How to fertilize asparagus fern? Master the right method for fuller branches and leaves
Asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus) is native to South Africa and is distributed across central China, northwest China, the Yangtze River basin and various parts of the south. It likes warm, humid and semi-shaded, well-ventilated environments, is not tolerant of severe cold in winter or drought, and dislikes direct sunlight in summer. It is a highly ornamental plant, very suitable for placing in the living room, study and other places. Let's take a look below at how to fertilize asparagus fern!
How to fertilize asparagus fern?
Asparagus fern is best fertilized with fertilizer liquid fermented and decomposed from organic fertilizers such as cake fertilizer and sesame paste residue, generally diluted 10 to 20 times and applied by watering. The growing season of asparagus fern is from April to June. During this period, apply light fertilizer frequently, and avoid concentrated fertilizer or undecomposed fertilizer. Generally, apply a thin liquid fertilizer of fully decomposed soybean cake, chicken manure or human urine and manure 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. Note that the liquid fertilizer should 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 for asparagus fern should be flexibly adjusted according to different care environments, seasons and even potting soil. Do not blindly copy the experience of other flower growers. In winter, spring and autumn, watering should be properly controlled. Generally, water again when the surface of the potting soil looks dry. If the water amount is hard to judge, 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 stays moist top and bottom without holding much water. In summer, water in both the morning and evening; a slightly larger amount of water does no harm. In summer, besides 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 strong light: Asparagus fern likes semi-shade and dislikes strong light, especially in summer it should avoid direct sunlight, otherwise the branches and leaves will wither and turn yellow. Move the flower pot to a shady place and often 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 wet; generally, watering until the topsoil 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 fertilization: If topdressing is too concentrated or undecomposed fertilizer is applied, it easily causes “root burn”, leading to dry 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, with poor ventilation or cold, the leaves easily wither and turn yellow. Generally, the room temperature should not be lower than 12°C, and it should be placed near a south window, with watering properly controlled.
5. Causes of poisoning: Asparagus fern is afraid of 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, so it should be repotted and controlled in time.
6. Causes of pests and diseases: Once asparagus fern is infected by pests such as scale insects, it will also cause the branches and leaves to wither and turn yellow, so it should be controlled in time.