Asparagus Fern

Asparagus aethiopicus is a member of the asparagus family that only looks fern-like, with arching stems clothed in fine, feathery, needle-like cladodes that give it a soft, airy texture. Despite the common name, it is not a true fern and reproduces by seed, not spores.

It is tough, fast-growing, and forgiving, tolerating more light and drought than real ferns. Tiny white flowers are followed by small red berries.

Beware that its stems carry small but sharp thorns, and the plant is considered invasive in some warm regions.

Identify the asparagus fern by:

• Foliage: soft, feathery sprays of fine, needle-like green cladodes (not true leaves)
• Stems: arching and trailing, bearing small, sharp thorns
• Flowers: tiny, white or pinkish, lightly fragrant
• Berries: small green berries ripening to red, each holding a seed
• Habit: bushy and cascading; the foxtail form makes upright plume-like stems

• Light: bright, indirect light; tolerates some morning sun
• Water: keep the soil lightly moist, letting the surface dry between waterings; tolerates occasional drought thanks to tuberous roots
• Humidity: moderate to high; mist if foliage yellows in dry air
• Soil: well-draining potting mix
• Temperature: 60-80 degrees F
• Feeding: feed monthly in spring and summer
• Propagation: division of the tuberous root mass, or from seed
• Caution: wear gloves, as the stems have small thorns

The asparagus fern is native to the coastal areas and forests of southern Africa, particularly South Africa, where it grows as a spreading ground cover and understory plant.

It is grown worldwide as a houseplant and as a landscape and hanging-basket plant in mild climates. In places such as Florida, Hawaii, and Australia it has escaped cultivation and is considered an invasive weed.

The asparagus fern is grown as an ornamental for its soft, feathery foliage, popular in hanging baskets, containers, and as filler greenery in floral arrangements. It is toxic to pets if the berries or foliage are eaten, and the berries are also harmful to people, so it has no culinary use despite its asparagus kinship.