Foxtailasparagus fernsare unusual and attractive evergreen flowering plants and have many uses in the landscape and beyond.Asparagus densiflorus‘Myers’ is related to the asparagus fern ‘Sprengeri’ and is actually a member of the lily family. Let’s find out how to take care of a foxtail fern in the garden.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Adding a bright note year-round, Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’ (Asparagus Fern)) is a very ornamental, tuberous, evergreen perennial with erect to arching stems densely clothed with delicate, plume-like foliage. Resembling foxtails, the deep green foliage looks great in floral arrangements.
Small, inconspicuous, fragrant, white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. They are followed by few red berries which ripen by fall.
Native to eastern Africa and South Africa, Asparagus densiflorus species has been widely introduced globally as an ornamental. It is considered invasive in Australia and parts of the United States including Florida, Hawaii, and southern California.
The species can form dense spiny mats, suppressing other ground flora and depleting the soil of nutrients and moisture. Birds eat the berries and help spread the seed to new locations where the seed will often readily sprout. Myersii is more compact than the species and produces fewer berries. It is therefore much less of an invasive threat. This is one of the most popular cultivars.
II. How to Grow and Care
Hardiness
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’ has tuberous roots that can survive temperatures down to 20°F and regrow the following spring.
It’s hardy in zones 9-11, but the foliage is only evergreen in areas that don’t experience consistent temperatures under 50°F.
Sunlight
Direct sun can be too harsh for foxtail ferns. The foliage will burn when exposed to afternoon rays, especially in hot climates.
Instead, opt for a partial shade location that gets direct exposure only in the morning or evening.
Indoors, choose a spot with bright, indirect or diffused light, such as a west or east facing window. You may need to use a grow light if yours is in a dark room.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for successful foxtail fern care is between 65-75°F.
The tubers can survive lows all the way down to 20°F, but the foliage will begin to die back at anything under 50°F.
High heat can cause browning, so provide plenty of shade and water when it starts to exceed 80°F.
Humidity
Foxtail ferns prefer a moderate to high humidity environment, around 40% or more. You can use a monitor to check it.
Outdoors this usually isn’t a problem, but indoors they may need more. You can try misting, placing it on a pebble tray filled with water, or running a humidifier nearby.
Watering
The tuberous root system of Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’ allows it to store water for a long time, making it drought tolerant.
But if it’s allowed to completely dry out for long periods of time, the foliage will begin to wilt and suffer.
Provide deep drinks whenever the top 3” feels dry. A moisture meter can really help you understand when it’s time, if you struggle with it.
Water thoroughly until it begins to come out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Always discard all excess, and avoid leaving it in soaking to prevent issues like rot.
Soil
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’ can thrive in many types of potting soil. But they’ll grow best in a rich, slightly acidic, well-draining mixture.
Outdoors you can amend clay or sandy soils with compost. Indoors, you can make your own by mixing 3 parts potting soil with 1 part each of perlite and peat moss.
Fertilizing
Feeding your foxtail fern during the spring and summer is a good way to keep it thriving.
Use slow release granules once per season, or a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly.
Choose a balanced, organic liquid option like compost tea, liquid kelp, or fish emulsion.
Pruning
There’s no real need to trim a foxtail fern, but it is a good way to keep it looking and growing its best. They’re very tolerant of hard pruning.
In the spring you can pinch off new tips to encourage branching. The rest of the year you can use sharp, sterile precision pruners to clip off discolored or dying stems as needed.
Propagation
Foxtail ferns ‘Myers’ can be propagated by seed or division. Since seeds can be difficult to obtain and germinate, especially from indoor plants, dividing the rootball is more common.
Simply remove the plant from its container and brush away the dirt. Use a sharp sterile knife to cut the rootball into sections that have both fronds and roots.
Replant them in fresh potting soil and water lightly. Once they’ve settled into their new homes you can resume normal care.
Repotting
Foxtail ferns ‘Myers’ are fast growing, and may require repotting as part of their annual care routine.
Look for roots emerging from the drainage holes or over the surface of the soil. Move them up no more than one pot size in the spring.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Healthy foxtail ferns rarely have issues with pests, but occasionally spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can become an issue. Treat any bugs you see immediately with natural pest control. Neem oil or an insecticidal soap are both good options.
Common Problems
Foxtail ferns ‘Myers’ are easy to care for, but over time you may run into one of these common issues. Here are my best tips on how to get yours back into good health.
- Yellow Fronds
Yellowing fronds is a common problem that can be caused by a wide variety of issues.
Inconsistent watering, too much or too little light, bugs, or nutrient deficiencies could all be culprits.
Keep them out of the direct rays but provide bright indirect sunlight, or add a grow light in a dim room. Avoid making the soil soggy or letting it get bone-dry.
- Not Growing
If your foxtail fern isn’t growing it’s a sign that the care isn’t ideal. It could be improper watering, poor soil, or insufficient light.
Ensure that it’s getting the right amount of light and water, and try adding liquid or granular fertilizer if you’ve never fed it before.
- Brown Leaves
Browning can be a sign of too much sun or heat, but it can also be a natural part of aging.
If only a few older fronds are browning over time, it’s nothing to worry about.
But if it happens to new fronds or to several all at once, check the amount of direct exposure it receives, or move it to a cooler, sheltered location.
III. Uses and Benefits
Take advantage of this attractive plant for many of your gardening needs. Bottlebrush-like plumes of foxtail fern plants are versatile; useful in the perennial border alongside other flowering plants, in outdoor containers, and as houseplants for winter months.
Foxtail ferns ‘Myers’ have a moderate salt tolerance, so include them in your seaside plantings when a finely textured plant is desired in USDA Zones 9-11. In colder zones, grow the plant as an annual or in a container to bring inside for the winter.
Foxtail plumes are also useful as greenery in cut flower arrangements, lasting for two to three weeks before the foliage yellows.