How to Grow Asparagus Fern? A Care Guide for Its Bacteria- and Fungi-Blocking Benefits
Asparagus fern, also called cloud-leaf bamboo, has elegant charm and extremely high ornamental value, and at night it has bacteria- and fungi-blocking benefits. Below, the editor of Huinong Network talks with you about the care guide for asparagus fern.
Asparagus fern, also called cloud-leaf bamboo, has elegant charm and extremely high ornamental value, and at night it has bacteria- and fungi-blocking benefits. Asparagus fern is a perennial evergreen herb, with flowers close to white, black seeds, and spherical berries. Many flower lovers enjoy growing asparagus fern. Below, the editor of Huinong Network talks with you about the care guide for asparagus fern.
1. Environmental benefits
At night, asparagus fern can absorb harmful gases such as phosphorus dioxide and sulfur dioxide. The gas released by the plant has bacteria- and fungi-blocking functions.
2. Care guide
(1) Light
Asparagus fern must not be placed in blazing sun for exposure. In hot seasons, it should be placed in a cool, ventilated place. At the same time, during the flowering period, asparagus fern is afraid of both wind and rain, so attention should be paid to good ventilation. In good weather, it can be appropriately placed outdoors to receive sunlight.
(2) Temperature
In winter, keep the room temperature at around 5°C and place it in a sunny area, so it can overwinter safely.
(3) Watering
Normally, watering should alternate between dry and wet: do not water when not dry, and when watering, water thoroughly. Do not give "half watering," and even less should the soil remain overly wet or waterlogged for a long time; otherwise, the fleshy root system will grow poorly and root rot will result. In hot, dry seasons, besides keeping the potting soil moist, also spray water on the branches, leaves, and surroundings.
(4) Fertilizing
During the spring and autumn growing periods, apply fertilizer once every 10 days, mainly nitrogen and potassium fertilizer, and add phosphorus fertilizer before the flowering period. In summer high temperatures, stop fertilizing to avoid damaging the roots.
(5) Soil
It prefers soil rich in humus, loose, and well-drained. For potting soil, use a culture soil mixed from 4 parts garden soil, 4 parts leaf mold, and 2 parts yellow sand.
(6) Propagation
For soil culture, asparagus fern commonly uses sowing and division methods, and can also be grown hydroponically. Division propagation is often carried out together with repotting in spring. Dig out the whole plant and divide it into several clumps, then pot them separately. However, the plants obtained by division often have irregular shape and low survival rate, so it is used less often.
(7) Placement and display
Asparagus fern is mainly grown in pots for foliage display. It is fresh and elegant, and placing it in a study adds more literary atmosphere. Slightly larger potted plants can be placed on a windowsill. For large potted plants, add a support frame so the leaves are evenly distributed, and they can be displayed in a corner.
The above is the editor of Huinong Network's summary of the environmental benefits and care guide for asparagus fern. Have you learned it all? Asparagus fern is fresh and elegant, very suitable for home growing.
Indoor Potted Plant Growing Methods and Decoration Techniques
As people's environmental awareness continues to increase, indoor plants are also increasingly loved by everyone. How can you arrange some appropriate decorations in your own home decoration to add a touch of brightness to the whole home? Besides being beautiful, do small decorations have other benefits? Then choosing indoor plants is a wise choice. Below I will introduce indoor potted plant growing methods and decoration techniques.
I. Indoor potted plants
Alocasia amazonica: has the effect of removing dust from the air
The white sap in the stem of Alocasia amazonica is toxic, and the water it drips is also toxic. Accidental contact or accidental ingestion of its sap will cause discomfort in the throat and mouth, and a burning pain in the stomach. Special attention should be paid to preventing young children from accidentally eating it. However, Alocasia amazonica is not a carcinogenic plant.
African jasmine: the volatile oils it produces have
a significant bactericidal effect, can make people relax, help sleep, and also improve work efficiency.
