Though asparagus fern responds well to pruning, beware: Its soft- looking leaves conceal sharp thorns , so it's best to wear gloves.
What are the balls on my asparagus fern?
The red berries or red balls you see on some plants are asparagus seed pods . These seed pods contain one or more asparagus seeds, which the plant uses for reproduction.
Do asparagus fern have thorns?
Caution: Despite their soft, fluffy appearance, asparagus ferns actually have small thorns , so wear gloves when handling them.
Which fern has thorns?
The frilly, feathery asparagus fern plant appears soft and fuzzy, but when taking care of asparagus ferns you may be surprised to find they have thorny spurs. This, however, is no reason not to grow asparagus ferns, simply wear gloves during asparagus fern care.
Are asparagus fern thorns poisonous?
The asparagus fern contains steroid compounds called sapogenins, toxic to both dogs and cats . Although the plant's attractive red berries are not highly poisonous, ingestion can cause gastric upset resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Repeated dermal exposure to the plant's sap can cause allergic dermatitis in animals.
How do you rejuvenate an asparagus fern?
Mist the plant daily , focusing on the arching stems. If the plant appears to be turning brown and droopy, it likely needs more water. While the asparagus fern can dry out to the point of appearing dead, it likely isn't. Warmer, humid air and daily misting will help revive it.
How do you make asparagus fern bushy?
- Spray the blades of your pruning tools with household antiseptic cleaner. ...
- Cut your asparagus fern to the ground in early spring every three years to keep the plant full from base to tip.
Does asparagus fern like full sun?
Plant asparagus fern in full sun or light shade ; plants grown in full sun are more compact and dense than those grown in shade. It does best in moist soils rich in organic matter but tolerates almost any conditions and is fairly drought tolerant once established.
Can you plant fern nodules?
Sometimes, you can successfully propagate an old, dead fern by planting nodules, which may be fleshy and green even if the main plant is dry and shriveled. Plant the nodules in a pot with the green growth facing upward, just above the surface of sterile potting mix.
Are ferns toxic to dogs?
Most true ferns are considered non-toxic to dogs , according to the ASPCA. Even so, dog owners should exercise caution when it comes to bringing ferns into their homes. While the majority of ferns are harmless to dogs, ingesting too much of any foreign plant matter can wreak havoc on your pup's system.
What part of asparagus is poisonous?
Like 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.
Can you touch asparagus fern?
Put on gloves when you handle asparagus ferns. Small, sharply barbed thorns are located along the branches, and they are painful to touch and can pierce your skin . The plant sap is a skin irritant to some people, so handle cut branches carefully.
Are asparagus fern berries poisonous to dogs?
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.
Why is my asparagus fern so leggy?
The main cause of a leggy asparagus fern is a lack of light . ... If you notice your asparagus fern becoming leggy and long stems growing outwards this is because they're trying to grow towards the light. So if you notice this happening the best thing to do is to move your plant to a brighter spot.
How often should you water asparagus fern?
Water potted plants regularly to keep the soil moist. Water garden plants once or twice a week , so the soil doesn't dry completely. Asparagus ferns are moderately drought tolerant, but they will grow at a slower rate without sufficient moisture, notes the University of Florida.
How do you winterize asparagus ferns?
The short answer to this question is: An Asparagus Fern is a perennial plant . ... There are some plants that are planted, grow, bloom and die all within a yearly cycle and to have the plant a second year it needs to be replanted in the spring.
