Asparagus Fern

Asparagus setaceus · Houseplant

Quick answer: Water: Freely in growth, less in winter. Light: Bright, filtered light; keep out of hot direct sun. Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich potting mix; slightly acidic. Pets: The ASPCA lists asparagus fern as toxic to cats and dogs. Eating the berries can cause stomach upset with vomiting, belly pain or diarrhea, and repeated skin contact can cause allergic skin irritation. Keep it out of reach, and if your pet eats it, ask your vet.

Not a true fern but a climbing relative of asparagus, with soft, feathery sprays of tiny needle-like leaves. It is easy indoors in bright filtered light, but its stems carry small spines and its berries are harmful if eaten.

Care at a glance

Light

Bright, filtered light; keep out of hot direct sun

Water

Water freely spring to autumn, sparingly in winter

Soil

Moist, well-drained, rich potting mix; slightly acidic

Temperature

Best 55–70 °F; bring indoors when it nears 55 °F; no frost

Pot size

Move up one size in spring when root-bound; 6–8 in is typical (estimated)

Pot

Drainage holes; give a small support if it starts to climb

Growth

2–3 ft tall and wide indoors; can climb much higher

Lifespan

Perennial; many years (estimated)

When?

Repot or divide in early spring, when growth restarts. It can spend summer outdoors in shade but should come back inside before nights fall to about 55 °F.

Step by step

1. Wear gloves when handling; the stems have small sharp spines and the sap can irritate skin.
2. Place it in bright, filtered light, away from hot midday sun.
3. Water freely in the growing season so the mix stays lightly moist; cut back in winter.
4. Raise humidity with a pebble tray if needle tips turn brown.
5. Feed during spring and summer; follow the product label.
6. Repot in spring when roots fill the pot, using a well-drained mix.
7. Divide large plants in early spring to make new ones.
8. Pick off berries if they form, so pets and children cannot eat them.

Common problems

Pets

The ASPCA lists asparagus fern as toxic to cats and dogs. Eating the berries can cause stomach upset with vomiting, belly pain or diarrhea, and repeated skin contact can cause allergic skin irritation. Keep it out of reach, and if your pet eats it, ask your vet.

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