Foxtail Asparagus Fern: Planting Methods and Key Technical Points

The Foxtail Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii') gets its name because the plant resembles a fox's tail. The plant grows in clumps, with upright stems, 30 cm to 60 cm tall, slightly curved but not drooping. Also known as foxtail asparagus, it is an improved variety of asparagus fern, with denser branches and leaves than the common asparagus fern.

How to grow the Foxtail Asparagus Fern

Division can be done together with repotting. It can also be propagated by seed; seeds should be sown as soon as they are collected, otherwise the germination rate will be affected. From April to October it can be kept outdoors; during high summer temperatures it should be shaded appropriately to prevent scorching by the blazing sun. The optimum growing temperature is 15°C to 25°C. During the growing period it needs thorough watering. Because its root system is thick and well developed, storing a good amount of nutrients and water, it has a certain drought tolerance; occasionally forgetting to water will not greatly affect plant growth. However, it must not be kept short of water for long periods, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and drop. Air that is too dry is also an important cause of yellowing and leaf drop, so the plant should be sprayed with water regularly and routinely to keep the air humid and the foliage a pleasant green.

Repot after temperatures rise in spring. It is relatively fond of fertilizer, especially nitrogen fertilizer; when fertilizer is insufficient, the leaves tend to turn yellow. Spring is the peak season for growth and new shoots of the Foxtail Asparagus Fern, so water and fertilizer management should be attended to. After temperatures rise in late spring, the Foxtail Asparagus Fern should be placed in a bright spot.

In summer it is suitable for placement on east- or north-facing balconies. The Foxtail Asparagus Fern tolerates high temperatures but not direct sun. In summer it can be placed in a corner with diffused light, keeping the potting soil moist while increasing the frequency of misting its leaves and the surrounding area, and improving ventilation to lower the indoor temperature. After temperatures turn cool in autumn, its growth speeds up, and it should gradually be moved to a spot with morning and evening light, with attention to water and fertilizer management.

After temperatures drop in late autumn, pay attention to maintaining indoor warmth. At this point the Foxtail Asparagus Fern can be moved to a spot with ample light, and watering gradually reduced so the potting soil stays on the dry side, allowing it to enter a semi-dormant state.

In winter it should be placed in a spot with light; when temperatures are low, keep the potting soil on the dry side, and when midday temperatures are higher, sprinkle water on the leaves and surrounding area several times. The Foxtail Asparagus Fern can still grow slowly, so the potting soil should be kept moist.

Repot once every year in early spring. When repotting, cut away some of the tuberous roots and cut off stems that have too many yellow leaves or are too old at the base, to encourage healthy, attractive new growth. The potting soil should be loose and fertile, with well-rotted cake fertilizer mixed in as a base fertilizer. When planting, do not fill the pot too full; leave a good margin at the rim, so that rapid root growth does not push the roots above the soil surface and interfere with watering.