Asparagus fern is not a true fern. NCSU, Wisconsin Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UGA, and Arkansas Extension put it in Asparagaceae. The fine green sprays are cladodes, not fern fronds.
The plant sold as lace or plumosa fern is Asparagus setaceus, still labeled Asparagus plumosus in older sheets. Sprengeri types appear as Asparagus densiflorus or, on UF/IFAS FP051, Asparagus aethiopicus ‘Sprengeri’ with densiflorus Sprengeri as a misapplied name. Foxtail Myersii stays in the same group with an upright habit. Those names belong here. Boston fern and staghorn fern are different plants.
Iowa State's houseplant table marks Asparagus densiflorus for division only. Wisconsin, NCSU setaceus, UF/IFAS, TAMU, RHS, and Arkansas name division and seed. Cuttings are thin: UF/IFAS FP051 names them for Sprengeri. Arkansas marks terminal cuttings no. Iowa marks no stem cutting. Sources don’t give a cutting length or weeks.
Indoor only. Florida landscape spacing stays off.
For a drained mix, see soil propagation.
Division
Iowa: Asparagus densiflorus is marked for division. Early spring through summer is the best window for most houseplants. Iowa's division how-to lists densiflorus: early spring is ideal. Each piece needs healthy leaves, stems, and roots. Wait a few weeks before fertilizing.
Wisconsin densiflorus: spring is best, but these plants can be divided almost any time. Separate into smaller pieces. The tubers regenerate plants.
RHS setaceus: divide in early spring. UF/IFAS FP051: division of the root ball. UF/IFAS FP052 Myersii: division of the tubers. TAMU Sprengeri: division and seed. Arkansas: division yes.
Arkansas general division timing is late winter or early summer. Wisconsin prefers spring and RHS early spring.
Sources don’t give a piece count or weeks-to-root for asparagus fern division.
Seed
Wisconsin densiflorus: soak seed overnight. Germinates in 3 to 4 weeks at room temperature. Berries up to 1/4 inch. Each contains one to three black seeds.
UF/IFAS FP051 Sprengeri: berries contain 1 or 2 black hard seeds. Germinate in 4 to 6 weeks.
RHS setaceus: sow in autumn or early spring. Germinate at 16 °C (61 °F).
UGA: asparagus ferns may be easily grown from seed. Arkansas: seed is best for Fern Asparagus. Iowa: houseplant seed is generally impractical indoors because houseplants rarely flower and pollinate indoors.
Wisconsin gives 3 to 4 weeks to germinate and UF 4 to 6 weeks. UF counts 1 to 2 seeds per berry and Wisconsin 1 to 3.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this plant with Boston fern or staghorn fern.
- Treating cuttings as a main method. UF FP051 names cuttings. Arkansas and Iowa do not support stem cuttings. No length or weeks exist.
- Expecting one germination time. Wisconsin gives 3 to 4 weeks and UF 4 to 6 weeks.
- Expecting one division season. Wisconsin says spring, and other sources time it differently.
- Landscape spacing from UF fact sheets as the indoor how-to.
Asparagus fern, lace fern, plumosa, and Sprengeri / foxtail types sold under that name belong here.
People also ask
Is it a real fern?
No. Extensions place it with asparagus, not with true ferns. It makes flowers and berries, not spores.
Can I root cuttings?
UF/IFAS FP051 names cuttings for Sprengeri but doesn’t describe how to take them. Arkansas marks terminal cuttings no. Iowa marks no stem cutting.
How long until seed sprouts?
Wisconsin densiflorus: 3 to 4 weeks after an overnight soak. UF FP051: 4 to 6 weeks. RHS setaceus: 16 °C (61 °F), no week count. Not one number.