Foxtail Fern botanically known as Asparagus densiflorus (a-SPARE-uh-gus den-see-FLOR-us) is a native of the Cape of Good Hope area in South Africa.
This herbaceous perennial is in the genus Asparagus and a member of the lily family – Liliaceae.
The species name densiflorus, refers to the tiny white flowers which grow densely along the stem of the plant. It may also refer to the plants’ dense foliage.
Common names include:
- Sprenger’s asparagus fern
- Asparagus fern plant
- Asparagus meyeri
- Fox Tail Fern
- Emerald Fern
Asparagus Foxtail Fern Care
Asparagus densiflorus is an ornamental plant and not an edible asparagus.
Size & Growth
Foxtail fern plants can attain a height of 2′ to 3′ feet and a spread of 3′ to 4′ feet.
Evergreen needle-like leaves on attractive arching stems and fern-like, but this plant is not actually a true fern. New growth emerges as cylindrical spears.
When kept in deep shade, the foliage is very pale green. In partial shade, the fronds are a dark green.
Full sun is not recommended as it leads to foxtail fern turning yellow. Asparagus fern has tiny thorns that are not problematic.
Flowering & Fragrance
Foxtail fern is a seasonal bloomer that produces very small white flowers that transition into bright red berries.
The flowers are small and insignificant, but quite fragrant. The foxtail blooms from late in the spring to early in the summer.
Following this, the flowers become small, attractive, bright red berries that ripen in the autumn.
Light & Temperature
Foxtail fern plant does best in partial shade with bright indirect light. In some areas, they will grow in full direct sunlight.
Fox tail plant is tolerant of cold temperatures down to 25° degrees Fahrenheit.
It may die back at this low temperature, but the tuberous root system will remain alive below the soil.
In colder climates, the lower temperatures will kill the plant entirely. Bring potted plants indoors during the winter months.
Watering & Feeding Asparagus Foxtail Meyeri
Fox tail plants are somewhat drought tolerant.
During the growing season, water plants regularly and reduce the watering schedule somewhat as an indoor plant for the winter.
It does not go through a dormancy, but it does rest during the cooler months of the year.
NOTE: When growing plants indoors misting will keep the foxtail hydrated.
Fertilization Of Foxtail Ferns
Foxtail Asparagus has low fertilizer needs. But a little bit of fertilizer provides the nutrients to them grow stronger with better color.
Apply a balanced, granular, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of spring, summer, and fall.
Fertilizing with a balanced half-strength liquid fertilizer once per month is another option.
Foxtail ferns grow well in soils with lots of organic material. If you have rich compost available, fertilizing may not be required.
Soil & Transplanting
Potting soil should be a well-draining soil, a slightly acidic soil and consistently moist for best results.
Grooming & Maintenance
Foxtail ferns are an easy-care, attractive house plant.
It can spread and ramble quite a bit and needs pruning or pinching back to help maintain its growth and shape.
You can also promote complete regeneration by cutting the plant back to the ground and giving it the opportunity to start over again with new growth.
How To Propagate The Foxtail Asparagus
Asparagus densiflorus myers can be propagated by seed or by division.
Gather berries from mature plants in autumn. Split them open and you will find a few black seeds inside.
Scar these with a nail file and soak them in warm water for several hours. Sow the seeds in a pot of moistened soil and cover lightly with plastic wrap.
Place the container in a warm area (75°-85° degrees Fahrenheit) in bright, indirect light.
Keep the soil moist until the seeds begin to sprout, then remove the plastic.
To propagate by division, simply cut the root ball or root system when repotting the plant.
Pests or Diseases Of Foxtail Densiflorus
Generally speaking, foxtail fern is not subject to any serious disease or insect problems.
In damp settings outdoors, you may have problems with aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and slugs.
Dampness may also cause leaf spot and leaf rot.
Are Foxtail Plants Toxic or Poisonous?
This plant is a true member of the asparagus family, but it is not an edible plant.
Asparagus fern is mildly poisonous in that the sap can cause skin irritation.
Additionally, berries can cause gastrointestinal distress if eaten.
Adverse reactions to the sap and berries are typically mild, but it is best to wear gloves when handling this plant and wash up afterwards.
Naturally, since this is not an edible plant, you should not eat the berries.
Is The Plant Considered Invasive?
Outdoors, birds will eat the seeds and spread them randomly. Seeds are safe for birds to eat.
In USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, this heat-loving, salt tolerant plant will quickly naturalize.
For this reason, the plant is considered somewhat invasive in tropical and subtropical areas such as Hawaii and Florida.
Uses For Foxtail Asparagus Ferns
In USDA zones 9 – 11, it does well as a naturalized garden plant, border plant, or patio plant.
It also makes an interesting groundcover and potted specimen. The picture below is of the Asparagus sprengeri fern planted in a larger planter.
Learn more about Asparagus sprengeri care.
In all other hardiness zones, it makes an excellent houseplant even in a bathroom. It can be kept outdoors in a hanging basket during the growing season (spring through fall) and brought in for the winter.
The foxtail fern does not require high humidity, so it does well in a heated indoor setting in the wintertime.
As a container plant, the Foxtail fern makes a nice potted plant, and the Emerald fern is excellent for hanging baskets or placed as a specimen plant on a pedestal.
The stems make a nice backdrop to floral arrangements.