How to prune asparagus fern? With illustrated pruning methods
For asparagus fern, the ideal is a plant shape with dense but well-spaced leaf-like branches, set at varying heights. However, after 3 to 4 years of cultivation, it sends up tall vining branches and flowers and sets fruit, and is then no longer suitable for indoor display, so it must be pruned. Therefore, pruning is very important.
Shaping and pruning methods for asparagus fern
1. Pot control method: the size ratio of the pot to the plant should be 1:3, which can limit root growth and keep the plant size unchanged.
2. Remove the growing points: when new shoots grow to 2--3 cm, remove the growing points, which can promote new branches and leaves on the stems, and can control it from growing vines, making the branches and leaves spread out horizontally and the plant shape continuously fuller.
3. Make use of the asparagus fern's phototropism: turning the pot in time can correct the growth shape of the branches and leaves and keep the plant shape unchanged.
4. Physical shading method: that is, using a piece of cardboard to press down the branches and leaves or block the sunlight, so that when the branches and leaves grow, upon meeting the object's obstruction the stems turn or bend as they grow, thereby achieving the purpose of shaping.
Several shaping methods for asparagus fern
1. Tower type: choose 2--3 tall, upright and elegant stems as the main peak, remove all the growing points on the stems, and set the plant height at 30--35 cm. The remaining branches and new stems should not be higher than the main peak. For new shoots, whether to remove the growing points can be decided according to the thickness of their stems. If their stems are thicker than the main peak's stem, they should be removed; if thinner than the main peak's, there is no need to remove them, and they can be left to grow. At the same time, the physical shading method and its own phototropism should also be used to constantly adjust the plant shape.
2. Double-clump type: plant two asparagus ferns in the pot, one tall and one short, the tall one about 30 cm and the short one about 18 cm; during growth, simply shape them as for the tower-type asparagus fern.
3. Natural type: mainly based on the asparagus fern's naturally growing plant shape, still using the basic methods such as removing growing points, physical shading and making use of its phototropism, so that the branches and leaves spread out and give people a natural sense of beauty.