Is there a fern that looks like asparagus?
Asparagus Fern Requirements. This evergreen plant has thorns that can grow large enough to pierce the skin. The asparagus fern is not related to the fern family since it produces tiny white flowers and bright red berries. These ferns are closely related to the asparagus and commonly used as an ornamental plant.
Can you grow asparagus ferns indoors?
You will more often find asparagus fern growing indoors as a dense, bushy houseplant with lace-like foliage that forms an incredible mound. The soft texture of this plant's small needle-like leaves adds an airiness to plants in mixed combinations.
How do you divide asparagus ferns?
You'll know when asparagus fern needs to be divided or repotted. Watch for fleshy bulbs to push the plants out of the pot. At this point, you can repot in a slightly larger container or divide the plant. When dividing, be sure to take several of the underground bulbs.
Do asparagus ferns need winter dormancy?
Asparagus ferns do not require periods of winter dormancy but will appreciate a resting period and reduced watering during the winter months. To promote dense plant growth, pinch back the stem tips.
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Do all asparagus ferns have thorns?
Though asparagus fern responds well to pruning, beware: Its soft-looking leaves conceal sharp thorns, so it's best to wear gloves.
Are asparagus fern thorns poisonous?
Asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in this plant is sapogenin—a steroid found in a variety of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain can occur.
Do asparagus plants have thorns?
Caution: Despite their soft, fluffy appearance, asparagus ferns actually have small thorns, so wear gloves when handling them.
Can you touch asparagus fern?
Although the frilly, feathery asparagus fern plant looks soft to the touch, it does have thorny spurs. With this in mind, it's important to handle the plant with care. Simply wear gloves when moving or touching the asparagus fern to avoid injury or damaging the plant itself.
Are asparagus ferns toxic to humans?
Symptoms: This plant is not considered toxic. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The prickles may also cause mechanical injury.
What part of asparagus is poisonous?
berriesLike the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.
How do you identify an asparagus fern?
Asparagus fern produces long, upright or trailing, branching stems sparsely covered with sharp, stiff spines in the axils. The rounded stems, up to 6 feet long, are green to brown in color and have a shallow indentation along their length.
What is the difference between asparagus and asparagus fern?
Asparagus ferns are closely related to edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). While asparagus ferns don't produce anything we can harvest and eat, they are versatile, reliable, easy to grow and useful in a variety of gardening situations. The most commonly grown asparagus fern is Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri.
How do you pinch asparagus fern?
Pinch back the growing tips of each stem by 1 to 2 inches when the plant is actively growing. Grasp the stem between the thumb and forefinger and pinch off the excess length. Repeat as needed to maintain the desired height and shape of the fern.
Why is my asparagus fern leggy?
The main cause of a leggy asparagus fern is a lack of light. These plants often get labelled as low light houseplants and because of this people make the mistake of putting them in a dark corner where they receive very little sunlight.
Are asparagus ferns invasive?
Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a highly invasive, shade-tolerant perennial plant. Once established, they are challenging to control due to an extensive root structure and the ability to regrow from small parts of roots.
How do you keep asparagus ferns small?
Mist the plant daily and provide a nearby pebble tray to keep the tiny leaves from turning brown and dropping. The fern may dry out to the point it appears dead, however, outdoor springtime temperatures generally revive them. Keep the plant well watered in all situations and repot every few years.