How to Grow and Care for Foxtail Fern

A perennial evergreen plant with thick, fluffy stems of pine-needle-like leaves, foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus) [1] has a plush appearance. The foxtail fern, although a member of the asparagus [2] family, isn't really a fern at all because it reproduces through seeds rather than spores. The feathery plant has tiny white blossoms that develop into striking red berries, making it a lovely addition to both outdoor gardens and indoor plant collections. Additionally used in floral arrangements as greenery, foxtail fern keeps its freshness for two to three weeks.

Please be aware that the foxtail fern, especially its blossoms and berries, may be toxic to both people and animals [3].

Common Name	Foxtail Fern
Botanical Name	Asparagus densiflorus
Plant Type	Perennial Evergreen
Sun Exposure	Partial to Full Shade
Mature Size	1 to 3 feet in height and 2 to 4 feet in width
Soil pH	Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 7.5)
Soil Type	Well-draining, loamy soil
Flower Color	Small white or greenish-white flowers, although Foxtail Ferns are primarily grown for their attractive foliage rather than their flowers.
Toxicity	Toxic to both people and animals

There are several types or varieties of Foxtail Ferns (Asparagus densiflorus), each with its own unique characteristics. Here's a list of some of the most popular types, along with a brief description of each:

• Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' (Myers Fern): The Myers Fern is a compact and bushy variety of Foxtail Fern, known for its dense, feathery foliage. It's a great choice for small gardens or as an indoor plant. Its vibrant green fronds make it an attractive addition to any space.

• Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyersii' (Meyers Foxtail Fern): Meyers Foxtail Fern is a more delicate and lacy variation of the species. It's fine-textured fronds give it an elegant appearance, making it a favorite for ornamental purposes. It thrives in partial to full shade and is an excellent choice for hanging baskets.

• Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' (Sprengeri Fern): Sprengeri Fern, also known as the Sprenger Asparagus Fern, has arching, cascading stems covered with needle-like leaves. It's often used in floral arrangements and hanging baskets due to its graceful trailing habit.

• Asparagus densiflorus 'Cwebe' (Cwebe Fern): The Cwebe Fern is a compact and clumping variety with dense, emerald-green foliage. It's a tough and resilient plant, perfect for ground cover or adding texture to garden borders. This variety can tolerate a range of soil conditions.

• Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri Compacta' (Compact Sprengeri Fern): Compact Sprengeri Fern is a more restrained version of the Sprengeri Fern, making it suitable for smaller spaces. Its trailing stems and fine, needle-like leaves create an appealing cascading effect, making it an ideal choice for hanging pots or containers.

• Asparagus densiflorus 'Nanus' (Nanus Foxtail Fern): Nanus Foxtail Fern is a dwarf variety known for its diminutive size and delicate appearance. It's well-suited for rock gardens, miniature landscapes, or as an edging plant. Despite its small stature, it retains the classic foxtail frond structure.

• Asparagus densiflorus 'Mazeppa' (Mazeppa Fern): Mazeppa Fern is valued for its robust and vigorous growth. Its arching fronds are slightly broader than other varieties, giving it a distinct appearance. It's a reliable choice for filling in garden spaces and providing lush greenery.

Foxtail fern appears fragile but is actually fairly tough. It's a relaxed plant with little maintenance needs. This fern only requires well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. You will have a lovely bushy plant if you combine this with room to grow and occasional cutting of spent stems. The foxtail fern can withstand drought because of its tuberous roots. However, because of its robust root system, it might suffocate smaller, more delicate plants in your yard.

In colder locations, foxtail fern may easily be taken indoors for the winter when kept in pots and makes an excellent houseplant.

Temperature and Humidity

Foxtail fern, which is indigenous to South Africa, does well in hot and muggy conditions. Provide an ambient humidity source for indoor plants, such as a pebble tray filled with water. These plants enjoy being misted as well.

In Zones 9a to 11b, foxtail fern can be kept outside year-round. However, potted ferns must be brought indoors during the winter in colder locations. Protect this plant from any potential frosts because it cannot tolerate chilly temperatures.

Soil

As long as the soil drains efficiently to prevent root rot, foxtail fern can tolerate a wide range of soil types. Although this is not a strict necessity, it prefers slightly acidic soil.

Water

Even when the earth is dry, the tuberous roots of the foxtail fern may store water. Because of this, it is simple to overwater this plant. Maintain a weekly watering plan, giving your fern a healthy drink, but allowing the top three inches of soil to totally dry out in between. In the event of a drought, you might have to water your lawn more regularly. Just use your finger to test the soil first.

