. A minimum 4 hours of bright indirect sun daily is suggested.

Life Cycle: Perennial

Mature Height: 24" (easily kept lower with trimming)

Mature Width: 48" (easily kept lower with trimming)

Bloom Season: Summer

Summary

Despite its name and appearance, the beautiful and stunning Asparagus Fern isn't a fern at all. It's actually a member of the same plant family as asparagus known as Asparagaceae.

A popular houseplant due to its lush, evergreen appearance and ease of care. It grows in somewhat of a mound-like shape and produces little white flowers which eventually lead to small red berries.

The Asparagus Fern is a great indoor plant option for someone that wants to add green space to an area of bright-indirect light or partial shade, and does well in the same types of light conditions when planted outdoors in tropical (zone 9a+) climates.

Care

How Much Water Should I Give My Asparagus Fern?

We suggest watering an indoor Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' once to twice a week.

Avoid overwatering and do not allow this plant to rest in standing water.

Too much watering will result in the yellowing of the stems and cladodes, eventually followed by root rot should the wet conditions persist.

This plant is not highly drought resistant and too little water will initially result in browning of the plant, eventually followed by death if the dry conditions persist.

What Humidity is Best for Asparagus Ferns?

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' prefer high humidity and do best in areas where the RH stays above 60%.

This plant does well with daily misting, especially if kept in drier environments.

Humidifiers and pebble beds may be used to supplement humidity. 

How Much Sun Should Asparagus Ferns Get?

Avoid placing Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' in areas that receive extended periods of direct sunlight.

This plant does best in areas where it receives a slight amount of morning sun, followed by exposure to indirect sun and afternoon shade.

Indoor Asparagus Ferns often do great in areas where they receive a combination of direct and indirect light, but also do quite well in areas where they only receive indirect light.  

What is the Best Temperature for Asparagus Ferns?

Asparagus densiflorus prefers medium warmth, and is typically at its happiest between 68°F and 85°F.

It's best to keep this plant in temperatures above 50°F to ensure its beauty and the integrity of its growth; however, the roots of this low maintenance houseplant can likely survive outdoors year round providing the temps stay above 30°F.

As such, this plant is hardy year round in USDA zones 9-11, and may be kept in ground and outside over winter in USDA zones 7-8 by trimming your fern in the fall and covering its roots with a thick layer of mulch for protection. 

What is the Best Soil for Asparagus Ferns?

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' like a rich, loose, loamy, well-draining soil that has a balanced to slightly acidic PH. 

How to Fertilize Asparagus Ferns

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' requires fertilization on a monthly to bi-monthly basis between spring and fall.

It is suggested to use a balanced water-soluble/liquid fertilizer, fish emulsion, or slow release fertilizer. Our slow release fertilizer is a great, low maintenance option. 

It will likely not need fertilization over winter unless it's in an area that provides the light and temperatures needed to promote strong growth, such as a southern state. 

How to Trim and Maintain Asparagus Ferns

It's suggested that indoor Asparagus Ferns receive a hard pruning by cutting off the entirety of the plant 1"-3" from its base every three years in the spring prior to new growth emerging. 

Outdoor Asparagus Ferns living in USDA zones 9-11 should be trimmed on a schedule the same as their indoor counterparts. Outdoor Sprengeri Ferns living in USDA zones 7-8 should be cut back to 3" from their base in the fall and covered with a thick layer of mulch to protect their roots from freezing. 

All pruning of Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' should be done using a sharp and clean set of pruning shears to ensure a clean cut and to mitigate the spread of disease. We suggest lightly fertilizing after pruning. 

How to Repot Asparagus Ferns

Repotting of Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' can be done by placing your entire root ball into a larger pot then softly breaking up its root structure prior to filling the pot with soil.

We suggest using a suitable potting soil and a light packing method when repotting an Asparagus Fern.

How to Propagate Asparagus Ferns

Propagation of Asparagus Fern can be accomplished in a manner similar to repotting, with the only difference being the division of the root ball into sections prior to repotting them into separate containers.

We suggest using a clean and sanitized utensil such as a sharp trowel or knife to divide the root ball, paying special attention to avoid personal injury.

The propagation of Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' through the use of stem-cuttings is not advised. 

Size

What Size Asparagus Ferns are for Sale Online?

The Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

How Big Do Asparagus Ferns Get?

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' will likely grow to heights of around 12"-24" and widths of around 36"-48".

Additional Information

Common Names for Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'

• Asparagus Fern

• Asparagus Fern Sprengeri

• Sprengeri Fern

• Sprengeri

• Sprengeri Asparagus Fern

A General Description of Asparagus Fern

The Asparagus Fern is a partially erect, dense, fernlike herbaceous perennial evergreen that's in the same plant genus as Asparagus. Despite its appearance and common name, this plant is not a true fern (although it is a cousin of the foxtail fern). It is known to be extremely easy to care for.

This fast growing plant can be identified by its many semi-stiff stems that can reach up to 24" long and that are covered in small thorns and feathery cladodes up to 1" long. Cladodes are needle shaped, evergreen sections of stem that serve the purpose of, and look like leaves. The tiny and fragrant white flowers that this medium sized plant produces over summer give way to small and attractive red berries which fully ripen throughout late summer and early fall.  

The History of Asparagus Fern

Asparagus Fern is native to southern Africa. Its export and distribution is a result of its use as an ornamental plant. History has shown that it's got the potential to be quite invasive in warmer climates—something that's made worse by the fact that it's often spread by birds after they eat its seeds. 

Toxicity and Risks of Asparagus Fern

 Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' is known to be mildly toxic to both people and pets.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain can occur after the ingestion of this plant's sap and/or berries—both of which contain the toxic steroid Sapogenin.

Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation), swelling of the skin, and blisters can occur after repeated skin exposure to this plant's sap—a problem that is only made worse by its thorns.