Peace lily: inhibits waste gases exhaled by the human body, such as ammonia and acetone
The higher the concentration of pollutants in the air, the more it can exert its purifying ability! Therefore, it is very suitable for dark rooms with poor ventilation.
Aglaonema: known for its unique air-purifying ability
The higher the concentration of pollutants in the air, the more it can exert its purifying ability! Therefore, it is very suitable for dark rooms with poor ventilation.
Maidenhair fern: can absorb about 20 micrograms of formaldehyde per hour
It is considered the most effective biological "purifier." People who deal with paint and coatings all day, or who have smokers around them, should place at least one pot of ferns in the workplace. In addition, it can also inhibit xylene and toluene released from computer monitors and printers.
Spider plant: can absorb 95% of carbon monoxide and 85% of formaldehyde in the air
Spider plant can carry out photosynthesis under weak light. Spider plant can absorb toxic and harmful gases in the air. One pot of spider plant in a room of 8-10 sq m is equivalent to an air purifier. Generally, growing 1-2 pots of spider plant in a room can release oxygen within 24 hours while absorbing carcinogens such as formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide in the air. Spider plant has a particularly strong absorption capacity for certain harmful substances. For example, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde mixed in the air can reach 95% and 85 respectively. Spider plant can also decompose benzene and absorb relatively stable harmful substances such as nicotine in cigarette smoke. Therefore, spider plant is also called the green purifier of indoor air.
Monstera: absorbs carbon dioxide at night, improving air quality
Monstera's air-purifying function is slightly weaker. It is not like spider plant. Aloe is a multi-purpose air purifier, but Monstera has a relatively obvious effect on removing formaldehyde from the air. In addition, Monstera has the effect of absorbing carbon dioxide at night. It is very helpful for improving indoor air quality and increasing oxygen content. In addition, Monstera generally has a larger plant size, an elegant shape, and relatively sparse and beautiful leaves, so it is a very ideal indoor plant. After the fruit of Monstera matures, it can be used in cooking, and its fragrance is like pineapple or banana.
Ivy: the champion of formaldehyde absorption
Ivy is currently the most effective indoor plant for absorbing formaldehyde. Every square meter of ivy leaves can absorb 1.48 mg of formaldehyde, while the total leaf area of 2 adult ivy plants is about 0.78 sq m. At the same time, ivy can also absorb benzene, a toxic and harmful substance, and under 24-hour light conditions can absorb 90% of indoor benzene. According to estimates, for a room of 10 sq m, only 2-3 pots of ivy are needed to purify the air, and it can also adsorb particulate dust.
Rubber plant: a multi-purpose eliminator of harmful substances
Rubber plant is a multi-purpose plant for eliminating harmful substances. It has a certain resistance to harmful gases in the air such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride. Rubber plant can also eliminate inhalable particulate pollution and can effectively retain indoor dust.
Asparagus fern: a protective umbrella that eliminates bacteria and viruses
The plant fragrance contained in asparagus fern has antibacterial components and can remove bacteria and viruses from the air, with health-care functions, so the scent released by asparagus fern has bacteria- and fungi-blocking effects. In addition, asparagus fern also has high medicinal value. Dig out its fleshy roots, wash off the dust and dirt on them, dry them for later use or use them fresh. The leaf-like branches can be collected as needed, and all have the effects of relieving cough, moistening the lungs, cooling the blood, and detoxifying.
Lucky bamboo: a healthy plant suitable for the bedroom
Lucky bamboo can help improve air quality in rooms that are not often opened for ventilation. It has a disinfecting function, especially in the bedroom. Lucky bamboo can effectively absorb waste gases and improve the private environment of the bedroom.
Money tree: fights waste gases produced by tobacco combustion
Money tree is evergreen in all four seasons and can absorb toxic gases and release oxygen through photosynthesis. It can relatively effectively absorb carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide pollution and has a certain effect in resisting waste gases produced by tobacco combustion.
Pothos: improves air quality and eliminates harmful substances
Pothos has strong vitality and a strong ability to absorb harmful substances, and can help improve air quality in rooms that are not often opened for ventilation. Pothos can also eliminate harmful substances such as formaldehyde, and its function is no less than that of ivy and spider plant.
