Plant Details

• Botanical NameFern- Asparagus Plumosis Climbing Asparagus Fern (commonly sold as Asparagus plumosus; botanically Asparagus setaceus)
• Common NameFern- Asparagus Plumosis; Plumosa Asparagus Fern; Climbing Asparagus
• Size & GrowthIndoors 3–6 ft tall with support, 2–4 ft spread; outdoors in frost-free areas 10–20+ ft with trellising; airy, climbing habit.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 9–11; protect from frost. Ideal temperatures 60–80°F (16–27°C).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen, ultra-fine “fern-like” cladodes on slender stems; soft, feathery texture.
• Bloom TimeLate spring to summer on mature plants; small white, sweetly fragrant flowers; berries may follow.
• Growth RateModerate to fast in warm, bright conditions with consistent moisture and humidity.
• Light RequirementsBright, indirect light to dappled shade; morning sun is fine, avoid harsh midday sun.
• Attracts PollinatorsOutdoors, small flowers may attract bees and small pollinators; minimal impact indoors.
• Indoor FriendlyYes—excellent houseplant when given support, humidity, and bright filtered light.
• Container FriendlyThrives in pots and hanging baskets with good drainage; easy to manage size and spread.
• Deer ResistantGenerally unpalatable to deer.
• Pet WarningToxic to cats and dogs if ingested (saponins). Berries and foliage can cause GI upset; wear gloves—mature stems may have small prickles.
• FragrantYes—flowers are faintly sweetly scented when present.
• Cut FlowerOutstanding cut foliage; long-lasting greenery for arrangements and boutonnieres.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Philodendron, Pothos, Peperomia, Peace Lily, Calathea, Ferns (Nephrolepis), Begonia, Coleus (shade), Impatiens (outdoors, frost-free).

Note: Often labeled “Asparagus plumosus” in trade; current accepted botanical name is Asparagus setaceus.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsUse a pot with drainage; gently loosen the rootball and set at the same level as in the nursery pot. Provide a trellis or moss pole and softly tie stems to train upward.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist—allow the top 1 inch of mix to dry between waterings. Never let sit in water; reduce watering in winter.
• Soil TypeLight, well-draining mix: 50% peat/coco coir, 25% perlite, 25% fine bark; pH slightly acidic to neutral (≈5.5–6.5).
• HumidityPrefers 40–60%+; benefits from pebble trays or a humidifier. Avoid hot, dry drafts from heaters or vents.
• Pruning InstructionsCut yellowed or leggy stems back to the base. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching; routinely tie new growth to its support.
• Winter CareKeep above 50–55°F (10–13°C); give the brightest possible light; water less but don’t allow to fully dry. Move containers indoors before cold snaps.
• Planting DepthSet the crown level with the soil surface; do not bury stems. In containers, leave 1–2 inches of headspace for watering.
• FertilizationFeed every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer with a balanced, dilute liquid fertilizer (¼–½ strength) or apply a slow‑release formula; hold fertilizer in fall–winter.
• Special CareSupport climbing stems; repot every 1–2 years in spring. Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wear gloves if handling older stems. In warm climates, contain in pots and remove berries to prevent self‑seeding.