How to Care for an Asparagus Fern
The Asparagus fern is a popular household plant which is used to decorate the deck or patio in summer, and clean the indoor air during winters. It is normally set in a hanging basket.
Since these plants are inexpensive and easy to care for, they are readily available at most garden centres. With long green tendrils and fern like foliage, they look great both in hanging baskets as well as standard pots. These plants can also be used for ground cover in very warm climates.
Contrary to its name, the asparagus fern behaves very differently than most ferns. It does well in bright light and occasional dryness and is actually a perennial herb, belonging to the lily family.
Instructions
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1
While your asparagus plant needs sunlight, direct light will dry it out.Place it under partial light to prevent overexposure which can lead to discolored fronds. If you want to grow your asparagus fern outdoors, then plant it in well drained soil with partial sunlight.
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2
Asparagus ferns need daytime temperatures around 30 to 35 degrees Celsius (60-75 degrees Fahrenheit) which you need to carefully maintain. Night temperature around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (50-65 degrees Fahrenheit) is optimal.
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3
Water the plant sufficiently during warm weather; however, make sure that the soil is moist but not soggy or waterlogged. Frequency of watering your asparagus ferns will vary depending on your area's humidity and heat levels. Be very sparing with water in the winters. For indoor or potted ferns, add water until it seeps out the drainage holes of the pot.
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4
Feed your plant with a balanced plant fertilizer. You can easily find these fertilizers at your nearest garden centre. Fertilize your fern weekly during summer months, and once every two weeks in winter. Potted plants should be fine with fertilizer once a month.
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5
Check your asparagus ferns regularly for insect activity. If you find any harmful insects crawling or flying around the plant, treat it at the earliest with a pesticide for houseplants.
