Plant Identification: Asparagus Fern

Hi Steven,

Your plant is called an asparagus fern.

These easy care plants are not really 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. Here are some care tips to help you out.

Asparagus ferns grow best in bright indirect light coming from an east, west, or north-facing window. In lower light the plant grows very slowly and may develop yellow fronds.

Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering. If in doubt, allow the fronds 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.

Feed weekly during the summer with a water-soluble plant food. Fertilize monthly during the rest of the year. Always dilute the fertilizer to 1/2 the recommended strength.

You can read all my care tips in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.

https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/asparagus-fern-how-to-grow-care-for-an-asparagus-fern

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.