Houseplant of the Week: Asparagus Fern

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Many common names for houseplants can be misleading; they are often based on what the plant looks like as opposed to what it actually is.

Take, for example, the Asparagus Fern. No, it isn’t a fern, and you aren’t about to harvest some delicious vegetable spears if you cultivate one. (And, in fact, if your Asparagus fern sprouts berries, please note they are not edible.)

Here’s another example where what you see doesn’t quite match reality: those fuzzy, soft-looking fronds? They can hide thorny spurs, so be careful when you tend to your plant.

Caring for Your Asparagus Fern 

Light: Ferns grow in the wild on forest floors where there’s a lot of shade, but this doesn’t mean that your houseplant has to be in a dark corner. It thrives best in bright, indirect light.

Misting: Mist the plant daily, focusing on the arching stems. If the plant appears to be turning brown and droopy, it likely needs more water.

Water: Keep soil moist and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.