Plumosa Fern
How To Plant And Care For A Plumosa Fern
The plumosa fern, commonly called the asparagus fern is technically a native South African weed that is so striking that it is used as a decorative plant. It is an extremely low maintenance plant that thrives when grown along a fence or against a wall, especially in USDA zones 10 and 11 that offer little risk of freezing. However, in cooler climates it is often enjoyed as an indoor plant.
Characteristics
A branching perennial herb, the plumosa fern offers green, tough aerial stems that are covered sparsely with spines. The leaves erect in groups of four from the stem and in the spring, small pinkish or white flowers grow in clusters from the stem. In the summer, these flowers are followed by round, small berries that begin green and mature to red in the winter. This weed offers a display of various colors year round. Also, the root system is massive and made up of bulbous tubers and fibrous roots that will often sprout new plants.
Indoor Care
When appreciating the plumosa fern indoors, it requires regular watering. If you do not wish for it to propagate, it should be dead-headed. Watering needs are fairly moderate whether it is indoors or outdoors, once a week is generally sufficient. However, the summer is considered their growing season so they prefer a moist soil. If you allow them to get dried out during this time they can lose their leaves.
A mildly acidic soil is ideal with full or partial sun. Also, it is suggested to frequently remove any yellow stems from the plumosa fern as you see them. If you wish to propagate, you can divide the root ball and if you want to re-pot, you should do so prior to the spring's new growth.
Outdoor Location
Keep in mind that this plant grows like a true weed when picking your planting location for your plumosa fern. They thrive in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and if possible, they love an area that offers full morning sun and then afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
It is recommended to perform a soil test before you plant your fern to be sure that it has an acidic pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil has a lower pH level you can add a bit of rock sulfur to it a few weeks prior and then retest.
General Care
Although the plumosa fern is considered to be drought-resistant, it will achieve its most desired growth if the soil remains consistently moist through the growing season. If weekly rainfall slips under one inch, supplemental water should be given. However you must be very careful to never over water it or allow water to stand around the stem. Fertilization should take place in the spring that contains a balance of 10-10-10. Dead, old branches need to be pruned every spring to help stimulate new growth and if you choose to prune to control the plant's shape, you can do so when the flowering is complete.
Propagation
When the seeds from the plumosa fern become ripe they can be collected and immediately planted in a container that is filled with a seed-starting, moist, medium. Any seeds that are going to be saved to plant in the spring should first be dried and then stored, preferably in a paper envelope.
Seeds can take up to 30 days to germinate at an average temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you can propagate in early spring by dividing the plant's roots. When choosing this method, you really should dig the entire plant out of the ground and a sharp knife needs to be used to cut the tubers. Keep in mind that very tuber should be equipped with five or six eyes as well as a green stem foliage.
Issues
Your plumosa fern needs to be watched closely for the arrival of spider mites and aphids. To remove these pests you should spry them with a very sharp stream of water. Insecticidal soap is helpful when sprayed underneath the leaves to stop them from returning. Too much water around the stem may cause crown rot, a fungal disease so if this happens, the foliage will dry up and break off to be replaced by an unattractive white fungus. This disease can be treated if you remove the plant that is infected and use a fungicide to treat the soil.