Foxtail Fern Plant Care
Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Asparagus densiflorus (among several species colloquially called asparagus ferns; no relation to actual ferns), or the foxtail fern (asparagus) or plume fern, is a variable, evergreen-perennial plant related to cultivated, edible asparagus.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Foxtail Fern?
Water Foxtail Fern every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Foxtail Fern?
Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Asparagus genus. Foxtail Fern is also known as Asparagus Fern.
Foxtail Fern displays a fern-like, climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Foxtail Fern produces small white or pink bell-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Foxtail Fern?
Asparagus densiflorus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Foxtail Fern Need?
Foxtail Fern thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Foxtail Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Foxtail Fern Prefer?
Asparagus densiflorus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Foxtail Fern prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Foxtail Fern?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Foxtail Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Foxtail Fern?
Feed Foxtail Fern every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Foxtail Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Foxtail Fern?
Foxtail Fern can be propagated through division of roots, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to asparagus plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Foxtail Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Foxtail Fern?
Foxtail Fern is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Foxtail Fern Need?
Foxtail Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Foxtail Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Foxtail Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Asparagus genus — compare its care with other Asparagus species on PlantoScan.
Asparagus is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Foxtail Fern copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Asparagus Species
Other Asparagus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop, family Asparagaceae (first published in Bothalia 9: 65 (1966)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Foxtail Fern is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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