Asparagus densiflorus , commonly called as a asparagus fern orfoxtail fern is a perennial evergreen plant plant known for their plumes of feathery , clear greenish foliage which resemble a Fox tail in anatomy . Native to southerly Africa , they are actually turn over to be invasive Mary Jane in many areas , however they are wide cultivated as an decorative plant .
The popular houseplant touch to as the foxtail fern ( Asparagus densiflorus ‘ Myersi ’ ) gets its name from its fern - like leaves , however it is not actually related to fern at all . These plants are instead a close congeneric to the vegetable asparagus and can be grown out of doors in USDA zones 9 to 11 .
Foxtail Fern Quick Care Guide : foxtail grass ferns should be grown in organically robust , well - drain grease . Water when the top 2 - 3″ of soil has dry . They can thrive in fond subtlety to bright indirect Christ Within , but will not tolerate direct sun . The idealistic temperature for foxtail ferns is between 65 ° F and 75 ° F ( 18 ° C – 24 ° deoxycytidine monophosphate ) .
Foxtail fern make for an interesting ground cover works . They can also be grow indoors in container or hang field goal . Their beautiful arching green stem are highly valued by florists for adding green foliation to blossom arrangements . Keep reading for more info on foxtail fern care .
Foxtail Fern Overview
Also known as asparagus fern , or emerald fern , the foxtail grass fern is not in reality a fern at all . Its name come from its feather of feathery leafage which strongly resemble the fern family . The foxtail grass fern is , however , intimately related to the coarse asparagus veggie .
The foxtail grass fern reproduces using cum , rather than spores , unlike honest ferns . They are capable of producing humble clusters of fragrant blank blossom in the spring and summer . Once the flowers have cease blooming , they will be replaced with small cherry-red Chuck Berry .
Botanically verbalise , the leaves of the foxtail grass fern are not actually provide . Instead they are a character ofcladode , which is a flattened bow pretend as a foliage - like structure for conducting photosynthesis . For simplicity sake , we will refer to the cladode of the foxtail fern as leaves in this clause .
Growing up to 2 ft tall and 4 ft extensive , foxtail grass ferns make for a perfect cosmetic plant in gardens , planter , and hang basket both indoors and out of doors . Their retentive , arched leaves grow out in a twisting fashion with plush and soft face evergreen foliage , give them high ornamental time value .
recollect that the foxtail fern is a plant which is capable of vigorous growth , especially in tropical clime . Its bulb - like roots are able to spread out quickly , unless controlled by a container . When growing the foxtail grass fern outside , it can quickly become invasive and take over a space .
In Australia and some areas of the United States including Florida , Texas , southern California and Hawaii , the foxtail fern is actually considered to be an encroaching species . In add-on to the airing of their ascendant , birds often eat the berries which aid in seed dispersal . Always check local regulation before deciding to add this plant to your outdoor garden .
Asparagus Densiflorus Plant Profile
botanic name : Asparagus officinales densiflorus ' Myersi '
Common name(s):Foxtail Fern , Asparagus Fern , Asparagus foxtail fern , Emerald fern
Plant type : Evergreen recurrent plant .
Mature Size:2 ft magniloquent and fourth wide at matureness .
Sun Exposure : Partial ghost to bright , indirect Inner Light . Will not tolerate much direct sunlight .
Soil Type : Organically nutrient fertile , well draining grease .
Soil pH : somewhat acidic ; 6.5 to 6.8
Bloom Time : belittled bunch of blossom in summer , replaced by cherry-red berries once flower is finish .
Flower Color : White
Hardiness Zones:9 to 11
Native Area : Southern Africa
Foxtail Fern Care Guide
Foxtail fern plants are a relatively easy plant to develop once its few basic care necessary are met . A capital selection for beginner to advanced plant owners likewise , their feathery emerald green foliage will summate a touch of pleasant elegance wherever they are
Perfect for growing indoors or out of doors , permit ’s plunge deeply into the details of foxtail fern care .
1. The Right Potting Soil
foxtail grass fern plants ask organically ample , slightly acidulous , well draining soil for ideal growth . While they will survive in many land types , the most important component is that the roots are not trapped in doughy , oversaturated soil .
territory which is rich in constitutive topic will bring home the bacon the nutrient required for your foxtail fern to fly high , while also aiding in drainage .
