Hi, I'm Judy Mirro, a UVM Extension master gardener
coming to you from the University of Vermont Greenhouse,
and I'm here to help you become a houseplant hero
by providing some guidance on caring for your house plants.
Today, our focus is on the asparagus setaceus,
the asparagus fern.
It's a beautiful green shrub native to South Africa,
and despite its name, it's not a fern at all.
It certainly looks like one, and you guessed it.
It's related to the vegetable plant, asparagus,
the one you might grow in your vegetable garden.
Asparagus fern makes a great houseplant for novice gardeners
because it doesn't require special care
and it looks spectacular.
It grows well in bright, indirect light.
The brighter the light, the faster it grows.
It will maintain its dense, bushy mound
as long as it's kept out of bright, direct sunlight.
The asparagus fern can tolerate periods of neglect
because it has tuberous roots that store water.
Of course, this plant will shine brightest
with consistent watering.
It's also the perfect plant
for your kitchen or bathroom,
since extra humidity will do this plant wonders.
The asparagus fern doesn't require fertilizer in the winter
when the sun isn't as strong.
Feel free to stop fertilizing
from December through early March,
or you can choose just to fertilize at half strength
once a month in the winter.
During the summer, feel free to fertilize
your potted plant every other week.
When the foliage yellows, it will drop,
and it'll let you know the soil is too dry
or there isn't enough light.
Old or yellowed stems should be cut back at the base,
and the stems should be trimmed back
to keep the plant's shape.
If you wanna provide a little extra TLC,
just mist your plant as often as you like.
It'll help keep the entire plant happy.
But if you're keeping the plant
in the kitchen or bathroom,
you've already provided that little extra humidity,
so no need to mist unless you really want to.
Like most plants, pests don't just show up
unless the plant is stressed out.
Asparagus ferns have very few pests
other than aphids and mealy bugs,
and maybe some spider mites.
Remember to check for pests every time you water.
If you should find any pests,
isolate your plant from other house plants.
You don't wanna invite the little critters
taking up residency elsewhere.
Hose the plant off gently at the first sign of pests.
Outside is best, but if it's too cold outside,
bring the plant into the shower or the sink
and give it a good indoor rinse
to gently blast away those pests.
Remove any infected stems that should come off.
Once your plant is drip dry
while still in the shower or sink,
give it a good spray of insecticidal soap
and it'll kill off any bugs that remain.
Stop by your local garden center for their recommendation.
Always make sure to read the directions carefully
and completely before applying any pest control application.
And remember to wear all your required safety gear.
Gloves and eye protection are always a must.
Over-loving this plant is generally the cause
of pest infestations.
So remember to water only when necessary.
Remember that by providing your plants with the conditions
and care they need, you too can become a house plant hero.
For more information on house plants
or home gardens, visit the UVM Extension
Master Gardener website and see our Garden Resources page.
Or contact an extension master gardener
volunteer at the helpline.
The phone number is on the screen.
This is Extension Master Gardener Judy Mirro
wishing you happy growing.