Asparagus Fern care

How often to water an asparagus fern

Water an asparagus fern about every five to seven days, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Its thick, fleshy roots store water, so it forgives a late watering better than a true fern does, but it will not tolerate sitting in water.

In winter, when growth slows, let the top of the soil dry a little more between waterings. If the plant drops needles after a dry spell, water it normally and be patient, because it usually sprouts again from the base.

Light and humidity

Bright, indirect light keeps the foliage full and green. A little direct morning sun is fine. Deep shade makes the stems long and thin, and the plant drops more needles.

Because the plant arches and trails, it looks best on a shelf, a stand or a hanging basket where the stems have room. Turn the pot occasionally so it grows evenly.

Humidity: Average household humidity is fine; it enjoys a bit more.

Why is my asparagus fern dying?

Yellow, dropping needles are usually dryness or a sudden change in light. Check the soil, move the plant to a brighter spot if it has been in shade, and give it a few weeks before you decide it has failed.

A pot crammed with pale, round, tuberous roots is a plant that needs repotting. If water runs straight through, or roots push up out of the soil, move it into a pot one size up.

The stems carry small thorns, so wear gloves when you repot or prune. Tiny white or red berries that appear on a mature plant are one more reason to keep it away from pets.

How to propagate an asparagus fern

The easiest way to make more is by division. Slide the plant out of its pot, and cut or pull the root clump into two or three sections, each with healthy tuberous roots and several shoots. Pot each into fresh mix and keep it evenly moist until it settles.

Wear gloves, because the thorns and the roots are both tough. Spring is the best time, as the plant is about to put on growth.

Keeping it alive when you share a home

In a shared household, whoever has the plant on their shelf should be the one who waters it, because an asparagus fern that dries out once drops needles over everyone’s floor.

Its watering rhythm of about once a week suits a shared rota. Because the ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, put it somewhere the pets cannot reach, and do not mistake it for a Boston fern, which has a different listing.

If you use Family Greenhouse for this, sharing plants with a household explains who sees what and who gets reminded.

The honest bit

My take: people buy an asparagus fern because it looks like a fern and then assume it has a fern’s reputation for being safe around pets. It does not. The two plants look related and are not.

The ASPCA lists the asparagus fern as toxic to cats and dogs, and eating the berries can cause vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea, while repeated skin contact can cause an allergic rash. Keep it out of reach, and call your vet or a poison hotline if a pet has eaten some. The pet-safety page for asparagus fern shows the listing, and the free pet-safe checker covers the rest of your plants.

Asparagus Fern FAQ

How often should I water an asparagus fern?

About every five to seven days, keeping the soil lightly moist. Its tuberous roots store water, so a late watering is forgiven, but it should not sit in a full saucer.

Why is my asparagus fern dropping needles?

Usually dry soil, low light, or a sudden change in conditions. Water it normally, put it somewhere bright, and give it a few weeks, because it often regrows from the base.

Is an asparagus fern a true fern?

No. It belongs to the asparagus family and reproduces by seed and division rather than spores. That is why it is treated separately from a Boston fern.

Is an asparagus fern toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists Emerald Feather (Asparagus densiflorus) as toxic to cats and dogs. Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA — eating the berries can cause vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea, and repeated skin contact can cause allergic dermatitis. Keep it well out of reach.