HousePlant Identified as FoxTail Fern
Dear Judy, I have had a lovely fern-like plant for almost 30 years, it has long tail-like spiky fronds that grow 4-5 feet in length and produces funny grape-shaped bulbs in the soil. When the soil and bulbs start pushing up over the edge of the pot, I hack away 2/3 of the roots and bulbs and re-pot the remaining 3rd in fresh potting soil. And it thrives! What is it??? I have been told it’s NOT an asparagus fern but i does produce very tiny pale yellow flowers and an occasional pea-sized maroon colored dry berry. Thanks for any insight you can provide 🙂
Hi Kathi, Without a picture, it’s a little hard to identify your plant. My best guess would be a Foxtail Fern, Asparagus “Meyeri,” also sometimes called Plume Asparagus. Here’s a picture of a Foxtail Fern and some how to grow care tips.
Foxtail Fern Description
Foxtail ferns have very long arching “fronds” that are often two feet or more in length. Each of these fronds is packed with hundreds of green needles. The fronds resemble a large bunch of fox tails which is how this plant got its nickname the Foxtail Fern. They are very close relatives of an asparagus fern, but the needles are much denser on the fronds. Foxtail Ferns get tiny flowers in the Spring and red berries in the Fall when they are getting the proper care.
How to Care for a Foxtail Fern
Light: Very bright indirect light, but direct sun is not good for the plant.
Water: Keep the soil moist in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing and producing new fronds. Reduce the water in the winter and when there is less light.
Temperature: 70°-75°F (21.2°-23.9°C)  during the day and about 10 ° cooler at night.
Fertilizer : Feed monthly with a liquid balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. Dilute the plant food to 1/2 – 1/3 the recommended strength to prevent too much salt buildup in the soil..
Humidity: These ferns like high humidity but still grow well in dryer areas.