When farm a foxtail fern indoors in container , use a loose well - draining potting mix .
The soil in most indoor pot mixes with a compounding of peat moss and perlite will be good for your foxtail grass fern , especially if affix with a liquid houseplant fertilizer .
Peat moss is slightly acidic and will retain a little wet , while perlite facilitates drainage and ensures that plenty of atomic number 8 is capable to circulate through the potting mixture .
When growing out of doors , make trusted to plant your foxtail fern in a location with rich , hefty soil . If the grease in your location is less than idealistic , the easiest way to create organically plenteous dirt is to integrate some cease compost into the surrounding surface area .
2. Foxtail Fern Light Requirements
Foxtail fern plant do best in a location with fond specter , to brilliant indirect sunlight . As a ground cover in their natural habitat , they require auspices from direct sunlight .
When grown indoors , it is best to place your foxtail grass fern in a bright spot like an Orient or west facing windowpane where they will not obtain too much sun throughout the day . If necessary , protect your foxtail fern from direct sunshine by using a sheer drapery to filter the suns harsh rays .
When grow alfresco , the best position to plant your foxtail grass fern is an area where it would receive the blue dawn Sunday , but is shaded for the rest of the day . Too much unmediated sunlight will get the delicate foliage - similar social organisation to incinerate and begin to yellow .
Although foxtail ferns can grow in tincture , they do need some lighting to fly high . Yellowing of the leaves can also be a sign of deficient sparkle as well .
3. How To Water A Foxtail Fern
foxtail grass fern plant are a somewhat drought tolerant plant since their taproot ( tuber ) is able-bodied to store excess water supply , like the sarcoid leaves of a succulent . This means that foxtail grass ferns may not postulate to be irrigate as often as your other plants .
It is important to avoid overwatering foxtail grass ferns , because their base will become susceptible to root rot . You should only water foxtail grass ferns whenever the top 2 - 3″ of territory is dry . It ’s considered serious recitation to water heavy until water lead off to drain out of the bottom of the tummy .
Indoor foxtail fern plant will likely need water about oncer per week during the growing time of year , however this will become less often during the winter months . think back you should always be guided more by the dampness of the soil , rather than a rigid watering schedule .
As an outside plant , you may require to water your foxtail grass fern once per week in the summer if it has n’t been rain often enough . Ideally the soil around the root of your works should be dampish , but never soggy .
4.Fertilizing Foxtail Fern Plants
In the garden , adding compost and mulching the areas around your works will help oneself to encourage healthy growth . Compost will provide your industrial plant with organically rich nutrients , while mulch preclude moisture from evaporating in the sun .
When growing foxtail grass fern in a container both indoors and alfresco , regular dressing is necessary to feed your plant . you may apply a half - strong point melted houseplant fertilizer about once per calendar month during the growing season .
Another selection is to use a slow - release fertiliser in spring , summertime , and fall to provide consistent nutrients for your plants . Keep in mind that the best houseplant fertilizers are the more natural and constitutional one . Using water - soluble , mineral common salt based fertilizers can often cause table salt shape - up in the stain and burn the roots of your works .
Some key lifelike fertilizer fixings to see for include : seaweed , louse castings , fish photographic emulsion , plant life extracts , liquid kelp , or compost Camellia sinensis .
5. Temperature Requirements For Foxtail Ferns
Foxtail ferns are native to the southern parts of Africa , so by nature they thrive in warm tropical climates . They can be grown alfresco in USDA zones 9 - 11 , or indoors as a houseplant since the climate in most household is perfectly worthy for them to flourish .
The idealistic temperature for foxtail fern is between 65 ° F and 75 ° F ( 18 ° C – 24 ° C ) . They are able-bodied to survive with temperatures as down in the mouth as 24 ° F ( -4 ° C ) , however anything below 50 ° atomic number 9 ( 10 ° ) will slow growth and risk works impairment .
In tropical climates foxtail fern can be grow in the garden all year round . However if you live in a colder climate , they can still be maturate outside during the summer months . Be certain to bring your plant indoors as presently as the temperature drops to around 50 ° F ( 10 ° one C ) .
