Asparagus setaceus

Asparagus setaceus, commonly known as the Asparagus Fern or Lace Fern, is a graceful houseplant with fine, feathery green foliage. Its delicate sprays create a soft, cloud-like effect, adding texture to shelves, plant stands and indoor displays without feeling heavy or bulky.

Supplied in a 12cm nursery pot at approximately 30cm tall, it looks lovely on its own or alongside plants with larger, glossy leaves. A simple decorative pot lets the intricate foliage take centre stage.

What Makes the Asparagus Fern Special?

Despite its fern-like appearance, Asparagus setaceus belongs to the asparagus family rather than the true ferns. Its slender stems carry layers of finely divided greenery, giving the plant an airy, almost lace-like appearance.

Young plants have a bushy shape, while mature plants develop longer, arching and climbing stems. Give it space to spread naturally or a small support to climb as it grows.

Light & Position

Choose bright, indirect or filtered light, away from strong direct sunshine that can scorch the delicate foliage. A position near a window, softened by a sheer curtain where needed, works well.

Avoid dark corners, where growth can become sparse. A bathroom with good natural light can be a lovely home for this humidity-loving plant.

Watering

Keep the compost lightly moist, but never waterlogged. Water when the surface begins to feel dry, allowing excess water to drain fully before returning the nursery pot to its decorative pot.

Avoid letting the root ball dry out completely. Check regularly during spring and summer, and water less frequently in autumn and winter as growth slows.

Humidity & Temperature

Asparagus Fern appreciates higher humidity and a position away from radiators, hot air vents and cold draughts. A humidifier can help if the air in your home is particularly dry.

Keep it in a frost-free room with a steady temperature. Brown, crispy foliage can be a sign that the compost or surrounding air has become too dry.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser during spring and summer, following the product's recommended dilution and frequency. Reduce or stop feeding when growth slows during autumn and winter.

Growth & Care

New shoots emerge from the base and unfurl into fine sprays of foliage. Longer stems can be trained onto a support or allowed to arch outwards for a relaxed, natural display.

Remove fully yellow or brown stems close to the base using clean scissors, as damaged foliage will not turn green again. Handle carefully: mature stems can develop small, sharp spines.

Repot in spring when the roots have filled the nursery pot, moving up one pot size and using a free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost.

Why You'll Love It

• Fine, feathery foliage with a soft, cloud-like appearance
• Fresh green colour and delicate, lace-like texture
• A beautiful contrast to broad-leaved houseplants
• Lovely on shelves and plant stands with room to spread
• Can be trained onto a small support as it matures
• Supplied at approximately 30cm tall in a 12cm nursery pot

Pet & Child Safety

Asparagus Fern is not pet friendly. Its berries are harmful if eaten, and contact with the sap may irritate skin. Keep out of reach of pets and young children, and wear gloves when pruning or repotting.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Asparagus setaceus
Common Names: Asparagus Fern / Lace Fern / Plumosa Fern
Nursery Pot Size: 12cm
Approximate Height: 30cm
Fits Decorative Pot Size: 14cm
Growth Habit: Bushy when young / arching and climbing with maturity
Position: Indoors

Each plant is naturally unique, so shape and size may vary slightly.

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