If you are looking for an attractive plant to add to your tropical home gardening collection, the foxtail fern plant is a great choice. This bright green plant will add the right touch of fun and brightness to your room without being overpowering.
The bright emerald green colors are vibrant and will lift your mood every time you come home or walk into your office. With its easy to care for manner, the foxtail fern is sure to be a crowd-pleaser among all of your other indoor plants.
This indoor plant is relatively easy to care for and is much more visually appealing than its cousin the asparagus fern. Contrary to the name of this plant, it is not actually a fern but instead comes from the lily family.
The plant will stay green all year long which makes its bright needle-like leaves stand out during the winter months. During the spring you can look forward to small white flowers that later turn into tiny red berries. Though inedible, they provide an attractive look to the otherwise all green features of this plant.
Although the Asparagus densiflorus may seem like a gentle or delicate plant, it is actually quite aggressive. If you plan to keep this plant in a pot, you don’t have to worry about it much, but if you want to plant it in your garden that’s a different story.
Pruning regularly will keep growth in check and will also be the perfect time to propagate. If you are interested in raising this warm weather plant, keep on reading to find out more about its proper care.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Foxtail Fern |
| Scientific Name | Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’ |
| Family | Lily Family |
| Origin | Forest of South Africa |
| Light Requirement | Dappled sunlight |
| Temperature Tolerance | Lowest temperature tolerance is 50 degrees |
| Height | Can grow up to three feet tall |
| Growth | Aggressive, fast-growing, and drought-resistant once mature |
| Care | Requires regular pruning, occasional misting, and rotation of the pot for even sun disbursement |
| Propagation | Can be propagated from cuttings or by splitting at the root during repotting |
| Features | Vibrant emerald green needle-like leaves, small white flowers that turn into red berries in spring |
| Soil | Prefers high-quality potting mix formulated for tropical houseplants, needs well-draining soil |
| Watering | Soil should remain moderately moist, with drying out slightly between watering sessions |
| Fertilizing | Needs water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season |
| Common Issues | Overwatering can lead to root rot, inadequate sunlight or dry soil can lead to drooping leaves, lack of humidity may attract spider mites in winter |
About the Foxtail Fern Plant
- The asparagus densiflorus myers plant has strong tuberous roots.
- Foxtail fern plants thrive when provided dappled sunlight.
- Misting the plant occasionally will keep leaves perky and the plant well hydrated.
- This plant originally comes from the forest of South Africa.
- The foxtail fern can grow to be as tall as three feet.
- It is best to turn the pot by a quarter degree once a week to ensure proper sun disbursement.
- The lowest temperature a foxtail fern can tolerate is 50 degrees.
Foxtail Fern Plant Features: An Overview
- The botanical name of the foxtail fern is Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’.
- It has very small emerald-colored leaves in a plume formation.
- The asparagus densiflorus myers is a part of the lily family, but it is also related to the edible asparagus.
- The stems of the foxtail fern have 1 inch long needle-shaped leaves.
- The asparagus densiflorus myers is a native of Africa and loves warm temperatures.
- Foxtail ferns produce red berries ad white blooms in the spring.
- They will be drought resistant once matured.
- It grows aggressively and can survive in plants or in a wild garden.
Growing Foxtail Ferns
Growing the foxtail fern is simple. They can grow well in temperatures that range between 65 and 75 degrees. Plant your foxtail fern in a high-quality potting mix that is formulated for tropical houseplants.
It is a fast-growing plant and should be given a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing and overwatering in the winter when the growth cycle is dormant.
The Asparagus densiflorus is an aggressive and fast-growing houseplant. It will need to be pruned on a regular basis to curb its upward growth and to ensure it maintains its bushy appearance. Generally, it will need to be moved to a larger pot once a year which should be performed in the spring.
It the plant gets overcrowded, it can be split into two pots so long as the roots are gently separated. When the top three inches of the soil has become dry, water the plant again to ensure proper moisture and even growth.
