Asparagus fern
Also called Sprenger's asparagus, Emerald fern, Foxtail fern.
| Light | bright indirect light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 6 days in the growing season, every 14 in winter |
| Pets | Cats toxic, dogs toxic |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, Asparagus Fern entry.
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Toxic to cats and dogs. Repeated contact with the foliage causes dermatitis, and eating the berries causes vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Keep it where an animal that eats houseplants cannot reach it, and speak to a vet if one does. In South Africa telephone the Poison Information Helpline on 0861 555 777; in the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
Sold as a fern, priced as a fern and grown as a fern, but botanically an asparagus, which is why it has tuberous water storing roots, small white flowers and red berries, and small hooked thorns along the stems that nobody warns you about. It is far tougher than a real fern: it takes more light, forgives a dry week and grows fast enough to need dividing every year or two. The thick roots will genuinely crack a plastic pot if left. Its two drawbacks are the thorns and the fact that, unlike the true ferns in this journal, the ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, both on contact and if the berries are eaten.
Ailments observed
| Yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant | Too little light, or a pot so full of roots there is no compost left. Move it brighter and tip it out to look. If the pot is solid root, divide the clump in spring or move it up a size. |
|---|---|
| Leaves falling off | A dry spell or a move, which brings down a shower of the fine green needles. Water more evenly. It regrows quickly from the base, so cut out anything that has gone brown. |
Filed underPlants for a bathroom, Plants that forgive a beginner
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