How to Fertilize Asparagus Fern? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Fertilizing Methods
Asparagus fern is native to South Africa and is distributed across central China, northwest China, the Yangtze River basin and various parts of southern China. It likes warm, humid and semi-shaded, well-ventilated environments, is not tolerant of severe cold in winter or drought, and should be kept out of direct sunlight in summer. It is a highly ornamental plant, very suitable for placing in living rooms, studies and other places. Now let us take a look at how to fertilize asparagus fern!
How to Fertilize Asparagus Fern?
Asparagus fern is best fertilized with a liquid fertilizer made by fermenting organic fertilizers such as cake fertilizer and sesame paste residue, generally diluted 10 to 20 times and applied as a drench. The growing season of asparagus fern is from April to June. During this period, apply light fertilizer frequently, and avoid applying concentrated fertilizer or immature fertilizer. Generally, apply a thin, fully decomposed liquid fertilizer such as soybean cake, chicken manure or human excrement and urine once every 10d, with a fertilizer-to-water ratio of about 1:15. Before fertilizing, the soil should be slightly dry, which helps the roots absorb the liquid fertilizer. Be careful that the liquid fertilizer does not stain the branches and leaves. In the hot summer and cold winter, apply less or not at all.
How to Water Asparagus Fern?
The amount of water given to asparagus fern should be adjusted flexibly according to different care environments, seasons and even potting soil. Do not blindly copy the experience of other gardeners. In winter, spring and autumn, watering should be appropriately controlled. Generally, water again when the surface of the potting soil has dried. If you find it difficult to judge the amount of water, you can also alternate large and small waterings, that is, after 3 to 5 small waterings, give 1 thorough watering, so that the potting soil remains moist top and bottom without holding too much water. In summer, water in both the morning and evening; a slightly larger amount of water is not a problem. In summer, in addition to normal watering, you can also often sprinkle water on the ground around the plant and spray and wash the branches and leaves with clean water to increase air humidity.
Reasons for Yellowing Leaves of Asparagus Fern
1. Too much light: Asparagus fern likes semi-shade and fears strong light, especially in summer, when direct sunlight must be avoided, otherwise the branches and leaves will wither and turn yellow. Move the flower pot to a shady place and frequently spray water on the branches and leaves to increase air humidity.
2. Improper watering: Asparagus fern likes moisture but fears waterlogging. Keep the potting soil alternating between dry and moist; generally, watering until the surface soil is moist is enough. Too much water easily causes root rot, while too little water easily causes dry tips. In dry seasons, spray clean water on the leaves more often.
3. Improper fertilizing: If topdressing is too concentrated or immature fertilizer is applied, it easily causes “root burn”, leading to dried and falling leaves. Conversely, if the potting soil is poor, the leaves will also turn yellow due to lack of nutrients.
4. Poor winter care: Asparagus fern likes warmth and should face the sun in winter. If it is kept for a long time in a place without light in winter, or in poor ventilation or cold conditions, the leaves easily wither and turn yellow. Generally, the room temperature should be no lower than 12°C, and it should be placed near a south-facing window with appropriately controlled watering.
5. Causes of toxicity: Asparagus fern fears smoke and dust. If it encounters toxic gases, the branches and leaves easily turn yellow. In addition, if the plant is too large, the flower pot is too small, or it is harmed by pests such as scale insects, the branches and leaves will also turn yellow. Repot and control pests in time.
6. Causes of pests and diseases: Once asparagus fern is infected by pests such as scale insects, the branches and leaves will also wither and turn yellow, and timely control is needed.