Once your foxtail fern has matured, it will be resistant to drought, but it should still be planted or housed in a shaded area. In the winter the plant will do well in direct sunlight, but in the summer it should only be given dappled light to prevent burning. Although mature plants are drought resistant, it is a good idea to water them on a regular basis for optimal growth.
You will need to fertilize your foxtail once monthly, or more often if the leaves start to turn a pale yellow color.
Watering Foxtail Ferns
It is important to water your foxtail fern thoroughly. This is a plant that loves humidity and comes from a warm climate, so dryness will result in wilting leaves and slow-growing plants. Although the soil needs to remain moderately moist, it is a good idea to allow the soil to dry slightly between each watering session.
Overwatering of the foxtail fern and any other houseplant can easily trigger root rot. If your roots are overly wet and begin to rot, the plant will die.
- PLEASE SELECT HEAT PACK OPTION IF NIGHT TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 38F
- Easy Care Plants: Foxtail Ferns are tough, hardy plants that do well with limited care. Once this fern is established it is a drought resistant plant.
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
- Overall Size: 20 inches to 24 inches tall including the 10inch planter.
- Environment: The Foxtail Fern plant grows best with partial sun to full sun.
- Fan Favorite: With lush, needle like foliage the Foxtail fern is a perennial evergreen of the asparagus family. Long feathery plumes reaching up to 3ft in length that sprout small white flowers and red berries will bring a unique combination of style and color into any home or garden. Mature size on average is around 2 - 3' H x 3' W
- Attracts Birds: In the summer months white blossoms give way to small berries. Birds and other wildlife are huge fans and will bring life and movement into any garden you choose to place your fern. The soft plumes of the foxtail can be used a decorative cut flower arrangements. Perennial borders along side other flowering plants and houseplants in the winter are also both great uses.
- Low Maintenance: Foxtail require little care to successfully grow and will grow with minimal attention. To remain healthy in appearance prune fronds periodically to remove old growth and promote the growth of new.
- USDA Zones: Thriving in zones 10a - 11a the Foxtail fern is a lover of warm, humid climates similar to that of its natural habitat of the rainforests. Water weekly during spring and summer and allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering again. A soil mixture that includes perlite, peat moss and vermiculite is ideal.
- Potted Plant: Ships as a 2.5 Quart potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. This plant is unavailable to ship to Hawaii, California, and Alaska.
- This unusual evergreen fern adds textural contrast to perennial beds and borders. Long, plume-like stems hold soft, needle-like leaves. Develops red berries in fall. An excellent choice for hanging baskets and containers.
- The foxtail fern is an evergreen, drought-resistant plant that needs little care and looks bright green all year long. It is also known as Asparagus meyeri or Asparagus densiflorus 'myers'.
- Use these versatile plants trailing over the edge of retaining walls or larger containers, either alone or interplanted with showy annuals for seasonal color. Take care that asparagus fern does not overwhelm associated plants in this situation. After several years, the mass of roots and woody storage organs, which can be 3 to 6 feet long and at least an inch in diameter may completely fill the container and retard drainage.
- Upright, emerald plumes make foxtail fern a gorgeous accent plant for container groupings or staging among tropicals. This beautiful fern is easy to grow and, some say, more decorative than its close relative, the asparagus fern.
- The Pony Tail Fern's stems, with their many soft, needle-like leaves, point upwards in thick, hair-like branches. Truly a unique plant to be used sparingly in a garden. Whimsical in a hanging basket or border. In a perennial border, could be planted behind flowering groundcover.
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In the winter, the soil should not be allowed to completely dry out, but you will need to water less often. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will begin to shed. Never water the plant with hot or cold water. It should be watered with room temperature water or tepid water to prevent root shock. Humidity is also important for this forest plant.
A 40% to 50% humidity level is enough for this plant to grow well. If you live in a dry climate, house your plant on top of wet pebbles to help encourage a proper moisture balance.