6. Foxtail Fern Humidity Requirements
Foxtail ferns prefer medium to high humidity levels in comparison to other plant life . Like in their natural habitat , humidness is not normally an issue for foxtail ferns which are grown out of doors in semi - tropical or tropical clime .
However average family humidity stratum are loosely much too blue for a foxtail ferns to thrive , so you will necessitate to supplement with added humidity . you may do this is by mist the leave daily to provide supererogatory moisture .
If mist daily seems too high-pitched maintenance , there are other way to add on humidness .
you could identify the plant life on top of a pebble tray with some piddle , grouping your tropical houseplants together to create a humid microclimate through transpiration , or purchase a way humidifier .
7. Repotting Foxtail Fern Plants
Since foxtail ferns can increase a respectable amount in sizing each year , they may require repotting every bounce . By repot this fast growing evergreen plant life into a bigger container , you ’re allowing more room for the roots to expand . This is also a perfect chance to separate the taproot for propagating raw plant .
You should pick out a new good deal which is only about 1 - 2″ larger than its current one . Moving the plant life into a pot which is too large will leave some areas of grunge untapped by roots . These region will retain moisture for foresightful periods of time and do the flora to become more susceptible to disease and pests .
It is good to repot your foxtail grass fern as a way to brush up the potting soil to avoid heavy crush , which will negatively impact its drain over time . This is also a good time to observe the roots of the plant and check for signs of disease .
8. How To Prune A Foxtail Fern
Pruning foxtail grass fern plants is not necessary in terms of control their development habit . Instead , pruning for these plants is mainly a headache of prune off any bushed or go bad stems to promote raw emergence and maintain plant health .
By remove browned or dying branches you are allowing the plant to digest its vim towards unexampled growth , while also improving its overall visual aspect . These plants are quite toughened and stout , so they can hold big pruning .
Foxtail fern do have some minuscule spinal column on the root word and the sap inside the stem may also cause some skin irritation , so assume gloves to protect your hands is recommended .
Using acuate sterile shears , cut back the old woody staunch to the al-Qaida of the plant and remove any damaged foliage .
9. Propagating New Foxtail Fern Plants
The best way to circularise foxtail grass fern plants is through root partition . fortuitously , this operation is quite wide-eyed and is well done during repotting in the spring.https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/HFJKUwgxcIQ?rel=1&modestbranding=1&controls=1&showinfo=1&fs=0&wmode=transparent
10. Pests And Disease That Can Affect Foxtail Fern Growth
Foxtail ferns are considered to be relatively resistant to most pests and diseases , however there are still a few vulgar issues to be aware of .
Diseases
As mention in the first place , foxtail fern are similar to succulents in their power to store extra water for times of drouth . As a upshot , they are likewise susceptible to fungous or bacterial diseases which are a consequence of overwatering .
These diseases will eventually run to source decay and the last of the plant life . Common early signs of root putrefaction are wilting or yellowing of the leaves .
Preventing root rot from harming your foxtail grass fern is simply a topic of following the correct tearing procedure .
recall to water your foxtail grass fern guided more by the wet grade of the soil , rather than a strict watering schedule . To preserve a salubrious foxtail fern , you should only water once the top 2 - 3″ of soil has dry .
If you suspect that your foxtail grass fern is usher signs of ascendant bunk , you should immediately set about by repotting the works into a new container with a fresh batch of pot soil .
audit the radical for mushy spots during repotting and remove any areas with mansion of decay . Hold off on water the flora until it has started to recover and the stain has mostly dried .
Pests
Fortunately foxtail grass ferns are not prostrate to very many pests . However , mealybugs and scale insects are still a few plebeian plague to watch out for .
mealy bug are tiny , blanched , wingless insects who drink the sap from plant stems . They will appear as fuzzy cotton - like masses on the stems or bottom of the leaves .
scurf worm can be hard to spot , but they will seem like bumpy extra growth on the control surface of the woody stems .
At first the damage from mealybug and scurf louse will not be meaning , however if the populations are allow to increase to higher numbers , they will induce leaf yellow and curling as the plant weakens .
