Mystery HousePlant!! Asparagus Fern
Dear Judy, I recently was at a greenhouse and bought a ‘mystery plant’ from the clearance section. It came with no identification, and I was wondering if you would be able to identify it for me? Thanks, Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Your mystery houseplant looks like an Asparagus Fern. Asparagus Ferns are not true ferns at all but rather members of the Lily Family. The name Asparagus Fern comes from the fact that the new growth resembles tiny asparagus spears.
Light: Asparagus Ferns grow best in bright indirect light coming from an east, west, or north-facing window. In lower light an asparagus fern grows very slowly and may develop yellow fronds.
Water: Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering. If in doubt, allow the fronds of a fern plant to turn pale green before watering. An asparagus fern requires more water in the hot summer months, and likes drier soil during the cold winter months. Asparagus ferns are very drought resistant; however, yellow stems indicate the plant needs more water while brown stems mean you may be over- watering your asparagus fern.
Plant Food: Feed an asparagus fern weekly during the summer with a water-soluble plant food. Feed monthly during the rest of the year. Always dilute the fertilizer to 1/2 the recommended strength.
These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants.
You can read all my care tips for an Asparagus Fern in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.
https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/asparagus-fern-how-to-grow-care-for-an-asparagus-fern