For homes that use circulated air, it is important to mist the fronds as well as water the plant on a regular schedule. During dry winters, run a cool-mist room humidifier in the same room to prevent the plant from drying out. It should be kept out of the direct path of air vents that blow both hot and cold air.
Propagating Foxtail Ferns
Propagating the asparagus densiflorus myers is fairly easy. It is a fast-growing and aggressive plant that needs regular pruning. In order to maintain its bushy appearance; the stems should be cut on a regular basis.
These cuttings can be used to form new plants. Pruning and repotting should be performed in the spring. This is also the best time to propagate new asparagus densiflorus myers plants. When increasing pot sizes, cut a small root ball from a healthy part of the plant and place it in fresh soil.
Pot sizes should only be two inches larger than its previous pot to help curb its aggressive growth. For new cuttings, make sure there is a least one inch of space between the root ball or cutting and pot rim. The roots of the foxtail fern plant very thick and fleshy. The thickness will often dislodge soil during regular growth.
These plants need plenty of warmth and indirect sunlight in order to thrive. As tropical plants, they need a medium range of humidity and moist soil for proper growth. Direct sunlight or inadequate sunlight will cause the leaves to droop as will overly dry soil. Though most foxtail ferns are pest resistant, lack of proper humidity can cause spider mites to move in during the winter.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an attractive forest style plant to add to your indoor garden, the asparagus densiflorus myers is a great option. It is easy to care for and easy to propagate which makes it perfect for home gardeners on a budget.
Foxtail asparagus ferns are evergreen which makes them an attractive plant to use for home decoration all year long. In addition to hosting the plant indoors, it can also be planted outdoors to create a forest style landscape in the middle of the suburbs. These false ferns love to grow in clumps, which is where they got their names. The arching plumes are easily identifiable, and the white flowers and red berries add a festive touch.
Many gardeners will avoid planting the foxtail fern assuming that it is a delicate plant or that they are hard to care for. These hardy specimens are quick growers and made tough. Once they have matured either in the pot or in the garden they are drought resistant which makes them perfect for new gardeners and veterans alike.
Aside from cuttings, new plants can be propagated from the berried that appear after the flowering season. These seeds or berries can be saved for planting in the spring, or the plant can be split at the root during repotting.
A well-draining soil is the best for this forest-friendly plant to ensure that the tuberous roots get plenty of moisture without getting soggy.
Foxtail Ferns FAQS
Are foxtail ferns easy to grow?
Yes, foxtail ferns are relatively easy to grow. They are fast-growing and hardy plants. However, they do require certain conditions to thrive, including dappled sunlight, consistent moisture (without overwatering), and a high-quality potting mix formulated for tropical houseplants.
Where do foxtail ferns grow best?
Foxtail ferns grow best in environments that mimic their native habitat, the forests of South Africa. This means they prefer dappled sunlight, warm temperatures, and high humidity. They can be grown indoors in pots or outdoors if the climate conditions are suitable.
Do foxtail ferns like sun or shade?
Foxtail ferns thrive best in dappled sunlight, which means they prefer a mix of sun and shade. Direct sunlight, particularly in the summer, can burn the plant. In the winter, however, they can handle more direct sunlight.
Do foxtail ferns do well in pots?
Yes, foxtail ferns can do quite well in pots. This allows for better control of their aggressive growth and makes it easier to manage their needs in terms of light, temperature, and moisture. The pot should be turned by a quarter degree once a week to ensure even sun disbursement.
How often do you water foxtail ferns?
Foxtail ferns should be watered whenever the top three inches of soil have dried out. It’s important to avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. The plant likes consistent moisture, but also a bit of dryness between watering sessions. During winter, watering should be reduced, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Why are my foxtail ferns dying?
There could be several reasons why your foxtail ferns are dying. Overwatering is a common issue and can lead to root rot. Inadequate light or overly dry soil can cause the leaves to droop and the plant to struggle. Furthermore, lack of humidity can attract spider mites, which can damage the plant. Always make sure the plant’s needs in terms of light, moisture, temperature, and humidity are being met.