Both Mealybugs and scale of measurement louse can be controlled using an insecticidal soap from your local garden center . Or , you may make your own interlingual rendition at house using neem vegetable oil and dish soap .
To make a neem oil insecticidal atomizer , occupy a spray bottle with water . Add a mixture of 1 - 2 tsp of organic neem oil and 1 tsp of soft sweetheart soap .
Spray this solution liberally over the foliage of your foxtail grass and allow it to dry . Repeat this procedure once per week until you have eradicated the pests .
Foxtail Fern FAQ
Foxtail fern plant life do contain some toxins which can be mildly poisonous to dog and cat . replicate exposure to the foliage of foxtail fern works can make pelt annoyance or dermatitis in pets due to toxins in the sap .
Ingestion of the berry is another concern for deary with foxtail grass ferns . dog or cats who ingest the berries might experience abdominal botheration , diarrhea , or chuck .
Foxtail ferns are only a business organization for being invasive if develop outdoors . you could safely grow a foxtail plant indoors reasonably much anywhere .
These tropical , salt large-minded plants can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zone 9 through 11 . However these plants are aboriginal only to southerly Africa , so they are considered invasive in many other sub - tropical or tropic areas because they can spread out and take over quite easily .
Always check local regulations before deciding to implant a foxtail fern in your garden . Some places where these plants are consider invasive include : sure areas in Australia , Florida , Texas , southerly California and Hawaii .
yellow leaves is the most common mansion of distraint for a foxtail fern . There are three main reasons why this could be pass : too much direct sunshine , too little sunshine , or overwatering which leads to settle decomposition .
Begin your problem solving by assessing the location of your foxtail fern . Too much direct sun causes redundant hotness on the finespun leafage - similar anatomical structure . This will cause them to char and burn . ensure the sun your plant life is receiving is filtered by something like a shear curtain , or that the plant is partially shaded during the hottest part of the twenty-four hours .
Unlike true fern , foxtail ferns can not survive in a location with no sun . They demand bright , indirect light to boom . So if your plant is in a fully shaded localization , you should move it to a brighter room or brighter localisation in your yard if outside .
Overwatering is the most common rationality for the leaves of a foxtail fern to ferment yellow . Excessive wet in the soil will prevent O from reaching the roots and make it harder for them to imbibe enough nutrients . This will also encourage the ontogeny of bacterial or fungal disease , which will direct to stem decay .
If you surmise that overwatering might be the cause of your plants yellowing leaves , you should immediately repot your foxtail grass fern , following the steps listed originally in this article .
When a leg of a foxtail fern originate too old , it is normal for it to turn brown and die off . This is a natural part of the growth habit of a foxtail fern , and it is nothing to be concerned about .
You should follow the steps mentioned earlier in this article to crop off these give out outgrowth to allow fresh , salubrious newfangled stems to maturate in their place .
However , if many of branches on your foxtail grass fern begin to turn brownish at the same time , this can be a signaling that the stipulation are too blistering for the works . idealistic temperatures for a foxtail fern are between 65 ° F and 75 ° F ( 18 ° C – 24 ° C ) .
It ’s improbable that the temperature inside of a plate will ever touch over 90 ° F ( 32 ° atomic number 6 ) , however this can go on outdoors quite often . When temperatures approach 90 ° F ( 32 ° hundred ) , it can cause leafage suntan . verify to offer shade for your plant and great deal of water in these condition .
Conclusion
Foxtail fern are prize for their beautiful , lush , evergreen foliage . Their tuft of feathery leaves make for a lovely ornamental showing both indoors and alfresco , provided you live in an area where they are safe to grow outside .
Easy to care for with similar watering requirements to succulents , these tight - grow plant life are also resistive to most pests and diseases . This is why they make for an splendid addition to anyones industrial plant collection .
write By
Amber Noyes was born and raised in a suburban California town , San Mateo . She holds a passe-partout ’s degree in gardening from the University of California as well as a group B in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience turn on an constitutive farm , water preservation research , Farmer ’ markets , and plant nursery , she understand what make plant thrive and how we can better understand the connection between microclimate and plant health . When she ’s not on the solid ground , Amber loves informing hoi polloi of new ideas / thing relate to horticulture , peculiarly constitutive horticulture , houseplant , and growing plant in a small space .
