Why are the leaves turning yellow?

This is often a sign of either too much direct sun or inconsistent watering.

Can I grow this in a dark corner?

It prefers bright, indirect light and will become leggy in deep shade.

Plant guide

Asparagus fern.

Asparagus densiflorus

Pronounced uh-SPAR-uh-gus den-sih-FLOR-us

Also known as Asparagus Fern, Foxtail Asparagus, Sprenger's Asparagus, Sprenger's asparagus fern, foxtail asparagus-fern, foxtail fern, plume asparagus-fern

Sprenger's Asparagus — Photo by Presha Soogrim (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This plant is a lovely, feathery addition to any indoor space. It is not a true fern, but it certainly looks like one with its soft, needle like foliage. It thrives in bright spots and adds a nice touch of texture to hanging baskets.

Another photo of Asparagus fern — Photo by Tony Rebelo (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Bright indirect light is best, though it can handle some morning sun.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 60 to 90 cm tall and wide
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing needles, which often signal that the plant is too dry or needs more light. Prune back any brown or straggly stems to encourage fresh, bushy growth.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back old or yellowing stems to keep the plant looking tidy.
Repotting: Repot when the tuberous roots begin to push the plant out of its container.
Soil: Well draining, peat based potting mix
Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
Temperature: 10 to 28°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
Plant growth has slowed significantly.

Safety

People: All parts of the plant, especially the berries, can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
Pets: The berries and foliage are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children because the berries look like small, edible red ornaments.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant risk of airborne allergens.
Edibility: The berries are toxic to humans and should never be consumed.

How to identify it

Feathery, needle like cladodes
Arching, trailing stems
Small, white or pinkish flowers
Bright red berries on mature plants
Tuberous, fleshy root system

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.6 to 0.9m
Leaves: bright green, evergreen
Flowers: white, pale pink, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: bright red, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Frond BrowningCommon
Root RotCommon
Spider MitesCommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: Spring, Early summer
Overwintering: Move containers indoors before the first frost. Reduce watering during the winter months as growth slows down.
In containers: It is excellent for containers and hanging baskets, provided the pot has good drainage.

Division

1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
2. Use a sharp, clean knife to divide the root ball into sections.
3. Replant each section into fresh, well-draining potting mix.

Group this plant with others that enjoy consistent moisture to make watering routines easier.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar light and humidity requirements.
Spider Plant — Both plants thrive in similar indoor environments.

Similar species

Asparagus setaceus — It has a much finer, lacy texture than densiflorus.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Asparagus
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Southern Africa
Conservation: This species is considered invasive in several parts of the world, including Australia and parts of the United States.

It grows in a variety of habitats, from coastal dunes to forest edges, where its tubers allow it to persist through drought.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: hanging baskets, ground cover, indoor houseplant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Nutrients: 5/9
Salinity: 3/9
Moisture: 4/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves turning yellow?: This is often a sign of either too much direct sun or inconsistent watering.
Can I grow this in a dark corner?: It prefers bright, indirect light and will become leggy in deep shade.

Where the name comes from

The name densiflorus means densely flowered, referring to the way the small blooms cluster along the stems.

Good to know

It has tuberous roots that store water, helping it survive dry spells.
The needle-like structures are actually modified stems called cladodes.
It is highly adaptable and can grow in both sun and shade.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.