When watering potted plants, always provide plenty of drainage and never let water sit in the tray.

Fertilizer

Throughout the growing season, feed your foxtail once a month with a 10-10-10 plant food at half strength starting in the spring. Both liquid fertilizers and slow-release fertilizers work well on foxtail fern. You can also add one inch of compost to the soil surrounding outdoor garden ferns each year in the fall, followed by two inches of mulch.

Light

The foxtail fern likes to grow in locations with filtered shade and appreciates mild light. A little morning sunlight is acceptable, but make sure your plant is protected throughout the hot, sunny afternoon. Place foxtail fern indoors in a bright, indirect area of light. The leaves will burn if there is too much intense light.

The little red berries on the foxtail fern plant contain seeds that can be used to grow new plants. Although the new plants will require two to three growing seasons to reach full maturity, this procedure is equally as effective as dividing an established fern.

How to grow foxtail fern from seed is as follows:

• A glass of water, some plastic wrap, and potting soil with vermiculite should be gathered.

• Harvest the existing ferns' scarlet berries in the fall. For 24 hours, let the berries soak in a glass of water. The seeds with the best probability of germination should be chosen the following day from those that have settled to the bottom of the glass.

• After adding potting soil, lightly spray the top of each pot.

• Make two tiny holes in each pot after removing the fruit from each seed. Put two seeds into each pot. Water is once more misted on the land.

• Place each pot in a window that gets indirect light, then wrap it in plastic wrap. Until they begin to sprout, mist them often for three to four weeks.

• Pull the shorter of the two seedlings when they are three to four inches tall and set the pot outside in indirect sunlight during a warm day. Until you are prepared to move it to your garden bed, bring it inside at night for a few days.

The secret to cultivating a strong potted foxtail fern is finding the ideal pot or container size. A fern kept in a pot that is too big could retain too much water, leading to rot issues. When the foxtail plant's roots get bound (and start to poke their heads above the earth), it is time to repot it.

Simply transfer your fern to a pot that is two inches bigger than the previous one at this point, or divide it carefully, as if propagating, and move half of the fern into a different container. Foxtail fern thrives in porous clay or stone containers that soak up extra moisture and resemble the plant's native environment.

The optimum time to divide foxtail fern is in the spring because it is the simplest method of propagation. Always cut through the middle of the plant using a sharp knife or spade when dividing ferns. Make sure each separated portion has strong roots and greens after it has been dug. The first watering after transplanting should be thorough.

To spread through division, follow these steps:

• Get a spade shovel, a garden knife or good-quality garden shears, mulch, soil conditioner, and compost.

• To reveal the root ball, dig up your giant fern (or, for potted plants, turn the pot on its side to remove the fern from the pot).

• Divide the roots in half with your garden shears or knife, being careful to evenly distribute the greenery. the two sides apart by pulling.

• Spread the soil conditioner into two holes that have been dug that are wider than they are deep. Fill the holes with water and let the soil drain.

• Each root ball should be inserted into the hole with the roots completely buried. Add dirt and compost to the backfill. Give the ferns plenty of water.

• Spread compost, soil conditioner, or garden mulch all around the plant's base after waiting one or two days.

Foxtails are not very prone to bugs and pests, although an untidy plant may attract the mealybug and other scale insects. If this occurs, lumps on the plant's leaves or stems may be visible, signifying a sapsucker infestation. Apply organic neem oil to your plant to repel the pests and stop them from returning.

Foxtail ferns that receive excessive water are prone to succumb to fungus, powdery mildew, and crown rot. A combination of overwatering and hot, humid weather is ideal for fungal growth.

How long does foxtail fern take to reach maturity?

To reach full maturity, foxtail fern needs three or more growth seasons. Although a mature plant can reach a width of six to eight feet, most only maintain a three to four foot width for years at a time.

What function do foxtail ferns offer in the garden?

Foxtail ferns are utilized as borders in perennial gardens next to flowering plants. They can also be positioned in outdoor pots near entrances to homes or along walkways.

What is the best way to propagate foxtail ferns?

The easiest way to propagate foxtail ferns is by dividing the plant. Simply remove the plant from its pot or dig it up from the ground and gently separate the clumps of stems and roots. Each clump can then be planted in a new pot or location in the garden. Foxtail ferns can also be propagated from seeds or by taking stem cuttings, but these methods can be more challenging and time-consuming. Regardless of the method, it's important to ensure that the new plants are given proper care and attention to help them establish and grow.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus) - NSW WeedWise

2. How to Grow Asparagus in Your Garden - USU

3. Foxtail Fern - Louisiana State University