The Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a popular ornamental plant, known for its delicate, feathery foliage that adds an airy texture to indoor or outdoor spaces. Despite its common name, it is a member of the Asparagaceae family, not a true fern. Increasing your collection of this resilient plant is straightforward, with two primary methods available to the home grower, allowing you to multiply your existing plant.
Multiplying Through Root Division
Root division is the fastest way to create new Asparagus Ferns, best performed during repotting in the spring or early summer when the plant is in an active growth phase. This process involves carefully separating the mature root ball into smaller sections. The plant’s structure, which features fleshy, tuberous roots, makes it well-suited for this method, as these tubers store the necessary energy and nutrients for recovery.
Gently remove the mature plant from its container, which may require loosening the edges or wiggling the root ball free. The dense, compacted nature of the roots and tubers will be apparent. Using a clean, sharp implement like a knife or trowel, cut the root ball into two or more sections. A clean cut minimizes damage to the root system, and it is not necessary to gently tease the roots apart.
Each new division must be substantial, containing a healthy portion of the root system, several tubers, and a cluster of foliage. Replant these divisions into separate containers filled with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Planting the divisions quickly helps to reduce the time the roots are exposed to the air, lessening the shock of the division process.
Growing New Plants from Seed
A secondary method involves germinating seeds, a process that requires more patience than division and is slower to yield a mature plant. Mature Asparagus Ferns receiving sufficient light produce small, round berries that ripen to a red or orange color, each containing one to three seeds. These berries must be harvested when fully ripe, and the pulp must be cleaned away to extract the viable seeds.
Before planting, a pre-treatment process involves scarifying the seeds to weaken the hard outer shell and soaking them in warm water for 24 hours. This prepares the seed for germination by allowing moisture to penetrate the seed coat. The prepared seeds should then be sown on the surface of a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix and lightly pressed in, as they require light to successfully germinate.
The seed tray or pots should be placed in a warm environment, ideally between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and kept in bright, indirect light. Maintaining high humidity and consistent moisture is necessary, which can be achieved by covering the tray with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap. Germination takes between three and four weeks, after which the new seedlings are ready to be transplanted into individual pots.
Ensuring Success After Propagation
Attention to the newly separated or germinating plants is important for successful establishment. Both divisions and seedlings benefit from placement in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can quickly scorch the delicate foliage and cause severe stress. New divisions are susceptible to transplant shock, which may manifest as a temporary yellowing or dropping of the needle-like cladodes.
Maintaining consistent moisture in the potting mix is necessary for root establishment, but waterlogging must be avoided to prevent root rot. Allowing the top inch of soil to feel dry before rewatering is a reliable method for balancing moisture. High humidity encourages recovery and new growth, which can be provided by misting regularly or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Newly propagated plants should not be fertilized immediately, as this can stress the root system while it recovers. Wait until you observe clear signs of established new growth, such as fresh green shoots emerging from the crown. Once new growth is evident, a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer can be introduced during the regular watering schedule.