Cactus: has a strong anti-inflammatory and sterilizing effect
In dealing with pollution, cactus is the best plant for reducing electromagnetic radiation. In addition, cactus absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night. Placing a cactus in the bedroom at night can supplement oxygen and help sleep.
II. How to grow indoor potted plants
First, for small potted plants, watering should be thorough, but there must be no water accumulation in the pot. Plant roots need water and also need air. If water accumulates in the potting soil for too long, the plant roots will suffocate and die because there is no air available for respiration. You should learn how to water correctly.
Then there is the need for proper care. Plants also have dormancy periods. Many indoor flowers are in a relatively dormant period in winter or after flowering. During this period, the plant needs less water and fertilizer than during vigorous growth, and the required temperature is also lower. Popular potted flowers such as cyclamen, gloxinia, and chrysanthemum gradually turn yellow and shed their leaves after flowering and enter dormancy. This is the normal growth process of the plant, not caused by poor care on your part. Increase air humidity. In the north, after indoor heating in winter, the air is very dry. You should think of ways to increase indoor air humidity.
Finally, of course, pests and diseases should be prevented and controlled early. Whether experts or beginners, everyone will encounter some problems. If pests are found, as long as they are controlled in time, they will not cause great harm. If infected by a virus, treatment is more troublesome, and it should be isolated as early as possible. Too much watering may not be a big problem at first, but over time it will lead to death. You should learn to recognize the early symptoms of problems in plants.
III. Small tips for indoor potted decoration
Cement flower vessels are somewhat cold and hard, like a block of iron ingot without expression. But after planting plants in them, they soften. Although narrow, it is still a home, accommodating this bit of green vitality, and it also becomes very lovely.
When using potted plants for indoor decoration, there is no need to stick to ordinary flower pots. Plants can be planted in all kinds of containers. Of course, special attention should be paid to drainage and breathability, and it also depends on the plant variety. For example, for bamboo tube flower vessels, it is best to plant some small succulents with shallow and not very developed roots. Besides their exquisite and small ornamental value, they also need to have appropriate space to grow.
As living space continues to shrink, especially in cities where this living trend still cannot be improved, innovative designs like "sky planter" will become more and more important.
Using a teapot to grow flowers is a very creative idea. Old teapots at home can all be tried. This plant is Ficus microcarpa, with round leaves, somewhat similar to tea leaves.
The tall Norfolk Island pine is suitable for planting in a water glass, bringing a fresh green view, much more spirited than placing it in an ordinary flower pot. Such a small potted plant is very harmonious placed in any corner.
Planting a somewhat sculptural Chinese elm in a black wide-mouthed bowl will create a trace of peaceful Zen. Placed in a tea room or study, it adds a sense of tranquility.
Coffee cups are also very good flower vessels. White ceramic paired with soft rabbit's-foot fern (dragon's-claw fern) is fresh and pleasant, and placed on a desk it will bring a relaxed and good mood.
Combining three plants of different forms in a bowl to make a mini combined potted plant is an excellent choice for decorating a dining room. No matter where it is placed, it is very pleasing to the eye, showing the charm in the bowl.
Indoor plants add a touch of exotic color to the room and are also beneficial to physical and mental health. I hope that after reading this article, everyone can choose suitable plants. I believe that growing indoor plants well is not difficult. Add a fresh and natural style to your home, making it warm and romantic without losing charm.
What plants are healthy to grow at home
Because indoor sunlight exposure time is relatively short, the plants chosen should preferably be shade-tolerant foliage plants or semi-shade plants that can tolerate shade for a relatively long time, such as asparagus fern, lucky bamboo, Monstera, palm grass, snake plant, rubber plant, etc. People who are busy with work can choose plants with stronger vitality, such as lucky bamboo, saxifrage, Buddha belly plant, bamboo begonia, etc. Of course, various functions in the plant kingdom also have their own divisions of labor.1. Plants that purify air:
Spider plant, Dieffenbachia, etc., have a relatively strong ability to absorb formaldehyde, chlorine, and benzene compounds remaining indoors after decoration
Aloe, chrysanthemum, etc., can reduce indoor benzene pollution;
Daisy, lucky bamboo, etc., can effectively eliminate trifluoroethylene pollution;
Chinese rose, rose, etc., can absorb harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide, benzene, phenol, and ether.
