Gus

Asparagus Fern

Asparagus Setaceus

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Needs some love

• Gus likes...
  • 
    Regular watering

    Moist but not soggy is his vibe. Water him whenever the top two inches of soil are dry.

  • 
    Most light conditions

    Like most ferns, he’ll be happy in moderate shade to soft, bright light. He doesn’t love direct sun.

  • 
    Humidity

    He likes some moisture in the air to keep his leaves fresh. Put him in a light bathroom or mist him regularly.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Asparagus setaceus

  Nickname

  Asparagus fern; Lace fern; Ferny asparagus

  Plant type

  Evergreen climber, indoor

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  20-30cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  12cm

• About asparagus ferns

  This elegant little indoor plant is native to South Africa, where it grows in soft clumps in steamy forests. It lives in the partial shade of larger trees, stretching out its fine leaves. In the wild it will flower in the spring with little bell-shaped blooms that give way to small green berries.

  It’s not warm enough to grow it outside in the UK, but it makes a beautiful houseplant. Because it’s used to growing beneath other trees, it’s accustomed to anything from partial shade to bright, indirect light. It likes moist air that echoes its forest home, so regular misting is a good idea. It also loves a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

  As it’s not keen on being touched very much, it’s a really good plant for a shelf, where it won’t be bothered. Its beauty is best enjoyed from a comfortable distance.

  Did you know?

  Despite the name, the asparagus fern is not actually a true fern. It was just given the name because it looks very...ferny.