Growing foliage plants with large leaves such as snake plant, Monstera, and Aspidistra indoors can absorb more than 80% of various harmful gases and purify the air.
Aloe, sedum, etc., at night can not only absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but also increase the concentration of negative ions in indoor air
2. Aromatic plants
The fragrance of plants has antibacterial components and can remove bacteria and viruses from the air, with health-care functions. For example, the scents of cactus, asparagus fern, ivy, and begonia have bacteria- and fungi-blocking power. At the same time, the fragrance of plants can also regulate the human nervous system. For example, clove and jasmine can make people relax and help sleep;
Rose and violet can make people feel happy and have the desire to work hard;
The scents of night-blooming cereus, coleus, mosquito repellent grass, etc., have the effect of repelling mosquitoes and flies. But the fragrance should not be too strong, otherwise it will cause side effects. For example, smelling clove for a long time can cause restlessness and asthma, affecting memory; night-blooming cereus releases waste gas at night, making patients with high blood pressure and heart disease feel depressed; tulip contains toxic alkaloids, and continuous contact for more than two hours can cause dizziness; mimosa contains mimosine, and frequent contact causes hair loss.
3. Plants for three-dimensional greening of the home:
Plant climbing plants such as Boston ivy, grape, morning glory, wisteria, and rose around the home, letting them climb along walls or trellises to form a green shade canopy. This can effectively reduce solar radiation and greatly lower indoor temperature.
As for the 52 species once rumored to promote cancer, there is still no definite report of carcinogenicity so far. In particular, fewer than 10 of these 52 plants are planted in gardens, and even fewer are grown at home, so there is no need to worry. However, when planting the following plants, you should still pay attention:
Oleander is toxic in the whole plant and contains a variety of cardiac glycosides. After poisoning, it causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can be fatal; narcissus bulbs are toxic and contain lycorine, etc. After poisoning, they cause vomiting and abdominal pain; poinsettia's white milky sap is toxic. After human contact, it can cause skin redness and swelling, and after accidental ingestion, it causes vomiting and abdominal pain; lucky bamboo contains oxalic acid and asparagine toxin, etc. If accidentally eaten, it can cause burns to the oral cavity, throat, esophagus, and gastrointestinal mucosa, and even damage the vocal cords.
Academician Zeng Yi of the Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medical Sciences, studied the cancer-promoting effects of substances contained in plants. From 1693 Chinese herbal medicines and plants, a total of 52 plants in 18 families were detected to contain cancer-promoting substances. These plants mostly belong to the Euphorbiaceae and Thymelaeaceae families. Among them, some ornamental flowers and trees commonly seen in citizens' homes and parks, such as crown-of-thorns, croton, Chinese tallow tree, red-backed osmanthus, tung tree, and Tinospora crispa, all contain cancer-promoting substances.
The 52 carcinogenic plants include: Croton, Croton variegatum, thin-leaf croton, bee-waist fig, rock mountain croton, hairy-fruited croton, croton, crown-of-thorns, cat's-eye spurge, sun spurge, Kansui, caper spurge, alpine snow, crown-of-thorns, thousand-root grass, red-backed osmanthus, chicken-tail wood, multi-lobed physic nut, red bird coral, mountain tallow, Chinese tallow, round-leaf tallow, tung tree, wood tung, fire pokers, genkwa, edgeworthia, langdu, yellow genkwa, wikstroemia, soil agarwood, slender-stalked genkwa, sappanwood, broad moneywort, red-bud euphorbia, cleavers, yellow-haired tofu wood, etc.
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